First Reading:
He will destroy death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face; the reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken. (Is. 25:8)
Psalm:
I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. (Ps. 23)
Second Reading:
My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen. (Phil. 4:19-20)
Gospel:
“Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.” The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. (Mt. 22:9-10)
Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass ©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD. The English translation of Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.
Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
Come to the feast! God calls us to participate in the banquet of life, a banquet that can fill and satisfy us like no other. It is a spiritual feast where we kind find inner refreshment and satisfy the thirst and hunger of our souls. Do you want to come? Every human being receives an invitation; no one is excluded. There is no charge and an abundant table is set. Some will blatantly refuse. They see no merit in attending and feel that they can fill their needs in other ways. Others will simply ignore the invitation. Maybe they are too consumed with other matters they feel are more important at the time. Still others may even get angry and feel deep resentment for even being asked, resorting to acts of violence in protest of the very presence of the feast. In spite of this, many will also come. They will be the good and the bad, the lost and the lonely, and the ones who understand. They know love when they see it. When they go to the feast, they will rejoice and be glad as they will have found the God for whom they looked!
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 (October 13), 4:00 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 (October 12)
- Fr. Bernard is Available: 6:30 p.m., Fridays, St. Francis Solanus
- Parish Churches: Opened daily for private visiting and prayer
- Crop Hunger Walk: October 11, 2 p.m., First Baptist Church, Trumansburg
- World Mission Sunday Second Collection: October 17 and 18
- Digital Catholic Men’s Conference: October 17, 7:30 a.m.
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.
~Please take time this week to pray The Rosary for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. ~
Respect Life Month:
Each October, the Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month, and the first Sunday of October is observed as Respect Life Sunday. As Catholics, we are called to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable from the beginning of life to the end, and at every point in between. During the month of October, the Church asks us to reflect more deeply on the dignity of every human life.
World Mission Sunday:
Next weekend, we will celebrate World Mission Sunday. Pope Francis invites the entire Church to support mission dioceses in Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, parts of Latin America, and Europe where priests, religious, and lay leaders serve the world’s most vulnerable communities. Please keep the Pope’s mission in your prayers and be generous in next week’s collection for the Society of the Propagation of the Faith.
2020–2021 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
The Diocese is about to launch the 2020–2021 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA). The purpose and necessity for the CMA is unchanged after nearly 40 years. We are responsible for continuing the Church’s mission through good times and bad – through prosperous times and lean times, and yes even through reorganization. People are still poor, hungry, in need of pastoral care, education, and employment. The faithful are in need of ministry and vibrant parish life. Our youth and young adults are yearning to learn and grow in their relationship with Christ. The Church and our diocese are in need of trained and educated seminarians, deacons, and pastoral leaders to lead our Church into the future. We cannot close our eyes to these needs even in these difficult times. Starting next weekend, we will have more information to share with you about this year’s appeal.
Distribution of Campaign Materials:
During this election season, distribution of election-related materials on church property is not permitted. Among other activities, posting flyers or signs, passing out campaign literature, and leaving unauthorized materials anywhere in the building or on car windshields are prohibited.
Crop Hunger Walk 2020:
The Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty (CROP) Hunger Walk will take place on Sunday, October 11, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church on Seneca St. in Trumansburg. Due to COVID-19, money will not be collected at the walk. Donations may be made online at: crophungerwalk.org/trumansburgny/Team/View/139931/Mary-Mother-of-Mercy. Cash in a clearly marked envelope and checks written out to CWS/CROP may be placed in the collection basket at
Mary, Mother of Mercy. If you are able to join the walk, please respect social distancing, wear a mask, and sign a COVID-19 waiver; waivers will be available at the walk. Walking maps and release forms will also be available on-site.
Catholics Stand Against Racism:
“Racism can often be found in our hearts – in many cases placed there unwillingly or unknowingly by our upbringing and culture. As such, it can lead to thoughts and actions that we do not even see as racist, but nonetheless flow from the same prejudicial root. Consciously or subconsciously, this attitude of superiority can be seen in how certain groups are vilified, called criminals, or are perceived as being unable to contribute to society, even unworthy of its benefits. Racism can also be institutional, when practices or traditions are upheld that treat certain groups of people unjustly. The cumulative effects of personal sins of racism have led to social structure of injustice and violence that makes us all accomplices in racism.” Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call To Love, pastoral against racism – US Catholic Bishops
ExultRochester Digital Catholics Men’s Conference:
ExultRochester and the Very Reverend Salvatore Matano, Bishop of the Diocese of Rochester, invite you to join the Sixth Annual Catholic Men’s online Conference on Saturday, October 17, from 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. The speakers are the host of the EWTN radio program Called to Communion, Dr. David Anders, and Troy Guy, Catholic apologist and nuclear aerospace engineer. For details and to register for free go to exultrochester.org. There is a freewill donation to cover basic costs.
Need for Election Inspectors:
There is an urgent need for Election Inspectors. Inspectors help make our elections run safely and smoothly. It is important that our polling locations are properly staffed. This is an important opportunity to give back and get involved in the civic process. Election inspectors receive a stipend for working on election day and for taking the required training classes. If you would like to learn more, visit the website of the board of elections for your respective county, or call 315–539–1760 for Seneca County, or 617–274–5522 for Tompkins County.
COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program:
This program is designed to provide up to three months of rent relief to eligible households who have experienced a loss of income related to the public health crisis. To learn more or apply, visit ithacanhs.org/rentalassistance or phone 607–277–4500. Assistance is available to renters in four counties including Seneca, Schuyler, Tioga, and Tompkins.
U.S. Census:
There’s still time to respond to the U. S. Census. While 93.4 percent of New Yorkers have filled out the Census, we need to ensure every New Yorker is counted. There’s still time left to respond. You can respond by mail, by phone at 844–330–2020, or online at https://my2020census.gov. Spread the word, and let’s get counted, NY!
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].
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 with an office in Ovid at 7231 Main St. “If you regret your abortion, you are not alone. Let us help you learn to forgive yourself.” For more information phone 315 789-0708, text: 315 945-1019, or e-mail [email protected].
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.
