Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ September 27, 2020

First Reading:
If he turns from the wickedness he has committed, he does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life. (Ez. 18:27)

Psalm:
Remember your mercies, O Lord. (Ps. 25)

Second Reading:
Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves. (Phil. 2:3)

Gospel:
“When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.” (Mt. 21:32)

Excerpts are 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:
When making decisions, we often struggle with what voice to follow. We acknowledge the presence of God, the existence of the Trinity, the priority of the Gospel, and the virtues and values they embody. Yet, even with all of that truth, knowledge, and tradition behind us, we think we know better. When confronted with a decision, we easily dismiss what we know we ought and need to do and entertain responses that stem from lesser desires and wants. We eventually may come around and realize that what God asks us to do is what we need to do, even if it wasn’t our original intention. God accepts our return to Him with joy. What becomes dishonest is deceiving ourselves, God, and others by originally saying yes to what we know we need (and are asked to do) and willfully doing something else. That is blatant hypocrisy.

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 (September 29), 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 (September 28)
  • Fr. Bernard is Available: 6:30 p.m., Fridays, St. Francis Solanus
  • Parish Churches: Opened daily for private visiting and prayer
  • St. Bernard’s Cultural and Theology Series: 7:30 p.m.; September 22, October 6, November 2; Online

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.

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.

Catholics Care. Catholics Vote.:
In their statement on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the U.S. Catholic bishops remind Catholics about the call to participate in political life. “In the Catholic tradition,” they write, “responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation” (no. 13). Visit www.faithfulcitizenship.org today to read the statement, watch videos, and access other great resources to help us build a better society and world.

Catholics Stand Against Racism:
“Racism comes in many forms. It can be seen in deliberate, sinful acts. In recent times, we have seen bold expressions of racism by some groups as well as individuals. The re-appearance of symbols of hatred, such as nooses and swastikas in public spaces, is a tragic indicator of rising racial and ethnic animus. All too often, Hispanic and African Americans face discrimination in hiring, housing, educational opportunities, and incarceration. Racial profiling frequently targets Hispanics for selective immigration enforcement practices, and African Americans for suspected criminal activity. There is also growing fear and harassment of persons from majority Muslim countries. Extreme nationalist ideologies are feeding the American public discourse with xenophobic rhetoric that instigates fear against foreigners, immigrants, and refugees. Finally, too often racism comes in the form of the sin of omission, when individuals, communities, and even churches remain silent and fail to act against racial injustice when it is encountered.” Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call To Love, pastoral against racism – US Catholic Bishops

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.

“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.

Theology and Culture at St. Bernard’s:
St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry is offering a monthly Theology and Culture series. This is the school’s first virtual Theology and Culture event featuring a new three-part series on what it means to be a faithful citizen. The presenter will be Dr. Taylor P. O’Neill. The dates for the course are: September 22, October 6, and November 2. For more information and registration please phone Matt Brown, Director of Admissions, at 585–271–3657 ext. 2 or email, [email protected].

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.

Stress in Your Marriage?
Retrouvaille (pronounced Retro-vi, meaning rediscovery) is a program for married couples who feel disillusioned, hurt, frustrated, or angry in their marriage. Sometimes life-changing events occur (pandemic, loss of a job, death of a loved one) and most don’t know how to communicate with their spouses about it. This world-wide Catholic program has helped tens of thousands of couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage. For confidential information about the next program beginning with a weekend away in Buffalo on October 2, please call 585–293–1552 or visit the web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.org. All CDC guidelines will be followed for your safety. Space is limited.

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:

  1. Visit the parish website’s giving page: https://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. “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.

 

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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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