National Eucharistic Revival: June 19, 2022–Pentecost 2025
First Reading:
No one does he command to act unjustly, to none does he give license to sin. (Sir. 15:20)
Psalm:
Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord! (Ps. 119)
Second Reading:
Rather, we speak of God’s wisdom, mysterious, hidden, which God predetermined before the ages for our glory. (1 Cor. 2:7)
Gospel:
“I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt. 5:20)
Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass ©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD. The English translation of Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.
Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
The heart with which we offer our good deeds matters as much as the deeds themselves. For Christ, the law is more than a code of conduct. It’s a mindset.
©LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
©LPi
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
- Food Truck: First Tuesday of the month (February 7), 4:00–6:00 p.m., South Seneca High School
- Interlaken Reformed church: Fridays, 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Trumansburg Food Pantry: Every other Monday (Feb. 13) 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15–6:00 p.m., Methodist church
- Family Hope Center: Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., and Thursdays 4:00–6:00 p.m., Holy Cross
- Fr. Bernard is available: Will resume March 3
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony: St. James
- Every Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.
- Thursday, February 23, 7:30 p.m.
- Taizé Prayer: February 23, 4:00 p.m., St. James
- Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: Wednesdays, 3:15 p.m., St. James
- Catholic Courier Collection: February 11 & 12
- “Souper” Bowl Sunday Food Pantry Collection: February 11 & 12
- Bernard is away: January 27–February 25
2022-2023 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
To support important Diocesan programs, services, and ministries that strengthen our Church in the Diocese of Rochester, our parish has been given an appeal goal of $31,000. To meet this goal, we need your help. Please do what you are able. CMA pledge envelopes are available in the foyers of the Church. A “thank you” to all who have already participated in the Appeal.
The Catholic Courier—Please Support the Parish:
Each parish in the Diocese of Rochester is required to financially support the publication of The Catholic Courier. Each year our parish bill amounts to $4,908, and every year we ask for help in paying this bill.
This weekend, February 11 and 12, baskets will be placed in the back of the church for your donation. The offertory envelope boxes have a recommended donation of $11.00, and you can also donate with our online giving, WeShare. Whatever help you can give will be appreciated greatly. Thank you.
“SouperBowl” Sunday:
This weekend is Souper Bowl Sunday. Souper Bowl Sunday is one day when the awareness of food insecurity is being brought to the forefront in many communities across this country.
Baskets for monetary donations will be in the back of the churches; any checks should be made out to our parish, Mary, Mother of Mercy, with the notation Food Pantry in the memo line. Financial gifts may also be made online with WeShare. All funds and food items we collect will go to our local food pantries in Interlaken, Ovid, and Trumansburg. Thank you for your support.
February 22 – Ash Wednesday:
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the Season of Lent. On this day the Church invites us to receive a cross of ashes on our foreheads as a sign that during the Season of Lent we will make sincere efforts to cleanse our lives of sin and to discipline ourselves through prayer and fasting.
Reception of Ashes on Ash Wednesday:
On Ash Wednesday, February 22, ashes will be distributed:
- 8:30 a.m. Mass, St. Francis Solanus, Interlaken
- 12:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday Service, Holy Cross, Ovid
- 7:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday Service, St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg
Who May Receive Ashes:
Baptized individuals who have reached the age of reason may receive ashes. Babies and young children who have not yet received the Sacrament of Penance should not be presented to receive ashes. Ashes are intended for those who are capable of personal sin. The keeping of Ash Wednesday is for leading the baptized members of the Church to repentance and renewal of baptismal promises at Easter.
Lenten Reminders:
- Day of fasting affects Catholics between the ages of 18 & 59. That is, no food may be eaten between meals. Only one full meal a day is allowed. Two other small meals are allowed with the total amount of food not exceeding the full meal.
- Abstinence: Catholics over the age of 14 abstain from eating meat.
- Ash Wednesday is an obligatory day of fasting and abstinence.
- Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence, i.e. meatless days.
Consider Online Giving:
WeShare Online Giving is safe and secure, and there are benefits for both you and our parish.
Benefits to you:
- Gifts may be made by bank account, credit card, debit card, or Google Pay.
- Recurring donations allow you to support our parish if you are unable to attend Mass.
- Opportunities to donate to Holy Days, second collections and our parish cemeteries are available.
Benefits to our parish:
- Reduced volume of collections counted by volunteers from our parish
- Guaranteed stream of income helps Parish expense budgeting
- Reduced data entry volume for our part-time parish staff
It’s simple to sign up. Visit marymotherofmercy.com/giving.
Community Dinner:
The Ovid Federated Church, 7137 N. Main St. Ovid, is holding a community dinner on February 24 from 4:00–6:00 p.m. This free dinner includes pancakes, sausage, eggs, and fruit.
Couple’s Retreat Weekend:
Notre Dame Retreat House is hosting a couple’s retreat weekend themed “Keep Hope Alive” from February 17–19. The retreat offers an opportunity to take a break from every day life and focus on your walk with Christ and each other. Visit notredameretreat.org for more information. To register call 585–394–5700 or email ndretreat@rochester.rr.com.
Donating to Your Parish:
Online giving by WeShare is safe, simple and convenient. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:
- Visit the parish website’s giving page: marymotherofmercy.com/giving
- Follow the directions under the “Donate Online” section.
- Set up your donation or payment.
That’s it! Your account will be created and you can put away your checkbook. If you experience any problem, please e-mail Eileen at eileen.heptig@dor.org
Pastor Will be Away:
Fr. Bernard will be away until Saturday, February 25, the weekend of the First Sunday of Lent. The Sacrament of Reconciliation and/or personal dialogue held on Fridays from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at St. Francis Solanus Church are cancelled while Fr. Bernard is away.
Coverage During the Absence of the Pastor:
Fr. Richard Crawley, OFM Cap. will be covering for Fr. Bernard for the weekend Masses and the 8:30 a.m. Mass on Tuesdays and Thursdays at St. Francis Solanus Church.
Kathleen Rourke will lead a communion service at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at St. James the Apostle Church.
Confession Offerings while Pastor is Away:
Immaculate Conception, Ithaca:
- Saturdays, 2:00–3:30 p.m., at the Parish Office (the house next to the church)
Our Lady of Peace Parish, Geneva:
- Our Lady of Peace Chapel: Monday–Friday, 11:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m
- Francis deSales Church: Saturdays, 3:15–4:15 p.m.
Opportunities for Prayer and Sharing – St. James Pine Room:
- Prayer for Healing & Harmony: every Wednesday, 2:00–3:00 p.m., and the 2nd & 4th Thursdays (February 23), 7:30–8:30 p.m.
- Read and Reflect: every Wednesday, 3:15–4:15 p.m. (Hope Against Darkness by Richard Rohr)
- Taizé prayer: 2nd and 4th Thursdays (February 23), 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Any questions? Phone Sr. Anne at 607-209-4206 or email a.alder1980@gmail.com.
Family Hope Center:
The Family Hope Center has two locations: one in Geneva and a satellite location in Ovid in the Holy Cross Church Rectory. Family Hope Center fights for life by valuing life above all else. It means offering support through free pregnancy tests, a limited ultrasound referral, parenting and life skills classes, bible studies, material aid such as diapers and clothing, and through our forgiven and set free post abortion study. It means looking at our clients and saying, “I see your life; I value your life. I see and value your children’s lives. You are important and loved.” Women come to the Family Hope Center to be valued. To learn more visit familyhopecentergeneva.org, call 315–789–0708, or email familyhopecenter@outlook.com.
Please take time this week to pray the rosary for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic and for world peace, especially in Ukraine.
Prayers for Our Parish:
The Sisters of St. Joseph have a prayer ministry for the Diocese of Rochester. Sister Anne Marie Burns and Sister Dolores Bachman will be praying for our parish and parishioners throughout 2023. We thank the Sisters for their thoughtfulness and kindness toward us. In our appreciation, please keep the Sisters of St. Joseph, especially Sisters Anne Marie and Dolores, in your thoughts and prayers.
Mass Intention Requests:
Parishioners requesting a Mass intention for a particular date and time can do so by completing the “Mass Intentions Request Form” located in the foyers of the churches. Mass intentions may also be requested by phoning the parish office.
Sanctuary Lamp:
In Catholic Churches, a candle is always lit to indicate that the Blessed Sacrament is present in the church. This candle is called the “sanctuary lamp.” Every week the candle or oil is renewed. In many churches, people donate to the church for the sanctuary lamp be lit for the week for the intention of the donor. This has been the custom at Holy Cross Church, Ovid and is now extended to St. James the Apostle and St. Francis Solanus Churches. In making the donation simply put on the envelope, “donation for the sanctuary lamp” and specify the week and, if so desired, your intention.
Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes:
The Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes is located at 551 Exchange St. in Geneva with an office in Ovid at 7231 Main St. “If you regret your abortion, you are not alone. Let us help you learn to forgive yourself.” For more information phone 315 789 0708, text: 315-945-1019, or e-mail familyhopecenter@outlook.com.
Cancer Services Program (CSP):
Cortland and Tompkins Counties offer free cancer screenings to those who are uninsured or have health insurance that does not cover these screenings. The screening services are provided in local health centers, doctors’ offices, and hospitals. For more information, contact CSP at 866 442 2262.
Prayer Intentions:
Please feel free to add your prayer requests in the books available for that purpose in each church. The prayer requests of fellow parishioners are listed on the parish website (see PRAYERS in top bar). You may also add a request by emailing the parish at immmercy@dor.org or phoning the parish office at 607–294–0064 and it will be added to the list.
Let Us Pray:
Please remember in your prayers those members of our parish who are in the hospital, sick at home, in a nursing home, or who have requested our prayers (see the list on the parish’s PRAYERS page). We also ask you to pray for those who have died. May the Lord bring comfort to their family and friends during this difficult time and may they find hope in the Resurrection.
