Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ October 18, 2020

First Reading:
I am the LORD, there is no other, there is no God besides me. It is I who arm you, though you know me not. (Is. 45: 1, 5) 

Psalm:
Give the Lord glory and honor. (Ps. 96)

Second Reading:
For our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction. (1 Thes. 1: 1-5b)

Gospel:
At that Jesus said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” (Mt. 22:21b)

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:
In the time of Jesus, a Roman coin bore the image of Caesar and it was precisely this coin that was returned to the emperor in the form of tax. What bears God’s image? Scripture tells us that human beings are made in the likeness and image of God. In truth, however, all of creation, even the entire universe, is fashioned in the image of God! Everything radiates Divine Presence and the spark and essence of God’s very life exists in all things. God breathes the life of Himself into all things. If we have to give back to civil authorities what speaks to them, then what do we give back to God? While the answer is simple, the implications are profound. We are asked to give back to God our very selves! Ultimately, all creation is in the process of returning to God and is on a journey of finding its final truth and essence in Him. As we continue that journey, all we have, all we are, all we see, and all we are responsible for must be offered back to Him. God is the beginning and the end of all things. Do our lives reflect this Divine allegiance?

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 27), 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 26)
  • Fr. Bernard is Available: 6:30 p.m., Fridays, St. Francis Solanus
  • Parish Churches: Opened daily for private visiting and prayer
  • World Mission Sunday Second Collection: October 17 and 18

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.

World Mission Sunday:
Today is World Mission Sunday. We celebrate this day by remembering our baptismal call – to bring the Gospel to all. The collection today for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith supports the work and witness of the Mission Church, as it provides for priests, religious, and lay leaders who offer the Lord’s mercy and concrete help to the most vulnerable communities in the Pope’s missions. Thank you for your generosity.

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.

2020/2021 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
Hopefully, you have received the Catholic Ministries Appeal mailing by this time and have had a chance to review the materials. The theme for this year’s campaign is Christ, Our Light. The CMA gives each of us an opportunity to share the Light of Christ and live out our purpose as Catholics. Through gifts to the CMA, we support the larger Church so that it may meet real needs throughout the Diocese. Your support enables the Church to be responsive and caring in fulfilling its mission. Please be as generous as your means allow in your response. Every gift is needed and important. Please pray for the success of our efforts. Thank you.

Cemetery Cleanup:
Please have all prior season’s decorations at Holy Cross and St. James cemeteries removed by November 13. Thank you.

Catholics Care. Catholics Vote. Learn the issues.
In their statement on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the U.S. Catholic bishops lift up various issues of different moral weight and urgency. Some issues they mention include: abortion; euthanasia; the use of the death penalty and imprudent resort to war; protecting the fundamental understanding of marriage as the life-long and faithful union of one man and one woman; achieving comprehensive immigration reform; caring for our common home and addressing climate change; helping families and children overcome poverty; providing healthcare while respecting human life, human dignity, and religious freedom; and establishing and complying with moral limits on the use of military force. In their 2018 pastoral against racism, the Bishops call us to be aware of the sin of racism and systemic racism in our society. Learn more about these issues and others at www.faithfulcitizenship.org.

Ithaca Loves Life Vigils:
Monthly prayer vigils are held in Ithaca every fourth Saturday of the month, from 9:00–10:30 a.m. These vigils are a peaceful, prayerful public witness to end abortion and to offer information to the abortion-minded. Let’s unite and boldly come together in love for 90 minutes each month. For more information contact MaryAnne Tissot (315-246-4749) or Carolann Darling (607-351-6668).

Great Links:
The New York State Catholic Conference has an excellent website. This website, nyscatholic.org, is a good way to stay informed of the issues and a great way to quickly notify your legislators regarding issues that concern you. The Catholic Charities, USA website offers a variety of helpful programs: catholiccharitiesusa.org/advocacy.

Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Program:
Volunteer drivers are being recruited to support its Medicaid Transportation Program. Our drivers transport people to and from medical appointments and are reimbursed at the federal mileage rate of $0.545 per mile. Visit caphelps.org/medicaid-transportation-program or call 315–255–1703, ext. 222 for more information.

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.

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.

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.

Please take time this week to pray the rosary
for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Donating to Your Parish:
Online giving by WeShare is safe, simple and convenient. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

  1. Visit the parish website’s giving page: marymotherofmercy.com/giving.
  2. Follow the directions under the “Donate Online” section.
  3. 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.

 

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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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