Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist ~ June 24, 2018

First reading:
The LORD called me from birth, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name. (Is. 49:1b)

Psalm:
I praise you, for I am wonderfully made. (Ps. 139)

Second reading:
Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet. (Acts 13:25b)

Gospel:
When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” (Lk. 1:59-60)

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
As we celebrate today’s feast, we are reminded that God creates and fashions each one of us with intent and purpose. We are not random accidents. We are special creations and wonderfully made. Each of us brings a unique twist to the one shot at life that we are given. As people of faith and children of God, we are asked to use our specialness to announce God’s kingdom. Each of us reveals a unique part of God’s face. Each day presents opportunities to communicate our faith to others and to reveal God’s mercy. We have the means to point the way to Christ. How can we show Jesus to others today?

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:

Upcoming Events:

• AA Meetings: St. Francis Solanus church, Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m.
• Food Pantries: There is a food pantry at the Ovid Federated church on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. The food truck is available to everyone every other Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. (June 26 and July 10). A food pantry is at the Interlaken Reformed church on Fridays, 3:00–6:00 p.m. The Trumansburg food pantry is at the Methodist church every other Monday 1:00–2:00 p.m. and 5:30–6:00 p.m. (June 25 and July 9)
• Bernard is Available: Every Friday at 6:30 p.m. in St. Francis Solanus church, Interlaken, no appointment needed.
• Retreat Day: July 17 at Notre Dame Retreat House on “Talking with God: Insights from St. Alphonsus de Liguori”
• Bishop’s Dinner for College/High School Students: Wednesday, August 1.
• Summer Religious Education: from Monday, August 13, through Friday, August 17, at the St. Fidelis Friary boathouse. Each day will begin at 8:30 a.m. and last until 3:30 p.m.

Be a Witness of Charity:
Today is the Peter’s Pence Collection, a worldwide collection that supports the charitable works of Pope Francis. Funds from this collection help victims of war, oppression, and natural disasters. Take this opportunity to join with Pope Francis and be a witness of charity to our suffering brothers and sisters. Please be generous today. For more information, visit www.usccb.org/peters-pence. As Pope Francis said: “A little mercy makes the world less cold and more just.”

Fr. Richard:
As of June 1, 2018, Rev. Richard Crawley, OFM Cap., has been assigned to St. Fidelis Friary, Interlaken. The Provincial Minister, Fr. Michael Greco, OFM Cap., of the Province of St. Mary, nominated him to Bishop Salvatore Matano as the Catholic chaplain at the Cayuga Correctional Facility in Moravia, N.Y. The bishop appointed Fr. Richard to that ministry beginning July 6. Fr. Michael Greco also requested Fr. Richard to help when available in the Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy. Please join in welcoming Fr. Richard.

A Reminder:
When making a donation to the parish by check, please make the check out to “The Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy” or more simply “Mary, Mother of Mercy.” Please do not make checks out in the name of one of the three churches.

Summer Faith Formation Program:
The parish’s summer religious education program will run from Monday, August 13, through Friday, August 17. Each day will begin at 8:30 a.m. and last until 3:30 p.m. at the St. Fidelis Friary boathouse, 153 County Road 153, Interlaken. There is a fee of $50 per child, with a discount if siblings are attending. Please do not let the registration fee prevent your child from attending. If you have questions please contact Helen Arco at [email protected]. Parents are asked to sign up their children by Friday, June 29. The registration form is available here.

A Request:
Tony Magliano, our guest speaker on May 20, writes an internationally syndicated social justice and peace column that is published in numerous diocesan papers throughout the U.S and beyond. Our own diocesan newspaper, the Catholic Courier, doesn’t publish it. Mr. Magliano has requested that parishioners contact the Courier’s assistant editor, Ms. Jennifer Ficcaglia at [email protected], and ask her to regularly publish his columns. Thanks!

Talking with God:
There will be a day retreat at Notre Dame Retreat House (5151 Foster Rd., Canandaigua, NY) July 17. The theme is “Talking with God: Insights from St. Alphonsus de Liguori,” presented by Fr. Dennis Bill, C.Ss.R., and five Redemptorists seminarians who are making their final vows. Come and learn about St. Alphonsus, the founder of the Redemptorist order of priests and brothers and his approach to prayer. There is a $25.00 fee. Please call 585-394-5700 or email: [email protected] to register. The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. with morning coffee and end with reconciliation and Mass.

Priesthood Vocations:
The Diocese of Rochester’s biggest vocation event of the year is the Bishop’s dinner for college/high school students. It will be held on Wednesday, August 1, at a time and place to be determined.

Trip to Italy in 2019:
St. Catherine of Siena Church in Ithaca is hosting a trip to Assisi, Siena, and Rome, Italy. A flier with full details will be available at the end of July at St. Catherine’s website: www.stcathofsiena.org. If interested in the trip please email Ann Marie at [email protected] to be put on the priority list to receive additional information as soon as it becomes available.

Great Links:
The New York State Catholic Conference has an excellent website. It is a good way to stay informed of the issues and a great way for each to quickly notify your legislators regarding issues that concern you, http://www.nyscatholic.org. Another link is the Catholic Charities, USA offering a variety of helpful programs, https://catholiccharitiesusa.org/advocacy-and-policy.

Daily Meditations:
The Center for Action and Contemplation, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, offers daily material for prayerful reflection. Go to [email protected].

Seneca County Transportation Corps:
This Seneca County Transportation Corps provides rides for residents of Seneca County to medical and dental appointments and other health-related destinations. If you need a ride phone 315–333–2179 or email [email protected].

Guidelines for the Reception of Holy Communion:
Please note that our Catholic Church has a discipline regarding communion, namely, that Catholics cannot receive communion in non-Catholic churches and non-Catholics cannot receive communion in Catholic churches. A summarized rationale is that there is no uniformity among the churches regarding the understanding of the Eucharist and that, even though we may be one in our belief in Jesus, in reality we are divided as believers in Jesus. The Catholic Church’s discipline highlights the reminder and the need to continually work for oneness among Christians, that we all may be one in faith, life, and worship. Please communicate to Catholics and to non-Catholics that they respect and follow the Catholic discipline. The guidelines can be found in our hymnals on page 231.

Cemeteries:
The Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy has two cemeteries: St. James the Apostle and Holy Cross. The cost of a burial plot at either location is $650. If you are interested in purchasing a plot of have other questions about the cemeteries, please phone the parish office for further information.

Thrift Shop:
Mecklenburg United Methodist Church has a thrift shop that is open every Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from now until September 29. The thrift shop has quality household and craft items, puzzles, toys, children’s clothes, sporting goods, books, CDs, small furniture, knick-knacks, kitchenware, and much more at very reasonable prices. Generous volunteers from the Mecklenburg United Methodist Church members and other area residents maintain the Check-It-Out Shop. All of the proceeds go directly to the maintenance and upkeep of the Methodist Church and to support other area efforts, like the food bank and backpacks-for-students programs at area schools.

Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester:
The sisters have a prayer ministry and throughout 2018 Sister Anne Marie Burns will be praying for our parish and parishioners. Such an act of love offers us the opportunity to keep Sr. Anne Marie and the Sisters of St. Joseph in our prayers.

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. James the Apostle

June 24, 9:00 a.m. (fourth Sunday):
Lectors: Beth Duff and Tim Davis
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Tom Duff, Joan Hogan, Tim O’Boyle

July 1, 9:00 a.m. (first Sunday):
Lectors: Lynne Stager and Barbara Willers
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Joan Hogan, Patty Messmer, Mark Scibilia-Carver

Ministry Schedule for St. Francis Solanus Church

5:00 p.m. Mass on Saturdays