First reading:
Immense is the wisdom of the Lord; he is mighty in power, and all seeing. (Sir. 15:18)
Psalm:
Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord! (Ps. 119)
Second reading:
Rather, we speak God’s wisdom, mysterious, hidden, which God predetermined before the ages for our glory. (1 Cor. 2:7)
Gospel:
Let your “Yes” mean “Yes,” and your “No” mean “No.” Anything more is from the evil one. (Mt. 5:37)
Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
One of the greatest and most necessary gifts God gives us is free will. We always have the ability to choose. Life or death and good or evil are two of the core decisions every human being must make. We can choose to love and choose whether to pursue a relationship with God. True salvation comes when we make the choices that keep us focused on God and God’s commandments. How we view others reveals what choices we have made. People are not property, and they are not dispensable. We cannot exchange them at will or use them for our own self-serving ends. For this reason, God holds high the commitment of marriage and the integrity of all of our relationships. This is the basis of God’s teaching on forgiveness and reconciliation, and the reason adultery is prohibited.
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
© Liturgical Publications Inc.
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m. Food truck is every other Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. (February 18)
- Interlaken Reformed church: 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., Fridays
- Trumansburg Food Pantry: Methodist church 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15-6:00 p.m., every other Monday (February 17)
- Trumansburg Robotics: 5:00–8:00 p.m. on Mondays and 3:00–6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, St. James
- Family Hope Center: 12:00–4:00 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, Holy Cross rectory
- Fr. Bernard Being Available: Will resume on February 28 at St. Francis
- Confirmation Candidates Classes: Will resume on March 1 at St. James
- Catholicism Classes: Will resume on March 4 at St. Francis
- Religious Education Monthly Gathering: after 9:00 a.m. Mass, February 16, St. James
- February Day Camp: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., February 17 through 21, Camp Stella Maris
- “Stand Out for Life” Prayer Vigil: 9:00–10:30 a.m., February 22, across the street from Planned Parenthood, Ithaca
- Ash Wednesday: February 26
- Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend: April 17–19
Ash Wednesday:
The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 26. The distribution of ashes will be available at each of the parish’s three churches:
- 8:30 a.m. Mass at St. Francis Solanus
- 12:15 p.m. Distribution of Ashes service at Holy Cross
- 7:00 p.m. Mass at St. James the Apostle.
2019–2020 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
A second follow-up mailing from the Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) office is scheduled for the week of February 18. This mailing will go to all donors who have given to the CMA in 2016–2017, 2017–2018, and 2018–2019, but not yet this year. Parishioners who have not made a pledge to this year’s ministries appeal are asked to please do so soon, to avoid receiving the letter. As of February 7, 2020, 102 households in our parish have made a commitment to contribute $22,466 to the CMA, nearly 75% of our goal of $29,979.00. Pledge envelopes may be obtained in the foyer of each church.
Food Pantry Volunteers Needed:
Every two months the churches of Trumansburg and Jacksonville take turns providing volunteers for the Trumansburg Food Pantry located in the Trumansburg United Methodist church. February and March are the months for Mary Mother of Mercy/St. James to provide volunteers this year. Please consider helping by signing up on the list provided in the foyer. There are various times and tasks available from which you can choose and the dates are February 17 and March 2, 16, and 30. Don’t forget to leave your phone number if you would like a reminder call. Thank you.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:
The parish has several home-bound parishioners. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, in their appointment by the bishop, can and are invited to bring Holy Communion to the home-bound. Please phone the parish office to volunteer. Thank you.
Rice Bowls:
Through Catholic Relief Services (CRS), our parish provides Rice Bowl boxes for people to use during Lent. Pick up your family’s CRS Rice Bowl in the foyer of the church and, throughout Lent, add in your pocket change or other money. This is an easy way for a family to give to those in need around the world and 25% of what is collected stays in our local community.
Building a Brighter Future Scholarships:
The Department of Catholic Schools is pleased to announce the launch of the “Building a Brighter Future Scholarship” program for the 2020–2021 school year. This will provide 100 full-tuition scholarships to families who meet the eligibility requirements, as determined by income using the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch guidelines. Awarded families are eligible to attend any diocesan Catholic school for the 2020–2021 school year, tuition-free, and the school will receive funding to offset the cost of education for these students. Apply today! Contact scholarship@dor.org.
February Day Camp:
Looking for childcare over February break? Camp Stella Maris has you covered! Their vacation camp runs from February 17 through 21, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. daily. You have the option of coming for the full week or just a few days. There are tons of great activities planned as well as two field trips. This camp is for children ages 5–10 and requires a two-day minimum. For more information visit: campstellamaris.org/year-round-kids, email: diane@campstellamaris.org, or call 585-346-2243 ext. 104.
Ithaca Loves Life:
The next monthly “Stand Out for Life” prayer vigil will be on Saturday, February 22, from 9:00–10:30 a.m., across the street from Planned Parenthood. These vigils are a peaceful, prayerful public witness to end abortion and to offer information to the abortion-minded. Let us unite and boldly come together in love for ninety minutes each month. For more information call MaryAnne Tissot (315-246-4749) or Carolann Darling (607-351-6668).
Marriage Enrichment:
If you’re ready for more in your marriage consider attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend. The encounter weekends this year are April 17–19 and again November 20–22. “One weekend can change everything.” For more information go to wwme.org.
Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Throughout February, please phone the parish office for an appointment for reconciliation. The sacrament is also offered at Immaculate Conception church in Ithaca on Saturdays, 2:00–4:00 p.m.; at St Mary’s in Watkins Glen on Sundays, 7:00–7:45 a.m.; and at St Francis DeSales in Geneva on Saturdays, 3:30–4:15 p.m., and Mondays through Fridays, 11:45a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Employment Opportunity:
Could you use a little extra income? The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people to collect important information for the 2020 census in their own communities. These are temporary, part-time, or full-time positions with flexible hours. The hourly wages are $17 an hour for an enumerator/lister and $18.50 for a census field supervisor. Mileage is reimbursed at $0.58 per mile. No experience or educational requirement is necessary. If you are interested or have questions go to https://2020census.gov/en/jobs. This is your chance to be a part of history!
Prayers from the Sisters of St. Joseph:
The Sisters of St. Joseph have a prayer ministry for the Diocese of Rochester. They have informed our parish that Sr. Anne Marie Burns will be praying for the parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy, during 2020. In gratitude, let us pray for Sr. Anne Burns and all the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Catholics Invite Catholics:
“Come to Mass in the Lord’s house on the Lord’s day.” A way to remind people of a way to be faithful to the third commandment: Keep holy the Lord’s Day.
Snow Days:
A reminder that if during the week a “snow day” for the local schools has been declared there will be no morning Mass or communion service that day.
Habitat House for Sale:
There is a Habitat for Humanity home available for sale in Trumansburg. The home has three bedrooms and one bath and is located at 19 Salo Drive on .36 acres. Habitat for Humanity of Tompkins and Cortland Counties provides an affordable home ownership opportunity by offering a “hand up, not a hand out” and evaluate applications based on need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner. The total gross household income should be at least $28,000. Other details about partnering with Habituate in owning your own home are available on their website: https://tchabitat.com/homeownership. Applications for the Salo Drive home will be accepted until January 31. If interested in the home call 607-844-3529 or email Liz Warner at liz@tchabitat.com. We want to help you purchase your own home!
Employment Opportunity:
Could you use a little extra income? The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people to collect important information for the 2020 census in their own communities. These are temporary, part-time, or full-time positions with flexible hours. The hourly wages are $17 an hour for an enumerator/lister and $18.50 for a census field supervisor. Mileage is reimbursed at $0.58 per mile. No experience or educational requirement is necessary. If you are interested or have questions go to https://2020census.gov/en/jobs. This is your chance to be a part of history!
Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes:
Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes, located at 551 Exchange St. in Geneva, is offering a “Forgiven and Set Free” post abortive ten-week session beginning October 4 until December 13. There is no cost involved. “If you regret your abortion, you are not alone. Let us help you learn to forgive yourself. Pleased join us for this healing ministry program.” For more information phone 315 789 0708.
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.
Toiletries and Hygiene Products:
There is a basket in the vestibule of St. James church for donations of toiletries. The request comes from Catholic Charities which is in need of items like shampoo, toothpaste, diapers etc. The items will be transferred to the Catholic Charities office in Ithaca.
Ministry Schedule for St. Francis Solanus Church, Interlaken
February 15, at 5:00 p.m. (third weekend):
Lectors: Scott Hamula, Ann Buddle
EMs: Robin Hamula, Kathleen Rourke, Cathy DelSignore
February 22, at 5:00 p.m. (fourth weekend):
Lectors: Gerry and Millie Messmer
EMs: Cathy DelSignore, Kathleen Rourke, and Robin Hamula (for Mary and Lee Davidson)
Ministry Schedule for St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg
February 16, at 9:00 a.m. (third Sunday):
Lectors: Donna Ryan and Nancy Olszewski
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Beth and Tom Duff, Debbie Short
February 23, at 9:00 a.m. (fourth Sunday):
Lectors: Beth Duff and Tim Davis
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Tom Duff, Tim O’Boyle, Mark Scibilia-Carver (for Beth Koeng)
Ministry Schedule for Holy Cross, Ovid
Not available at this time