Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ October 20, 2019

First reading:
As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight. (Ex .17:11a)

Psalm:
Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (Ps. 121)

Second reading:
Proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. (2 Tm. 4:2)

Gospel:
“I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Lk. 18:8)

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
As we live out our life of faith, it is easy to lose heart and lose confidence in God’s power and effective presence. We can fall into apathy. Given the immensity of the concerns that abound, we feel powerless and can become unmotivated to persevere. To combat this weariness, Jesus tells his friends to pray always. Persisting in prayer allows us to find the determination, strength, and conviction to continue on course even when presented with difficulties. If we are determined in our pursuit of God, we will eventually find God breaking through our darkness with the light of His presence, gifting us with contemplative sight so that we can see as He sees and love as He loves. It is only when we take on the person of Christ that we are able, with God’s help, to touch the world’s pain and loneliness.

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, 3:00 p.m. (October 29)
  • 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. (October 21)
• Catholicism Classes: Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., St. Francis
• Choir Rehearsal: Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., St. Francis
• Fr. Bernard is Available: Fridays, 6:30 p.m., St. Francis
• Trumansburg Robotics: Mondays 5:00–8:00 p.m. and Tuesdays 3:00–6:00 p.m., St. James
• Confirmation Candidates Classes: Sundays, 4:00 p.m., St. James
• Peace Weekend: October 19 and 20, Ithaca
• World Mission Sunday: This weekend, second collection
• Religion Education Monthly Gathering: October 20, after 9:00 a.m. Mass, St. James
• Regional Pastoral Council Forum: October 21, St. Francis of Assisi church, Auburn
• A Force More Powerful: October 21, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Parish Center, Ithaca
• A Brief Introduction to Suicide Prevention: October 22, 7:00 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Ulysses
• Talking Circles on Racism: October 24 at 7:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, Ithaca
• Young Adult Mass: October 25, Immaculate Conception church, Ithaca, Rosary at 5:30 p.m. and Mass at 6:00 p.m. followed by a social
• Winter Coat Distribution: October 26, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Ovid VFW
• Parish Ministry Fair:After Mass on October 26 and 27
• Capuchin Franciscans Annual Benefit Dinner: October 29, 6:00–10:00 p.m., Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle
• Birthright in Ithaca Luncheon: November 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Hotel Ithaca, Ithaca.

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 ensures the work and service of the Mission Church, as it supports 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.

Thank You:
The parish is in receipt of a letter of gratitude from the Society for the Propagation of the 
Faith for our participation in the August 4 Missionary Cooperative Plan to benefit Eight 4 World Hope. Deacon Kevin Carges made the appeal and the collection amounted to $1,955. “Please tell the parishioners how much we appreciate what they have done for the Missions.”

2019-2020 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
This past week, former Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) donors received a letter in the mail with a pledge card asking for their CMA commitment. Please prayerfully consider your response. Every gift to the CMA helps those in need, supports the mission of the Church, and comes back to help our parish. Let us continue to pray for the success of our efforts. Thank you.

CMA and Abuse Settlements:
All monies raised in the Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) are to be used only for the programs, services, and ministries for which they are designated. No gifts to the CMA are used to satisfy legal fees or settlement costs associated with abuse. If the CMA funds are not available to meet sex abuse settlements, how will the diocese resolve those lawsuits? The answer is that, as part of the diocesan bankruptcy/reorganization plan, the diocese has created a settlement fund from other diocesan assets along with money provided by the church’s insurance carriers. Additional questions are addressed on the CMA website. A listing of CMA allocations may also be found there, at www.dor.org/cma.

Parish Ministry Fair:
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” (Romans 12: 6) By our baptism we are called to share in the ministry of the Church, using the gifts and talents God has provided. We invite you to think about your talents. What can you contribute to your church? The Worship Committee will be having a ministry fair at each of our churches on October 26 and 27. Stop by after Mass and enjoy some food as you speak with members of the various ministries that enrich our parish. You will have an opportunity to ask questions before signing up for the ministry that best fits your gifts and interests.

Peace Week:
Catholic Charities Tompkins/Tioga has announced their annual “Peace Week.” A film on the power of non-violence titled A Force More Powerful will be presented on Monday, October 21 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Parish Center, Ithaca. A pizza supper will be served prior to the film, at 6:00 p.m. (a $5 donation helps defray the cost). On Thursday, October 24, at 7:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Ithaca, all are invited to “Talking Circles on Race and Racism” to discuss the ways racism affects us all. For more information contact: Laurie Konwinski at 607 272 5062 ext. 12 or email [email protected].

Young Adult Mass:
Young adults (ages 17–45) are invited to a Young Adult Mass this Friday, October 25, at Immaculate Conception church in Ithaca. Rosary will begin at 5:30 p.m. and Mass at 6:00 p.m., followed by a social. Bring along a friend and make new friends. This event is provided in collaboration with Cornell Catholic/Ithaca College Catholic Community and Ithaca Catholic churches. For more information, contact Jacob at [email protected].

Catholicism Adult Formation Program:
The Catholicism Adult Formation Program has been created by Bishop Robert Barron to enhance and support the Church’s mission to evangelize and teach the content of the faith. Not a video lecture, Church history, or Scripture study, this engaging and interesting formational program uses the art, architecture, literature, music and all the treasures of the Catholic tradition to illuminate the timeless teachings of the Church. The program will explain not only what Catholics believe and why, but also display the richness of the Church’s global culture. During each lesson, you will be invited to listen to a presentation of the Church’s essential teaching and to travel with Bishop Barron around the globe to see the faith in the depths of its belief and practices. The classes will be held on Wednesdays beginning October 30 in the St. Francis church annex. The same class will be held at 10:00 a.m. and again at 7:00 p.m. The classes are for all parishioners from the north, south, and in between, as well as for those contemplating being Catholic or Catholics who have not yet celebrated the sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist. Please join us!

Annual Financial Report:
The annual financial report was provided to parishioners at the beginning of October and copies are the report are still available in the foyers of the churches. The report showed that we had a deficit in our last fiscal year (July 1, 2018–June 30, 2019). In order to meet our ordinary expenses, a recommendation was given that active parishioners increase their weekly offering by at least $3.00. Another recommendation was given that parishioners encourage non-active parishioners to financially support their parish by participating in the on-line WeShare program. Whatever financial help you give, you have to know it is appreciated greatly.

Habitat House for Sale:
There is a Habitat for Humanity home available for sale in Trumansburg. The home has three bedrooms and one bath and is located at 19 Salo Drive on .36 acres. Habitat for Humanity of Tompkins and Cortland Counties provides an affordable homeownership opportunity by offering a “hand up, not a hand out” and evaluate applications based on need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner. The total gross household income should be at least $28,000. Other details about partnering with Habituate in owning your own home are available on their website: https://tchabitat.com/homeownership. Applications for the Salo Drive home will be accepted until November 30. If interested in the home call 607-844-3529 or email Liz Warner at [email protected]. We want to help you purchase your own home!

Winter Coat Collection:
The annual collection of winter coats for the Seneca County Community Christmas Project will end this weekend. Warm winter coats from infant through adults are needed. The collection bins are located at Holy Cross at the ramp entrance and at St. Francis Solanus in the vestibule. Coat distribution is scheduled on October 26, from 10 a.m. until noon at the Ovid VFW. and volunteers are needed to help children find their “perfect coat.” If you want to volunteer or need further information, please contact Gerald Frank at 607-869-5009.

Birthright in Ithaca:
Celebrate thirty-eight years of compassionate care for women and families at a fund-raiser luncheon, November 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Hotel Ithaca, 222 S. Cayuga Street, Ithaca. Advanced purchased tickets are $19.95 and are available through Birthright. RSVP by November 1 to Birthright, 605 W. State St. #1, Ithaca, New York, 14850. Also, they are seeking items for a silent auction as part of the Birthright fund-raiser event. Do you have a family-friendly service, skill, or craft item and are willing to make a donation? Possibly you might be willing to create a themed gift basket? Please contact Carolann Darling, 607-351-6668, or the Birthright director, Beth, 607-272-9070.

Annual Capuchin Dinner:
The Capuchin Franciscans of the Province of St. Mary will be holding their annual benefit dinner on October 29 and would be very pleased if you could attend! The benefit will be at the Glen Island Harbour Club located in New Rochelle, New York, beginning at 6:00 p.m. There are several ways to support the event even if you are unable to attend. For more information, please visit www.capuchin.org/events-calendar/annual-capuchin-benefit or contact George Vogel at (212) 564-0759, ext. 284, or by email at [email protected].

Employment Opportunity:
Could you use a little extra income? The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people to collect important information for the 2020 census in their own communities. These are temporary, part-time, or full-time positions with flexible hours. The hourly wages are $17 an hour for an enumerator/lister and $18.50 for a census field supervisor. Mileage is reimbursed at $0.58 per mile. No experience or educational requirement is necessary. If you are interested or have questions go to https://2020census.gov/en/jobs. This is your chance to be a part of history!

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.

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.

October 19, at 5:00 p.m. (third weekend):
Lectors: Scott Hamula, Ann Buddle
EMs: Robin Hamula, Kathleen Rourke, Cathy DelSignore

October 26, at 5:00 p.m. (fourth weekend):
Lectors: Gerry and Millie Messmer
EMs: Anne Haus (for Cathy DelSignore), Kathleen Rourke, Robin Hamula (for Mary and Lee Davidson)

October 20, at 9:00 a.m. (third Sunday):
Lectors: Donna Ryan and Nancy Olszewski
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Beth and Tom Duff, Debbie Short

October 27, at 9:00 a.m. (fourth Sunday):
Lectors: Beth Duff and Tim Davis
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Tom Duff, Tim O’Boyle

Ministry Schedule for Holy Cross, Ovid

Not available at this time