Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ September 6, 2020

First Reading:
If you warn the wicked, trying to turn him from his way, and he refuses to turn from his way, he shall die for his guilt, but you shall save yourself. (Ez. 33:9)

Psalm:
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. (Ps. 95)

Second Reading:
Whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Rom. 13:9a)

Gospel:
“If two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.” (Mt. 18:19)

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:
It is not easy to confront someone who has wronged or hurt us. But it is absolutely necessary to do so in order for reconciliation to occur. We are taught to mind our own business and keep our thoughts to ourselves. When we have been hurt or wronged and we do not acknowledge and give voice to it, those feelings of hurt remain in our hearts and can eventually turn into anger. Verbalizing our feelings can diffuse them, and communicating how we actually feel brings honesty to our relationships. This is the only way that the path of love can remain open and that integrity and mutual respect can be maintained. It is no wonder that Jesus absolutely insisted upon healthy and compassionate confrontation. People don’t always realize that they are doing harm. Bringing this to light is not only good for the one who is hurt but for the one who caused the pain. The new insight and revelation may prevent the action from being repeated again.

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 15) at 3:00 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 14)
  • Fr. Bernard is Available: 6:30 p.m., Fridays, St. Francis Solanus
  • Parish Churches: Opened daily for private visiting and prayer
  • Second Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human   Development: September 19 and 20
  • Family Faith Formation: Begins September 20

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.

The Sacrament of Confirmation:
Nicolas Angulo-Stevensen and David Betancourt-Trompa were confirmed in the faith by Bishop Salvatore Mantano this past Wednesday, September 2, at St. Stephen’s Church in Geneva, NY. We rejoice with Nicolas and David on being fully initiated in the Church.

Labor Day:
There will be no 8:30 a.m. Mass on Monday, September 7.

Your Home–A Domestic Church:
Beginning the first week in September The Family Zone newsletter will be adapted to be used by parishes as a lectionary-based learning playlist. A learning playlist is a format used widely today in formation and education. It allows the learner to choose from a variety of tasks that will engage their understanding of a topic. The Family Zone will offer a listing of activities and opportunities for further learning on the faith themes that best connect to each Sunday’s readings. This newsletter can easily be shared with families to encourage the promotion of parents as primary catechist. It is not suggested that this be the only method of catechesis, however, it will provide a strong foundation for your planning this year. The newsletter is linked from our parish’s web page and Facebook page. It may also be found by searching the web for “The Family Zone Newsletter.” People have found the newsletter to be of great interest, stimulating, and inspirational.

African Americans’ Patron Saint:
“Wednesday, September 9, 2020, is the Memorial of St. Peter Claver who, as you may know, ministered to enslaved Africans,” the Most Reverend Shelton J. Fabre, Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux and Chairman of the USCCB’s Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, writes in the attached informational letter. “Accordingly, he is the patron saint of African Americans and enslaved peoples. I would like to invite us all to celebrate the feast of St. Peter Claver in a special way this year through the sacrifice of the Mass in reparation for sins against the Sacred Heart of Jesus and especially in reparation for sins based upon race.” 

Racism:
In the 2018 pastoral statement, Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love, the Catholic Bishops of the United States teach that, “The injustice and harm racism causes are an attack on human life. The Church in the United States has spoken out consistently and forcefully against abortion, assisted suicide, euthanasia, the death penalty, and other forms of violence that threaten human life. It is not a secret that these attacks on human life have severely affected people of color, who are disproportionately affected by poverty, targeted for abortion, have less access to healthcare, have the greatest number on death row, are most likely to feel pressure to end their lives when facing serious illness. As bishops, we unequivocally state that racism is a life issue. Accordingly, we will not cease to speak forcefully against and work toward ending racism. Racism directly places brother and sister against each other, violating the dignity inherent in each person.” (Open Wide Our Hearts: the Enduring Call to Love, page 30).

Catholic Campaign for Human Development:
On September 19 and 20, we will be taking up a collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). CCHD is the domestic anti-poverty and social justice program of the U.S. Catholic bishops. Here, in our Diocese, four life-changing community organizations have been approved for major CCHD national grants. They include a farmworker organization, a land trust of low-income people becoming homeowners in inner city Rochester, and a refugee organization empowering their members to know their rights as tenants. Most exciting for us, they also include our own Tompkins County Workers Center which promotes living wages, assists low income workers in reclaiming wages stolen from them, and improves workplace conditions. Your support of CCHD helps people to address the root causes of poverty and reclaim their human dignity. Please be generous!

Helping People in Need:
Usually on the second Sunday of a month parishioners are invited to contribute non-perishable food at St. James the Apostle church. COVID-19 directives do not allow us to continue the practice of collecting food items in a church at this time. Instead you are invited to send monetary donations directly to the Trumansburg Food Pantry at P.O. Box 162, Trumansburg, N.Y. 14886 or to place food donations in the box at the Shur-Save. Thank you to all who contribute!

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.

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].

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.

Fill Out your 2020 US Census:
The every-10-year-census count is extremely important. It determines how many state and federal representatives our region will get and informs the distribution of billions of dollars of federal and state funding. You can answer the quick census questionnaire at www.my2020census.gov or by phoning 844–330– 2020 or by filing out the questionnaire you received in the mail. And tell others, “Fill out your 2020 US Census.”

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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