First reading:
Elisha promised, “This time next year you will be fondling a baby son.” (2 Kg. 4:16a)
Psalm:
For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. (Ps. 89)
Second reading:
Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus. (Rom. 6:11)
Gospel:
“Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.” (Mt. 10:38)
Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
“Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” What do you understand these words to mean? Many see these words as an indication of what may come in eternal life. In actuality, they have more to do with our lives here and now. We are called to die to ourselves and offer our lives as gifts given generously to others. It is not about us. We are asked to serve God and not continue in our service of sin. Life is about learning to do what we really do not want to do because it brings us deeper into the mystery of God, ourselves, and others. Learning how to accept and live with the “small deaths” and sacrifices we encounter teaches us how to live with and approach our final death. We can do so with a heart that has been touched by and is open to mercy or one that is self- focused and closed.
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 (July 7) 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 29)
- 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
The Bishop’s Reminder:
Due to the prevalence of the Coronavirus, the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is suspended until further notice. Those who are at a higher risk of COVID-19 and those concerned for their health are urged not to come to church for Mass. Those who feel in any way sick should not enter any parish building or church.
No Mass on Independence Day:
On Saturday, July 4, there will be there will be no 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. Mass.
Weekend Mass Schedule:
A 4:00 p.m. Mass at St. James the Apostle has been temporarily added to the weekend Mass schedule during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our weekend Mass schedule for Saturday is (except for July 4, Independence day):
- 4:00 p.m. at St. James the Apostle church in Trumansburg and
- 5:00 p.m. at St. Francis Solanus church in Interlaken.
The Sunday Mass schedule is:
- 9:00 a.m. at St. James and
- 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross church in Ovid.
Weekend Mass Limitations:
Recent civic directives state that churches may allow only a limited number of people at any one time in each of our churches. This weekend we are allowed to have 80 people in Holy Cross, 35 in St. Francis Solanus, and 54 in St. James the Apostle. Those attending are to adhere to the civil directives, namely, sanitize one’s hands upon entering the church, wear a face mask covering your nose and mouth, stay six feet from one another, and exit the church from back pews to front pews. Households may sit together.
Peter’s Pence Collection:
The Peter’s Pence collection was originally scheduled for this weekend, June 28, but has been postponed. The national collection date will now be the weekend of October 3–4, 2020.
Bishop Thanks You:
Bishop Matano has written a letter to the pastor and devoted parishioners, expressing his sincere gratitude for the parish exceeding their assigned goal for the 2019–2020 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA). “Your commitment to supporting the mission of our Diocese, to love God above all things, and to serve our neighbors in need, for the love of Him, is deeply encouraging. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless your parish family. …in your kindness, remember me in you good prayers.”
Appeal Comes to a Close:
The Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) reports are now showing the final numbers for the 2019–2020 CMA campaign. More than 22,000 generous donors contributed $6.1 million to this year’s CMA, representing nearly 90.8% of the $6.725 million diocesan goal. Thirty-seven parishes reached their assigned goals. Congratulations to all. We are genuinely humbled and amazed by the generosity of CMA donors who continued to give during one of the most challenging times our generation has experienced.
Second Collection Next Weekend:
The annual collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe is scheduled for next weekend, July 5. This collection supports the Church in more than 20 countries that still struggle to recover from Communist rule. Funds from this collection support pastoral care, catechesis, building renovations, and seminary formation. Your support restores the Church and builds the future in this region. Please prayerfully consider how you can support the collection next week. More information can be found at www.usccb.org/ccee.
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].
If You Need Assistance:
During this pandemic of COVID-19 the town of Ulysses is working with Tompkins County to coordinate access to the 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.
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.
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.
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.
