Ministry with Maturing Adults Events

Ministry with Maturing Adults (MMA)

at St. Mary’s Parish

65 Amelia Street, Barrie, Ontario

We believe adults continue to grow into the fullness of Christian life. This ministry reaches out to the entire parish community including regular participants and those on the edge of parish life.

This includes the entire adult population in the second half of life, often described as those who are 55+. All are welcome!

The goal of the ministry is to support Lifelong Faith Development through:

· Connection and Community: Intentional building of connection with oneself, with the faith community, with the broader community, with the gift of creation, and with God.

· Mission: A lifelong outreach to others with an emphasis on supporting the senior population of the parish. In addition, the ministry fosters participation in the ministries of the parish and in activities of service on behalf of the wider community.

· Programs Aimed at Personal Growth: Through reflection, insight, and wisdom, content will address life issues and lived experience within the context of Christian faith.

Monthly Wednesday Gatherings in the St. Mary’s Parish Hall

March 12: The Flailing Shilaleighs Band Live! 2:00– 3:30pm St. Patrick’s Day singalong Concert in the parish hall with snacks and refreshments

April 30: Topic: When the Blues Don’t Go Away: Understanding Depression in Later Life with snacks, refreshments and fellowship at 2:00 p.m.

May 28: TBA

June 18: Celebrating the Gift of Years: Potluck Lunch with fellowship, food and door prizes at 12:00 p.m.

MMA Programs Offered at St. Mary’s Parish – 2024-25

Christian Meditation is an ancient form of contemplative prayer rooted in the Christian tradition. This group meets online Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. For further information and an outline of the session please contact the coordinator. If you are interested in learning more about this form of prayer please contact Catherine Ecker. (cecker@archtoronto.org or 705 728 2985 ext. 115)

VON-SMART Program (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) a gentle fitness program designed for people aged 55+. Facilitated by trained fitness leaders (parishioners who are maturing adults).   Registration required. Contact VON directly at 705-737-5044 ext. 211.

Life Story Writing Life Story Writing Program provides an opportunity to look back over the years in order to gain a deeper understanding, clearer perspective and a more integrated view. The program helps to uncover evidence that God has been with you and is still with you.  The program nourishes participants and offers an opportunity for renewal.  No writing experience is needed to participate.

This six week program is offered once a year in the Fall.

Women’s Guided Discussion Group. Offered twice a year – Fall and Spring. An opportunity to gather and discuss a book related to spiritually and later life with a guided book discussion group.

Mass with Anointing of the Sick: 

Bereavement Support Program:

Seasons of Hope.

Bringing comfort through Catholic Grief Support - 6 week program offered in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 at the parish.

Just Sing! A laid back, fun afternoon of song and fellowship as we come together to JUST SING! our way through the folk, pop, gospel and traditional music songbooks. Bring your voice whether you can sing or not! No music experience necessary.

Join us at the parish at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays:Sept 17, Oct 15, Nov 12, Jan 21, Feb 18, Apr 8, May 6, and Jun 3.

Classic Movies: Join us Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. for Classic Movies in the parish hall. Some of this year’s films include Vertigo, Citizen Kane, On the Waterfront, and more! Sept 10, Sept 24, Oct 8, Oct 29, Nov 26, Dec 17, Jan 14, Jan 28, Feb 25, Mar 11, Mar 25, Apr 15, Apr 29, May 20, June 10 and June 17

For information on all programs, contact the coordinator Catherine Ecker at 705 728 2985  ext. 115  or email: cecker@archtoronto.org

Maturing Adult Resources:

Are you feeling isolated or disconnected from the world?