First Reading:
The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the people of Judah are his cherished plant; he looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed; for justice, but hark, the outcry! (Is. 5:7)
Psalm:
The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel. (Ps. 80)
Second Reading:
Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you. (Phil. 4:6-9)
Gospel:
“Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” (Mt. 21:43)
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:
Who has authority over God’s kingdom? While we know that the obvious answer is Jesus, that is not the answer our lives always reveal. We struggle with wanting control over God’s kingdom. We wrestle with ownership, privilege, status, and the protection of our rights. However, at the end of the day nothing in this world or in the one to come belongs to us. All that we see and know to be true belong to God, and Jesus is the only one who has any authority. How often do we defer any of our decision making to God? We often conduct our business as if we are the owner, lord and master of it all, but sadly we are not. God gives us the means and the potential to bear good Gospel-centered fruit. This desire and capacity exist within each individual. Unless we really acknowledge and accept who is ultimately in charge, the type of love, justice, peace, and other good fruits God desires for the world will never be realized.
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
- The Blessing of Animals: October 4, 12:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
- Confirmation Program: October 4, 4:00 p.m., St. James
- Life Chain: October 4, 2–3 p.m., Cortland
- 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.
St. Francis of Assisi – The Blessing of Animals:
October 4 is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. Liturgically, it is not celebrated this year because Sunday liturgies take precedent. However, in keeping with the spirit of Francis’s Day and as an expression of his love for all creation, the blessing of animals will take place at 12:30 p.m. at the Parish Center (St. Francis Solanus Church, Interlaken).
Confirmation Program:
This Sunday (October 4) parish confirmation candidates, with their parents, will meet at 4:00 p.m. at St. James the Apostle Church, Trumansburg. The meeting is for students in the eighth grade and above. Preparation for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation is two years. Due to the pandemic a new formation program will be presented.
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.
Life Chain:
The annual National Life Chain will take place on October 4, Respect Life Sunday, from 2–3 p.m. at the intersection of Groton Ave. and Main St. in Cortland. Join us in this peaceful, prayerful, and family-friendly event for just one hour. Save lives and change hearts to choose loving, life affirming options. For more information contact Petrina Fadel at 607–898–3978 or Carolann Darling at 607–351–6668.
Catholics Care. Catholics Vote.
As we celebrate Respect Life Sunday, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Gospel of Life, and continue to grow in our understanding of political engagement, we are reminded of Saint Pope John Paul II’s words that, “Human life finds itself most vulnerable when it enters the world and when it leaves the realm of time to embark upon eternity.” (Evangelium Vitae, 44) As we challenge our political leaders to support the dignity of human life, let us all take responsibility to walk with those in need at critical moments of decision-making.
Questions for reflection: On the preeminent priority of abortion, as described by the U.S. Bishops in the introductory note of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, how can I work with political leaders to end the tragedy of abortion in my community? How can I walk with moms-in-need this year to show that support for women and children in crisis is available? For more information please go to www.LifeRoc.org.
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.
Office Hours at Mary, Mother of Mercy:
Our parish office, located at St. Francis Solanus, once again has regular hours! Our secretary, Susan Guydosh, will be on-site and able to assist you with general queries on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30–5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
“Desert Days” at Notre Dame Retreat House:
“Desert Days” are special days for individuals seeking a one day retreat alone with God. Allow yourself time to recover emotional balance, interior unity, inner balance, and peace of soul. There are four dates left with openings. Note that in order to address social distancing requirements we are limiting attendance on each “Desert Day” to fifteen people. Registration is almost full! For specifics on dates, retreat format, cost and how to register, please visit: www.notredameretreat.org. Please contact 585–394–5700 or [email protected] with any inquiries.
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!
Need for Election Inspectors:
New York State Senator Pamela Helming (54th Senate District – R) writes: “With elections approaching in November, 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.” Visit the Board of Election websites or call to learn more. See link for Seneca County or call 315–539–1760, and link for Tompkins County or call 607–274–5522.
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. “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.
