Cross in St. Mary's Sanctuary

Ministry with Maturing Adults

Drawing of a tree - symbol of Maturing Adults MinistryMinistry for Maturing Adults is a program which seeks to provide spiritual growth and community for parishioners in the second half of their lives. The Ministry offers a variety of different activities which are open to all members of the community. 

Ministry with Maturing Adults has been an active ministry at St. Mary’s parish for ten years.  The ministry is for people in the second half of life, 50’s plus.  This ‘New Generation’ is living 20-30 years longer than previous generations and dealing with all the challenges and transitions that come with the second half of life.  

Pope Francis identifies the growing needs of those in the second half of life and recognized that we have a responsibility as a church to meet these needs. He speaks of the vocation and mission for those who are aging and suggests that we need to find our new purpose. He said, “It’s still not time to ‘rest on one’s oars’ and just coast along. There is a true vocation and mission set aside for those in the second half of life, who have a lot more free time at their disposal”.  

Ministry with Maturing Adults provides many opportunities to support the lifelong faith development of this population.  Through a variety of programs there are opportunities to discover a new purpose and vocation, while considering being of service to the community.  This ministry also strives to build a community of support for maturing adults, through relationships of mutual care and concern. 
 
'We always mention you in our prayers and thank God for you'.  1 Thes. 1:2.
 
 
Current programs being offered are:
 
VON SMART a gentle fitness program designed for people aged 55+. Facilitated by trained fitness leaders parishioners who are also maturing adults. Every Tuesday at 9:30 am in the Parish Hall.  Registration is required.  Contact V.O.N. directly at 705-737-5044 ext. 211.
 
Life Story Writing Group: a six-week program is held once or twice a year.  You must register for this group. Details regarding cost and registration are available by calling Catherine at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or email: caecker@archtoronto.org
 
Alumni Writing Circle: this is a gathering for those who have completed the Life Story Program and wish to continue writing.  The group meets on the second Thursday of each month, 1:00 p.m. in St. Joseph's Room (room 3).
 
Faith Friends Friendly Visitors:  A program for adults in the second half of life who are called to service.  We do this by visiting those who are isolated, housebound or who are no longer able to participate fully in the church community in person.  All volunteers are required to complete a volunteer form and security screening as set out by the Archdiocese of Toronto. The visiting program has brought great joy to both the visitor and recipient, because it is a ministry of mutuality. The Catholic Woman's League have provided prayer shawls to be distributed by the Faith Friends as a gesture of care and compassion.  For more information please contact Catherine at 705 728 2985 ext. 115.
Plaque of Labyrinth outside St. Mary's Church
The Labyrinth

“Guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1.79 St. Mary’s Labyrinth This Labyrinth was laid in 2011, and is modelled after the famous labyrinth at the Chartres Cathedral, France laid in 1201. A labyrinth is a pathway symbolic of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The labyrinth is a walking meditation, a path of prayer that is often described as a metaphor for the journey of life. A labyrinth is not a maze, the path leads us to the centre. You return from the centre and the entrance becomes the exit. It is solved by walking “Solvitar ambulando” St. Augustine 354 - 430 A.D.

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