First Reading:
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. (Acts 2:4)
Psalm:
Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. (Ps. 104)
Or
Alleluia.
Second Reading:
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Rom. 8:14)
Gospel:
“The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I had told you.” (Jn. 14:26)
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:
St. Josemaria Escriva tell us, “To live according to the Holy Spirit means to live by faith and hope and charity. To allow God to take possession of our lives and to change our hearts, to make us resemble him more and more.” Today we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit given freely by God to us. The Holy Spirit is the very breath of God and the true source of our power and strength. When we accept that God is the beginning and the end of all things, we open ourselves to receiving this powerful presence. The Holy Spirit alone is the one who teaches us how to pray, who stirs us to lift our eyes to heaven in search of our Creator and opens them to recognize the wonderful gifts of faith, hope, and love God gives us. The Holy Spirit is the one who teaches us how to understand ourselves, God, others, and the world. When we allow God’s Own breath to truly take possession of us, we realize that we are meant to become like God and know Him as He really is. This ultimate helper lifts our eyes from what is below to what is above and empowers us to live life with joy and keener vision!
©LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
©LPi
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
- Interlaken Reformed church: Fridays, 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.,
- Trumansburg Food Pantry: Every other Monday (June 6) 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15–6:00 p.m., Methodist church
- Family Hope Center: Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., and Thursdays 4:00–6:00 p.m., Holy Cross
- Fr. Bernard is available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony: Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m.
- James the Apostle: June 15
- Holy Cross: May 25; June 8 & 22
- Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: June 15; 3:15 p.m.; St. James the Apostle
- Pentecost brunch: June 5, after 10:30 a.m. Mass, Holy Cross
- Food, Faith, & Fun: June 5, 5:00 p.m., St. Fidelis Friary Boathouse
- Catholic Communication Campaign Second Collection: June 11 & 12
Thank you:
For the last three weekend Masses in May, the Rosary was prayed before Mass for the end of wars, especially in the Ukraine. We thank those who led the rosary and those who arrived fifteen minutes early to join in the prayer. May we all continue to pray the rosary for peace through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Pentecost Brunch:
The brunch will take place this Sunday, June 5, following the 10:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross Rectory. As in past years it is a potluck brunch held on Pentecost Sunday where the attendees bring a dish to the meal. Everyone is welcome to this grand parish event.
Funerals:
Thomas W. Major, Sr., age 84, died May 13, 2022. A funeral Mass was held at St. James the Apostle Church on May 21.
Next Weekend – Second Collection:
Through websites, social networks, television, radio, and print, the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC) helps the Church spread the Gospel message through the media locally and nationally. Half of all donations to the CCC collected in your diocese stay in your diocese to support your local communications needs, such as radio and television programming and diocesan publications.
Food, Faith and Fun:
A gift has been given to the parish for a gathering of people between the ages of 21 and 45. The gathering will take place this Sunday, June 5, at the St. Fidelis Friary Boathouse, 7790 County Road 153, Interlaken, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a sit-down dinner. After the meal there will be a brief faith presentation and sharing followed by a planned activity.
Food Donations Needed:
On the second Sunday of each month, non-perishable food items will be received at St. James the Apostle Church and placed on a table in front of the Blessed Mother statue. They will be donated to the Trumansburg Food Pantry. Monetary donations are also welcome. Please make checks out to Mary, Mother of Mercy with “food pantry” in the memo line. Thank you to all who contribute.
Call for Singers and Musicians:
Singers and Musicians are invited to sing and play at the three churches in the parish of Mary Mother of Mercy to praise our Lord. Anyone interested in participating or who wants more information can inquire with choir members, Fr. Bernard or contact Leo at We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Online Giving – WeShare:
WeShare, our online giving provider, has been upgraded. When you log in, using your current email address and password, you will see the new landing page. Improvements include:
- Ability to donate to multiple collections at once
- Improved process of updating your payment information
- Ability for more detailed receipts
- Ability to upload documents
- Easier Account Creation
If you have any questions, please contact Eileen Heptig at
Lakeside Day Retreats:
On June 21, Branches Christian Rest and Renewal Centers, Inc. invites you for a day of rest and renewal at our Seneca Lake property. The program is titled, “Sharing the Passion of Jesus with Mary, His Mother and Ours” and is facilitated by Sr. Kathleen Murphy, OSF. For more information visit branchescenter.org or contact Donna Wieand at 716–901–4313 or
New Feast Day in the Church:
Pope Francis has decreed a new feast day in the Church – Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. It was added to the universal liturgical calendar to be celebrated on the Monday after the Solemnity of Pentecost. This year, the obligatory Memorial will be this Monday, June 6, 2022.
Regarding the Burial of the Deceased:
In 1963, an instruction was issued from Rome that “all necessary measures must be taken to preserve the practice of reverently burying the faithful departed”, adding however that cremation is not opposed … to the Christian religion” and that no longer should the Sacraments and funeral rites be denied to those who have asked that they be cremated. This directive was incorporated into the Code of Canon Law (1983) and the Code of Canons of Oriental Churches (1990). Following the most ancient Christian tradition, the Church insistently recommends that the bodies of the deceased be buried in cemeteries or other sacred places because this shows a greater esteem towards the deceased. When cremation of the body has been chosen, the ashes of the faithful must be laid to rest in a sacred place, that is in a cemetery or, in certain cases, in a church or an area, which has been set aside for this purpose. The reservation of the ashes of the departed in a sacred place ensures that they are not excluded from the prayers and remembrance of their family or the Christian community. It prevents the faithful departed from being forgotten, or their remains from being shown a lack of respect. For the reasons given above, the conservation of the ashes of the departed in a domestic residence is not permitted. The ashes may not be divided among various family members. It is not permitted to scatter the ashes of the faithful departed in the air, on land, at sea or in some other ways, nor be preserved in mementos, pieces of jewelry or other objects. Regarding Burial of the Deceased and the Conservation of Ashes was issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, August 15, 2016. Copies of the complete instruction can be obtained at the Parish Office.
Pending U.S. Supreme Court Decision:
The U.S. has never “settled down” and accepted Roe v. Wade. A “constitutional right” to abortion remains highly contested. This is evidenced not only by the number of proposed and enacted laws seeking to restrict it, but also by the enormous number of grassroots groups and activists working to overturn it. For something to be a “fundamental constitutional right,” it must be deeply embedded in the vast majority of Americans’ understanding of what freedom means. If half of the states want to ban abortion, it was never part of the American fabric in the first place.
Camp Stella Maris:
Each year, Camp Stella Maris sends hundreds of kids to camp through the Charles M. Bayer Campership Program. Campership awards are extended to families who may not have the opportunity to send their children to camp. Camp Stella Maris awards more than $150,000 to campers-in-need annually. For more information phone 585–346–2243.
Summer Academies & Girls Basketball Camp:
Notre Dame High School is accepting registrations. Visit: notredamehighschool.com/summer-camps-and-academies. All registrations will be taken online. Email: Michelle Barkley at with questions. All camps are held at Notre Dame High School, Elmira, NY.
Easter Duty:
All the faithful, after they have been initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, are bound by obligation of receiving Communion at least once a year. The precept must be fulfilled during the Easter Season unless it is fulfilled for a just cause at some other time during the year. In reference to this law, the Easter season is considered from the First Sunday of Lent until Trinity Sunday (this year June 12) Canon #920
Prayer for Healing and Harmony:
You are invited to gather for a time of quiet prayer for healing and harmony. These gatherings are Wednesdays and begin at 2:00 p.m. The upcoming date at St. James is June 15. At Holy Cross, there will be gatherings on June 8 and 22. Questions? Contact Sister Anne at 607–209–4206 or .
Spiritual Book Reading and Discussion:
Sister Anne Alderman SSJ is facilitating a discussion of the book Hope Against Darkness by Richard Rohr & John Feister on the first and third Wednesday of each month at St. James at 3:15 p.m. The next date is June 15. This event will run through June.
Family Hope Center:
The Family Hope Center has two locations: one in Geneva and a satellite location in Ovid in the Holy Cross Church Rectory. Family Hope Center fights for life by valuing life above all else. It means offering support through free pregnancy tests, a limited ultrasound referral, parenting and life skills classes, bible studies, material aid such as diapers and clothing, and through our forgiven and set free post abortion study. It means looking at our clients and saying, “I see your life; I value your life. I see and value your children’s lives. You are important and loved.” Women come to the Family Hope Center to be valued. To learn more visit familyhopecentergeneva.org, call 315–789–0708, or email .
Please take time this week to pray the rosary for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic and for world peace, especially in Ukraine.
Prayers for Our Parish:
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester have a prayer ministry for the Diocese of Rochester. Sister Anne Marie Burns will be praying for our parish and parishioners throughout 2022. We thank the Sisters for their thoughtfulness and kindness toward us. In our appreciation, please keep the Sisters of St. Joseph, especially Sr. Anne Marie, in your thoughts and prayers.
Mass Intention Requests:
Parishioners requesting a Mass intention for a particular date and time can do so by completing the “Mass Intentions Request Form” located in the foyers of the churches. Mass intentions may also be requested by phoning the parish office.
Sanctuary Lamp:
In Catholic Churches, a candle is always lit to indicate that the Blessed Sacrament is present in the church. This candle is called the “sanctuary lamp.” Every week the candle or oil is renewed. In many churches, people donate to the church for the sanctuary lamp be lit for the week for the intention of the donor. This has been the custom at Holy Cross Church, Ovid and is now extended to St. James the Apostle and St. Francis Solanus Churches. In making the donation simply put on the envelope, “donation for the sanctuary lamp” and specify the week and, if so desired, your intention.
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 .
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.
Prayer Intentions:
Please feel free to add your prayer requests in the books available for that purpose in each church. The prayer requests of fellow parishioners are listed on the parish website (see PRAYERS in top bar). You may also add a request by emailing the parish at or phoning the parish office at 607–294–0064 and it will be added to the list.
Let Us Pray:
Please remember in your prayers those members of our parish who are in the hospital, sick at home, in a nursing home, or who have requested our prayers (see the list on the parish’s PRAYERS page). We also ask you to pray for those who have died. May the Lord bring comfort to their family and friends during this difficult time.