First reading:
Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please, let me kiss my father and mother good-bye, and I will follow you.” (1 Kgs. 19:20a)
Psalm:
You are my inheritance, O Lord. (Ps. 16)
Second reading:
But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Gal. 5:18)
Gospel:
Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Lk. 9:62)
Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
“No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.” Jesus’s words may seem a bit harsh but are directly on target. The life of discipleship can be costly. Upholding the tenets of the Gospel can put us at odds, even with those most close to us. Jesus never misses an opportunity to spend time with outcasts and sinners. It matters little to him whether doing so breaks a Sabbath law. The Gospel may seem unrealistic, but it is the Gospel nonetheless. We respect the dignity of all persons, from conception to natural death. We work on behalf of justice, which calls us to be with the poor, lonely, confused, and broken. The old “eye for an eye” mentality no longer applies when it comes to dealing with those who hurt us. When Jesus asks you to follow him, will you go?
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
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Events:
- AA Meetings:
- Tuesdays, 8:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus, Interlaken
- Thursdays, noon, St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m. Food truck is every other Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. (July 9)
- Interlaken Reformed church: Fridays, 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Trumansburg Food Pantry: Methodist church every other Monday, 1:00–2:00 p.m. and 5:30-6:00 p.m. (July 1)
- Bernard is Available: Fridays, 6:30 p.m., St. Francis
- Parish Anniversary: July 1
- Celebration of Father Bernard’s Fiftieth Ordination Anniversary: September 8
Funerals:
On June 12, 2019, there was a graveside service for William P. (88) and James F. (81) Schramm at Holy Cross cemetery. There was a funeral service for Robert L. Davie (72) at the Covert Funeral Home on June 15, 2019. At Holy Cross church in Ovid on June 21, 2019, there was a funeral Mass for Robert E. Gurhrie (87). On June 22, 2019, there was a funeral service for Barbara Carey at the Covert Funeral Home.
Peter’s Pence Collection:
The national collection date for the Peter’s Pence Collection is this weekend, June 29 and 30. The Peter’s Pence Collection derives its name from an ancient custom when King Alfred the Great, in ninth-century England, collected money, called a “pence,” from landowners as financial support for the Pope. Today, the Peter’s Pence Collection supports the Pope’s philanthropy by giving the Holy Father the means to provide emergency assistance to those in need because of natural disaster, war, oppression, and disease.
Emerging Churches and USCCB:
The countries in Central and Eastern Europe have faced many years of hardship. The people there have been oppressed by czars and radical communism, suffered horrendous crimes against humanity, and endured revolutionary, civil, and world wars. Under communism, organized religion was opposed in favor of atheism in an attempt to overthrow the power of the Russian Orthodox Church. Since the collapse of the former Soviet Union in 1991, Central and Eastern European countries have been working to rebuild political structures, social welfare, and their economies. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Subcommittee on the Church in Central and Eastern Europe funds projects in 28 countries to build the pastoral capacity of the Church and to rebuild and restore the faith in these countries. The funds collected in the collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe are used to support seminaries, youth ministry, social service programs, pastoral centers, church construction and renovation, and Catholic communications projects in these countries. The collection for Central and Eastern Europe will be taken up next weekend, July 6 and 7.
Fr. Bernard’s Fiftieth Ordination Anniversary:
A committee of nine parishioners met on Monday, June 17, at the parish center in Interlaken to discuss the celebration plans for Fr. Bernard’s fiftieth anniversary of his ordination. The following was decided: the celebration will take place, under a tent, on the lawn of St. Fidelis Friary on Sunday, September 8, beginning with Mass at 12:00 noon, appetizers at 1:00 p.m., a buffet reception at 2:00 p.m., and a band for dancing from 3:00–6:00 p.m. Fr. Bernard’s family will be present. Hopefully all parishioners (adults and children) and others will join in the celebration to make this a parish family event.
Mary Ruckdeschel:
The parish is indebted to Mary for her five years of service to the parish as secretary. Mary has been conscientious and competent in her work. She has been faithful, reliable, and flexible especially during the merger of the three parishes. Please thank Mary and wish her well as she concludes her ministry at the parish on June 30, 2019.
Susan Guydosh:
Please welcome Susan Guydosh to the newly created position of parish office helper and coordinator of the parish’s religious education program.
Parish Council:
The Parish Council met on June 13, the last meeting for those whose terms end this month. We “thank” Norman Hummel, Michelle Humulock, Gerard Messmer, and Jessica Portillo for their parish ministry in serving on the council. We are most appreciative. The meeting continued with the welcoming of the new members: Charles Mullins and Lynne Stager, and the new alternates: Marc Albanese and Thomas Perry. The meeting concluded with the election of an executive committee and the appointment of members to the standing committees. The 2019–2020 committees are as follows:
- Executive Committee: Barbara Willers, chair; Gerald Frank, vice chair; and Kathleen Rourke, secretary
- Word Committee: Andrew Morpurgo, chair; Timothy David; Laurenda Denmark; and Susan Guydosh
- Worship Committee: Thomas Duff, chair; Marc Albanese; Jacqueline Leidenfrost; and Charles Mullins.
- Witness Committee: Leo Kawczenski, chair; Lynne Stager; Richard Pell; and Thomas Perry
- Fellowship Committee: Janice McLaughlin, chair; Scott Hamula; and Nancy Gourty.
Church Sacristan:
The Worship Committee is hoping for a volunteer (or two) to be appointed sacristan for St. Francis Solanus church. The sacristan would primarily be responsible for setting up for Mass, ordering supplies, and assuring that scheduled lectors and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion are present for Mass. If interested in this position, please notify the parish office.
Cemeteries:
The Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy, has two cemeteries: St. James the Apostle and Holy Cross. The cost of a traditional burial plot at either cemetery is $650. Please phone the parish office if you are interested in purchasing a plot or for further information.
Action Alert on Commercial Surrogacy:
Governor Cuomo has prioritized passage (by the end of June) of dangerous legislation to allow surrogate motherhood for profit. The bill would enable the buying and selling of children, the exploitation of women, and would lead to an increased reliance on IVF (in vitro fertilization) and the destruction of human embryos. Please let your elected officials know that you oppose this legislation. Go to https://www.nyscatholic.org/nys-catholic-conference-action-center/ and click on “Maintain the ban on surrogacy” to send a quick email message to your representatives in Albany. While you’re there, please check out the rest of the Latest Action Alerts—all issues of life and death! If you need more information, contact Suzanne Stack, Diocesan Life Issues Coordinator, at 585-328-3210 or suzanne.stack@dor.org.
Trumansburg Food Pantry:
Beginning January 1, 2020, there will be a need for a new volunteer coordinator for the Trumansburg Food Pantry. In the foyer of St. James the Apostle Church there are flyers describing the role of the coordinator. Even though the position begins in January 2020, for planning purposes the need for someone is immediate.
St. Bernard’s in Pittsford:
St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry is offering a number of courses this summer. One is Catholic Spirituality and Culture, is a retreat course offered together with the Monks of the Abbey of the Genesee. The course will be co-taught by professors from St. Bernard’s and monks from the Abbey from August 5–9 at Merton Hall, Abbey of the Genesee. For more information, please phone: 585 271 3657 or go to the website: www.stbernards.edu.
Summer Retreats at Branches:
Take time for rest and prayer at some of the Branches retreat days this summer. Thursday, July 18, will be a day of faith formation, music, and a healing Mass. “Worship in the Woods and Healing Mass,” will be facilitated by R. Richard Crawley, OFMCap. In “Contemplating Christ with Mary,” on Tuesday, July 23, Sr. Kathleen Murphy, OSF, will guide participants in contemplation of Christ through the beautiful mysteries of light. On Friday, August 9, Ann Kern will facilitate “The Little Way of St. Therese of Lisieux,” focusing on the simple life and intense love of God of this doctor of the Church and beloved saint who has inspired thousands. Branches Rest and Renewal Center is located on Seneca Lake. For more information visit: branchescenter.org, phone 716 901 4313, or email branches1515@live.com.
Catholic Homeschool:
St. Margaret’s is a small, Catholic homeschool group focusing on living the liturgical year. They are currently meeting once a month, and, on July 20, they will be starting a series on Marian consecration for children by Carrie Gress, with a consecration date of August 22, the feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Please contact Jessica Fanaro at Jess.Fanaro@gmail.com or 540-305-9835 if you would like to participate.
Thrift Shop in Mecklenburg:
Mecklenburg United Methodist Church, 6069 Turnpike Road, has the best thrift shop. The Check it Out Shop is open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every Friday and Saturday until September 7. They have quality household and craft items, puzzles, toys, children’s clothes, sporting goods, books, small furniture, knick-knacks, kitchenware, and much, much more at very reasonable prices.
Support Group:
Many people who have suddenly lost a family member, friend, classmate, or colleague to suicide may find that sharing openly with fellow survivors about what they have lived through can help with the healing process. The “Sudden Loss/After Suicide Support Group” meets on the third Monday at the Ovid Federated Church, 7137 Main St., Ovid, and on the first Monday at Waterloo Library 31 E. Williams St., Waterloo, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. Visit online at: www.facebook.com/SenecaSuicidePrevention.
Help for Victims:
Victims of abuse should always report abuse to the civil authorities. To report a case of possible sexual abuse and to receive help and guidance from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, victims are encouraged to contact the victims’ assistance coordinator, Deborah A. Housel, by phone at (585) 328-3228, ext. 1555; toll-free at 1-800-388-7177, ext. 1555; or by email: victimsassistance@dor.org.
Prayers from the Sisters of St. Joseph:
The Sisters of St. Joseph have a prayer ministry and Sr. Dolores Bachman and Sr. Anne Marie Burns will be praying for our parish throughout 2019. Let us keep the sisters in our prayers as well.
Support Group:
Many people who have suddenly lost a family member, friend, classmate or colleague find that sharing openly with fellow survivors about what they have lived through can help with the healing process. The Seneca County Suicide Prevention Coalition hosts twice-monthly support groups which meet in Waterloo and Ovid for convenience of the entire community. These groups are held on the first- and third- Monday of every month; and provide people who are survivors of loss or survivors of suicide the opportunity to talk in an open and inclusive environment, free of judgment or stigma. The Waterloo Public Library plays host on the first Monday of every month and the Ovid session takes place on the third Monday at the Ovid Federated Church. Both sessions run from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. For more information see www.facebook.com/SenecaSuicidePrevention or contact Mary Joslyn at mjoslyn11@gmail.com.
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
June 29, at 5:00 p.m. (fifth weekend):
Lectors: Kathleen Rourke, Ann Buddle
EMs: Millie Messmer, Robin Hamula
July 6, at 5:00 p.m. (first weekend):
Lectors: Karl Messmer, Scott Hamula
EMs: Kathleen Rourke, Millie Messmer, Robin Hamula
Ministry Schedule for St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg
June 30, at 9:00 a.m. (fifth Sunday):
Lectors: Lynne Stager and Barbara Willers
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Mark Scibilia-Carver, Tim O’Boyle
July 7, at 9:00 a.m. (first Sunday):
Lectors: Lynne Stager and Barbara Willers
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Mark Scibilia-Carver, Beth Koeng
Ministry Schedule for Holy Cross, Ovid
Not available at this time