First reading:
“Not by bread alone does one live, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of the Lord.” (Dt. 8:3b)
Psalm:
Praise the Lord, Jerusalem. (Ps. 147) or Alleluia
Second reading:
Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. (1 Cor. 10:17)
Gospel:
“For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” (Jn. 6:55-56)
Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
They recognized him in the breaking of bread. This was the amazing revelation or epiphany that occurred on the Road to Emmaus. Bread that had been transformed into the Body of Christ opened the eyes of the disciples and showed them who was really with them. Their hearts were burning. Sometimes we struggle with our belief in the Eucharist because we make it too much of an intellectual challenge. If God’s divinity was wed to humanity in the incarnation of Christ, then why is it not possible for God to take simple elements of bread and wine and transform them into his Body and Blood? Affirm your faith today that the Eucharist you receive is God Himself. Become what you eat and allow God to embrace your soul and touch that part of you that no one else can touch.
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 (June 23) at 3:00 p.m. in the parking lot at South Seneca high school
- 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 (June 15)
- Bishop’s Sunday Mass: 11:00 a.m., live stream from Sacred Heart Cathedral
- Fr. Bernard is Available: 6:30 p.m., Fridays, St. Francis Solanus
- Parish Churches: Opened daily for private visiting and prayer
Note:
On Saturday, June 6, Bishop Matano issued a letter to the faithful of the Diocese of Rochester. He reported that at the present time churches located in the diocese may have no more than of 25% of each church’s total occupancy. For our parish this means that 60 people could be in attendance at Holy Cross, 41 at St. James the Apostle, and 26 at St. Francis Solanus. Maintaining social distancing in the church (except for members of the same household), and adhering to other directives when people gather, complicates how to arrange for only 25% of our parishioners in each building. Right now the hope is that each of the parish churches will be open for weekend Masses beginning next weekend (June 21). Through email, postal service, and our parish website we will continue to be in communication with you regarding this matter. Two related issues:
1) The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass will remain until further notice.
2) We will continue to offer the videotape of Sunday Mass on our parish website Mass until we can have full occupancy in each of our churches.
The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ:
“The mode of Christ’s presence under the Eucharistic species is unique. … In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist ‘the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained.’ This presence is called ‘real’—by which is not intended to exclude the other types of presence as if they could not be ‘real’ too, but because it is presence in the fullest sense: that is to say, it is a substantial presence by which Christ, God and man, makes himself wholly and entirely present.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1374)
Catholic Communication Campaign:
If we were together this weekend there would have been a second collection for the annual Catholic Communication Campaign. Your contribution to this collection connects people in the United States and around the world to the merciful love of Christ. Half of your donation stays in our diocese to support local communications projects. To learn more visit www.usccb.org/ccc.
Daily Mass Resumes:
We have resumed the parish’s daily Mass at St. Francis Solanus church in Interlaken, at 8:30 a.m. Monday to Friday. There are several directives we are required to follow. No more than 26 people may be in attendance and each person needs to wear a cloth covering their nose and mouth. They will need to sanitize their hands at the entrance of the church and remain six feet away from others in all directions, though families of the same household may sit together. There will be no social gathering before or after Mass. Be aware that in the church all hymnals, prayer cards, and other paper resources, including the “Book of Intentions,” will be removed from the pews and the church building. Holy water fonts will be empty. Congregational singing is not allowed. There will be only one lector and altar servers are not allowed to serve. The priest presider is to proceed from the sacristy directly to the altar and, after Mass, will return directly to the sacristy. The holding of hands during the Lord’s Prayer, not part of the Roman Rite, is strictly forbidden, and the invitation to exchange a sign of peace is omitted. It is strongly encouraged that you receive Communion in your hand (the earliest and longest tradition in the Church) while maintaining six feet distance from one another. During distribution of Holy Communion you may lower your face covering (mask) to receive the Eucharist. Those preferring to receive the Eucharist on the tongue are to come last to receive and the priest will sanitize his hands before distributing Holy Communion to each person who receives on the tongue. The reception of the Precious Blood is not offered, nor are the faithful to receive by intinction. The priest will wear a mask during the distribution of Holy Communion. For more information visit the diocesan’s web page on the COVID-19 response.
Virtual Parish Mass:
The parish expresses its gratitude to Joan and Alan Gelatt for initiating and taping our parish’s virtual Sunday and Holy Day Masses. They were joined by Tom Duff who used his expertise to enhance the sound capability. We also express our gratitude to the following for sharing their talents: organist-Joan Gelatt; violinist-Beth Bevars; guitarist-Mark Sinkiewicz; cantors-Deb Swartz, Nancy McKenna, and Madelyn Houck; lectors-Kathleen Rourke, Nancy Potter, Ellen Moore, Lydia Kurkchi, Karl Messmer, and Tim Davis. The virtual Masses will continue as long as necessary. The following is a statement from the Diocese of Rochester: “It is Bishop Matano’s fervent prayer that the Sacraments will soon be able to be celebrated with a reasonable number of faithful present, always mindful of our genuine concern that the People of God may receive the Sacraments, and that the necessary safety precautions are in place for the protection of all.” Meanwhile, please join in thanking the above-mentioned people for helping to bring the Mass from our parish into your home.
To All Parish Households:
In recent weeks, households have become more aware of themselves as domestic churches. To help support the church at home, the Diocese of Rochester’s Office of Evangelization and Catechesis provides families with weekly gospel reflections, catechesis, ideas for family time, parent support, and more. Each week a newsletter titled Family Zone is posted on the diocesan Facebook page. The newsletter may also be obtained by searching on the web for the Family Zone newsletter/evangelization and catechesis or by clicking on the link on our parish’s web page. The newsletter is proving to be a great resource and it has something that appeals to people of all ages. Even if you are living alone, you will find it of great interest, both stimulating and inspirational. Simply check it out and see for yourself.
Solemnity of the Sacred Heart:
This Friday, June 19, is the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is a feast day that invites us to never underestimate the love and service of Jesus for humanity. It is a day that calls us to celebrate and rejoice in the love of Jesus.
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: https://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 problems, please email Eileen at [email protected].
Needing Assistance:
During this pandemic of COVID-19 the town of Ulysses is working with Tompkins County to coordinate access to community resources that are available for people, from food assistance to mental health. Simply phone 2-1-1 to connect with a wide range of resources.
A Right to Life:
“Women have a right to choose what to do with their body, not the baby’s body,” says Dr. Alveda Celeste King. She is an American activist, author, and former state representative for the twenty-eighth district in the Georgia House of Representatives. Dr. King is also the niece of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
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.
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.
