Third Sunday of Lent ~ March 15, 2020

First reading:
Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? A little more and they will stone me!” (Ex. 17:4)

Psalm:
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. (Ps. 95)

Second reading:
But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8)

Gospel:
Jesus said to her, “Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.” (Jn. 4:21)

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
“Is the Lord in our midst or not?” Have you ever found yourself asking this question? Finding God’s presence and truly encountering God are not always easy tasks. When we seek God only with our minds, we risk reducing God to simply an idea rather than meeting him as someone who is real and actually present to us. We all have to wrestle with who we are and what gives our lives purpose and meaning. We can often get confused and misunderstand not only who we are, but who God is. Even the disciples and the Samaritan woman at the well missed the point Jesus was trying to make. There is only one person who can satisfy the deepest yearnings and longings of our hearts. Only Jesus can lead us to truth and provide the water that can quench our thirst. Each of us, not only with our heads but with our hearts, must come to see that Jesus is the Savior of the world. It is only when we can honestly make this confession that we will know God is truly present.

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Liturgical Publications Inc.


Events:

NOTE: All parish events comprising of a gathering of people are suspended.

  • Food Pantries:
    • Ovid Federated church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m. Food truck is every other Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. (March 17)
    • 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 (March 16)
  • 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
  • Catholicism Classes: 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Wednesdays at St. Francis-POSTPONED
  • Fr. Bernard Is Available: 6:30 p.m., Fridays at St. Francis
  • Confirmation Candidates Classes: 4:00 p.m., Sundays at St. James-POSTPONED
  • Stations of the Cross-CANCELLED
  • 40 Days for Life: now through 7:00 p.m. on April 5, Ithaca
  • Second Greatest Story Presentation: 9:15 a.m.–10:45 a.m., Thursdays through April 9, Seneca Falls Community Center
  • Catholic Relief Services Collection: Second collection on March 21 and 22
  • Day of Prayer on Blessed Mother and Annunciation: 9:30 a.m.–noon, March 24, Notre Dame Retreat House, Canandaigua
  • Diocesan Day of Penance and Mercy: on April 1 is CANCELLED but confessions will be available at St. Francis at 10:00 a.m.–noon, 2:00–4:00 p.m., and 6:00–8:00 p.m.
  • Food Pantry Donations: April 12, St. James
  • Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend: April 17–19

During the season of Lent, the Church urges all the faithful to reflect a spirit of prayer, penance (conversion), and charity.

Abstinence During Lent:
All Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence, i.e. meatless days, for all those who have reached the age of fourteen. This continues to oblige throughout one’s entire life.

Stations of the Cross CANCELLED:
Stations of the Cross will be NOT available on Thursdays of Lent at 6:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Church followed by a communal soup supper. They will also be available on Fridays of Lent at 3:00 p.m. at St. James the Apostle followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Additional Times for Confessions:
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered with a confessional screen (no face to face confessions) on Thursday, March 26, at
 6:00 p.m. at Holy Cross church and on Friday, March 27, at 4:00 p.m. at St. James the Apostle church. The diocesan day of penance and mercy scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, has been cancelled but Father will be available for confessions that day  at St. Francis Solanus from 10:00 a.m. until noon, 2:00–4:00 p.m., and 6:00–8:00 p.m.

The Word Among Us:
A few copies of the “Word Among Us” Lenten booklets are still available in the foyers of each church. These booklets contain the daily Sacred Scripture readings for Mass during Lent and also a daily meditation section to guide you in your daily Lenten prayer time. Please be sure each family has a copy of the “Word Among Us” to enrich your Lenten experience. 

Catholicism Classes POSTPONED:
The Catholicism classes that were held at St. Francis Solanus church in Interlaken has been put on hold at this time.

Flu Season and the Coronavirus:
As our diocese has done in the past, the following protocols are encouraged at this time:

  • Holy water fonts are to be drained, cleaned with disinfecting soap, and re-filled with holy water on a regular basis.
  • Reception of the Precious Blood from the chalice is suspended. As related the distribution of Holy Communion under both species, that is, distribution of the body and blood of Christ, the Catholic faith teaches that Christ, is received even under only one species. It is not necessary to receive communion under both species.
  • Regarding the sign of peace: the faithful should use their best judgment and offer a simple nod or bow of the head, and simply say: “Peace be with you”. Shaking of hands should be avoided as well as holding hands during the recitation of the Our Father.
  • Following each Mass all vessels will be cleaned with hot water and mild soap.

St. Patrick Brunch:
Holy Cross church is planning a St. Patrick’s Day brunch on March 15 after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. If you can help with the preparations and food, please contact Kathy Sinkiewicz 607–869–2285 or Phyllis Motill at 607–869–3818. All are welcomed to join us after Mass to celebrate St. Patrick and his many miracles and acts of faith.

Catholic Relief Services Collection:
Next weekend, March 21 and 22, our parish will take up the Catholic Relief Services Collection (CRSC). Funds from this collection provide food to the hungry, support displaced refugees, and bring Christ’s love and mercy to people here and abroad. Next week, please give generously to the CRSC and “help Jesus in disguise.” Learn more about the collection at www.usccb.org/catholic-relief.

Online Donors:
The opportunity to donate to the Easter flower fund, the 2020 CRS Operation Rice Bowl, and Easter is now available for a limited time (until April 15) on the parish’s online giving page. Please visit that page through the giving tab on our website.

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 March 16, and 30. Don’t forget to leave your phone number if you would like a reminder call. Thank you.

Expressions of Gratitude:
The area food pantries sent thank you notes to the parish for the generous amount of food and monetary gifts collected on Super Bowl Sunday (February 9). “Your faithfulness and generosity is very much appreciated.”

Knights of Columbus Insurance:
The Knights of Columbus is seeking a field agent for a career opportunity representing their insurance program in the Western New York area. The Knights offer a complete benefits package with this full-time position. In order to qualify one must be eligible for membership in the Knights of Columbus. For more information, please contact, John Hoolick, general agent at 570-654-3390 or [email protected].

Problem Gambling Awareness:
The month of March is “Problem Gambling Month.” Responsible gambling for entertainment purposes is very different than problem gambling, which often causes medical, financial, social, and emotional hardships. Help is available for those who are dealing with this addiction. Start taking action towards recovery by calling the United Way of Seneca County office at 315–539–1135.

The Diocese of Rochester:
The U. S. Bankruptcy Court for the western district of N. Y. reported that on September 12, 2019, the Diocese of Rochester filed for protection under chapter 11 of title 11 of the U.S. Code  (the “Bankruptcy Code”). The Bankruptcy Court has established August 13, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. as the deadline to file proofs of claim against the diocese (the “Bar Date”). If you have a claim against the diocese, including, without limitation, a claim related to sexual abuse committed by any person connected with the diocese, you must file a claim on or before the Bar Date. Please visit https://case.stretto.com/rochesterdiocese or phone 855 347 3773 for more information on how to file your proof of claim. “If you do not timely file a proof of claim, you may forfeit your right to vote on any plan or reorganization and to share in any distribution made to creditors in connection with the debtor’s chapter 11 case.”

Empty Bowls Event Postpone Until Fall:
The fifth annual Empty Bowls event that was to be held on Sunday, March 15, at the Atlas Bowl in Trumansburg, has been postpone until sometime in the fall. This was intended as a fundraiser for the Trumansburg Food Pantry. If you would still like to donate, a donation can be made to the Trumansburg Food Pantry, Box 162, Trumansburg, NY, 14886 or through the United Way designating Trumansburg Food Pantry as the recipient.

Rice Bowl:
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.

Prayerful, Peaceful, and Present:
During Lent consider participating in a special prayer opportunity by being present as the hands and feet of Christ—praying and offering life-affirming options for women facing an unplanned pregnancy. “40 Days for Life” continues through 7:00 p.m. on Palm Sunday, April 5, at the “prayer chapel” across the street from Planned Parenthood, 620 W. Seneca St. in Ithaca. Visit www.40daysforlife.com/Ithaca to select your weekly hour(s) of prayer and invite a friend or prayer group to join you! “40 Days for Life” is a proven global, peaceful, and prayerful outreach offering hope and nonjudgmental caring options for women in crisis pregnancies. For more information contact campaign leader MaryAnne Tissot of Good Shepherd Catholic Community, 315-246-7479.

Blessed Mother and the Feast of the Annunciation:
Join Notre Dame Retreat House’s day of prayer on Tuesday, March 24, for “Blessed Mother and the Feast of the Annunciation,” presented by Rev. William Leone, pastor of St. Jerome Parish in East Rochester. The conference runs from 9:30 a.m. until noon followed by lunch, free time, confessions, and ends with Mass at 2:00pm. There is a $25.00 fee. The Notre Dame Retreat House is located at 5151 Foster Rd., Canandaigua, N.Y. Please register by calling 585-394-5700 or email [email protected].

Time of Divine Mercy:
The Second Greatest Story Ever Told is a multi-episode DVD journey with a best-selling author and popular speaker, Fr. Michael Gaitley of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. This event is being presented by the Catholic Study Society as a Lenten study of Divine Mercy every Thursday morning, February 27 through April 9, from 9:15 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., at the Seneca Falls Community Center on Water Street. A downloadable program guidebook is available for free or a hardcover book is available for approximately $9.00. For either one contact [email protected] or call 315-568-5286. There is no admission fee and all are welcome.

Gaelic and Garlic Festival:
Lansing’s All Saints Catholic church will host an Irish and Italian festival at All Saints Church this Sunday, March 15, from noon until 4:00 p.m. There will be $15 Italian plates and $5 kids’ meals served until 3:00 p.m. There is also a $45 family-rate option, which includes two adult plates and plates for kids 12 and under. Bakers are invited to compete in a contest for the best Italian or Irish dessert. Watch local Irish step dancers, hear Italian music, participate in face painting, and enjoy great beverages. Come join the fun at All Saints, across from Lansing Middle School! More details will be posted at netcatholic.org.

Your Easter Duty:
“All the faithful, after they have been initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, are bound by the obligation of receiving Communion at least once a year. The precept must be fulfilled during the Easter season unless it is fulfilled for a just cause at some other time during the year. In reference to this law the Easter season is considered from the First Sunday of Lent until Trinity Sunday” (this year June 7). This is church law #920.

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.

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

March 14, at 5:00 p.m. (third weekend):
Lectors: Scott Hamula, Ann Buddle
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion: Robin Hamula

March 21, at 5:00 p.m. (fourth weekend):
Lectors: Gerry and Millie Messmer
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Cathy DelSignore


Ministry Schedule for St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg

March 15, at 9:00 a.m. (third Sunday):
Lectors: Donna Ryan and Nancy Olszewski
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion: Beth Duff

March 22, at 9:00 a.m. (fourth Sunday):
Lectors: Beth Duff and Tim Davis
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion: Tom Duff


Ministry Schedule for Holy Cross, Ovid

Not available at this time

 

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© 2024 The Parish of Mary Mother of Mercy
3660 Orchard St., P.O. Box 403, Interlaken, NY 14847
607-294-0064

St. James the Apostle, 17 Whig St, Trumansburg, NY
Holy Cross, 7231 Main Street, Ovid, N.Y.
St. Francis Solanus, 3660 Orchard St., Interlaken, N.Y.
Diocese of Rochester
www.dor.org

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