National Eucharistic Revival: June 19, 2022–Pentecost 2025
Parish Eucharistic Revival: June 11, 2023–June 2024
First Reading:
The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also, for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God. (Acts 10:45-46)
Psalm:
The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power. (Ps. 98)
Or:
Alleluia.
Second Reading:
Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. (1 Jn. 4:8)
Gospel:
“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (Jn. 15:13)
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:
Christ’s love for us is radical — it changed the whole world. It will not be easy to love as Christ loved, but this is the mission for which we have been chosen by God. So let us love one another. Let us change the world.
©LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
Events:
Ascension Thursday: 
This Thursday, May 9th, is the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, marking 40 days since the celebration of Jesus’s resurrection and victory over death. The Ascension is a holy day of obligation, that is Catholics are obliged to attend Mass unless gravely inconvenienced. The places and times of the Masses are:
- 9:00 a.m. at St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg and
- 6:00 p.m. at Holy Cross, Ovid.
Jesus and the Eucharist Study:
Seven of our parishioners have trained to lead small group discussions for the Jesus and the Eucharist Study sponsored by the National Eucharistic Revival organizers. The study is a seven-session series. Each session presents a video that is rich in content and explores a different topic relating to the Eucharist.
You do not need to attend every session. The complete schedule is available at here or in the foyers of the churches.
Sacrament of Confirmation:
Charlotte Masters, Jordan Staples, Michelle Tingue, Zachary Tingue, and Sofiya Wright will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation on Tuesday, May 7, at Immaculate Conception Church, Ithaca. With the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, these candidates will complete their full initiation into the Church. The Sacraments of initiation are Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharistic.
Parish Cemeteries Second Collection This Weekend:
The cemeteries do not generate regular income and do not have a fully funded Permanent Maintenance Fund. Please give what you are able as this collection helps to defray costly maintenance expenses. Donations may also be made online using WeShare Online Giving. Thank you.
Parish Council:
There is a parish council meeting this Wednesday, May 8, at 7:00 p.m. at the Parish Center, St. Francis Solanus, Interlaken. Please note, due to the Holy Day of obligation, the meeting date has changed from Thursday, May 9th to Wednesday, May 8th.
Food Donations Needed
St. James the Apostle Church: every second Sunday of the month non-perishable food and hygienic items can be placed on the table in front of the Blessed Mother statue.
Holy Cross and St. Francis Solanus: food and hygienic items can be placed at the foyers at any time. Monetary donations by check are accepted (Mary, Mother of Mercy with food pantry in the memo line). Donations may also be made using WeShare Online Giving.
Sweet Sunday:
This Sunday, and the first Sunday of every month, parishioners are invited to a social time following the 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. James the Apostle.
Birthright of Ithaca Mothers’ Day Flower Sale:
Birthright of Ithaca is an organization that helps women in crisis or with unplanned pregnancies. We offer free and confidential services ranging from self-administered pregnancy tests, maternity and baby clothing, diapers and formula, referral services, counseling, and financial aid. Our flower sale this year will be held after all Masses next weekend. Please help us support families in need within our community. This year flowers will be sold for $2.00 per stem or $5.00 for 3 stems (cash only).
Faith Understood:
Sunday, June 9th at Holy Cross Church at 12 Noon, come and hear Paul Zucarelli, a national Catholic speaker and author. Paul Zucarellli had nine cardiac arrests and was dead for two hours. Through intercessory prayer, Paul survived with no brain damage, and now lives to testify his witness about heaven and Christ’s deep love for us. Paul and his wife, Beth, reside in Phoenix. AZ. They are both former Buffalonians. Paul graduated from Canisius College and Beth from Sacred Heart Academy. Learn more about Paul and Beth at Faithunderstood.org.
2023-2024 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA): 
It was reported on April 24, 2024, that ninety-six parish households have pledged $28,257 which is 91.15% of our goal. “Thank you” to all who have made a pledge. We encourage all households to help us reach our given goal of $31,000. Participation is primary, what is pledged is secondary. Know there are pledge envelopes in the foyers of the churches, or request one by phoning the parish office. We need everyone’s help.
Parish Council Nominations:
Parishioners interested in being a member of the Parish Council can now nominate themselves or be nominated by other parishioners. The selection of new Council members for a three-year term and the selection of three alternates for a one-year term will take place on May 19, 2024. The term of membership begins on July 1st. There are usually six council meetings during the year. Nomination ballots are available in the foyers of the churches. You may also nominate someone through this link.
The Parish Council is a council to the pastor. It is not a governing body nor a board. Council members are assigned to one of the standing committees (Word, Worship, Witness and Fellowship). The Committees meet sometime before the scheduled Parish Council meetings.
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.
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.
