First Reading:
Thus says the LORD: Observe what is right, do what is just; for my salvation is about to come, my justice, about to be revealed. (Is. 56:1)
Psalm:
O God, let all the nations praise you! (Ps. 67)
Second Reading:
Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now disobeyed in order that, by virtue of the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. (Rom. 11:30-31)
Gospel:
Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour. (Mt. 15:28)
Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
As much as some folks may not want to admit it, we all want to be healed. Human beings suffer physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. There are many wounds. Of all of the maladies that can afflict us, the ones that require the greatest attention are of a spiritual nature. What can happen if we are healed inwardly, brought back to center, and restored in our relationships, especially in our relationship with God? We will find the courage, strength, conviction, and hope needed to deal with the more tangible struggles that may not find an easy remedy. Inner strength, gained by persistent faith, is what allows strong, determined, and courageous people to overcome incredible challenges and hurdles. Be persistent in your faith, and seek the inner spiritual healing that you so desperately desire and need.
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 (August 18) 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 (August 24)
- Fr. Bernard is Available: 6:30 p.m., Fridays, St. Francis Solanus
- Parish Churches: Opened daily for private visiting and prayer
- George Floyd and Elijah McLain Memorial Service: 6:00 p.m., Immaculate Conception Church, Ithaca
- Registration for the Family Faith Formation program open until: August 25
Parish Mass:
During this time of social distancing the parish has provided ways for attending Mass in celebrating the memory of Jesus’s death and resurrection and the presence and union with Jesus in Holy Communion. The parish has four Masses on the weekend (two at St. James the Apostle, one at St. Francis Solanus, and one at Holy Cross); an 8:30 a.m. daily Mass at St. Francis (Monday–Friday); and a video taken each week of the Sunday Mass at St. James the Apostle is available on the parish website. The attendance at public Masses is limited to 33% of the total building occupancy which percentage has never been reached in the churches. It has been suggested that parishioners might consider attending a daily Mass where social distancing is more easily attained.
Family Faith Formation:
Registration for the 2020 Family Faith Formation program is underway! The program begins on September 20 and is open to families with children in grades K-7. Like last year, this year’s program will consist of a weekly home based portion and a monthly gathering for families (when permitted) on the third Sunday of each month after the 9 a.m. Mass at St. James. We are switching to the Faith and Life book series this year. The theme for this year’s group gatherings will be the Saints. We will learn about a different Saint each month: their background, their accomplishments, and their motivations. Due to public health concerns, a take home kit for the monthly gathering will be available to families who request it or when gatherings are not permitted. Click here for the registration form. Please register by August 25 so book orders can be placed. Contact Susan Guydosh at [email protected] with any questions.
Diocesan Missions Sunday:
Due to the Pandemic, the Diocesan Propagation of the Faith Office was not able to celebrate Diocesan Missions Sunday in May. Bishop Matano has given permission to honor the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Sisters of Mercy working in Brazil and Chile on the weekend of August 22–23. We call upon you to help with your prayers and sacrificial gift, so that they may continue to bring Christ into the world where darkness, despair, and emptiness prevail.
St. James the Apostle Rectory:
Sister Anne Alderman, SSJ and Ms. Jan Seeley (a lay SSJ Associate) have visited the rectory and have expressed an interested in it as a possible living quarters. Negotiations between the Sisters of St. Joseph, the Diocese, and the Parish are taking place. Sr. Anne and Jan would like to be moved in by September 1, 2020.
Parish Cemeteries:
St. James the Apostle and Holy Cross churches have cemeteries. Each cemetery has a committee to oversee the cemeteries. The parish has the need for more volunteers to be committee members. Please phone the parish office to join the committee. Thank you.
Memorial Service:
In recognizing our calling as Catholics to defend the dignity of every human life and to stand against racism, there will be a memorial service for George Floyd, Elijah McClain, and other victims of racism . The gathering will take place on Friday, August 21 at 6:00 pm in front of Immaculate Conception Church (corner of Geneva and Seneca Streets in downtown Ithaca) on the eve of the three-month and one-year anniversaries of their murders. Please join us to pray, reflect, repent, and stand in vigil as we resolve to dismantle racism in our hearts and in our society. Masks and social distancing are required. Bring a lawn chair and a sign to hold in vigil if you would like.
To All Parish Households:
Lately, 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 the Diocese publishes a newsletter titled Family Zone. The newsletter is linked from our parish’s web page and Facebook 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.
Fill Out your 2020 US Census:
The every-10-year-census count is extremely important. It determines how many state and federal representatives our region will get and informs the distribution of billions of dollars of federal and state funding. You can answer the quick census questionnaire at www.my2020census.gov/ or by phoning 844–330– 2020 or by filing out the questionnaire you received in the mail. And tell others, “Fill out your 2020 US Census.”
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].
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.
Prayer Intentions:
Since we presently cannot have the prayer request books in our churches, do know that the prayer requests of fellow parishioners are still being listed on the parish website (see PRAYERS in top bar). If you would like to add a request, please email the parish at [email protected] or phone the parish office at 607–294–0064 and it will be added to the list.
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:
The Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes is located at 551 Exchange St. in Geneva. “If you regret your abortion, you are not alone. Let us help you learn to forgive yourself.” 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.
