Ministry with Maturing Adults

Ministry with 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.

Drawing of a tree - symbol of Maturing Adults Ministry

Ministry with Maturing Adults has been an active ministry at St. Mary’s parish for 18 years. The ministry is for people in the second half of life, those in the second half of life (5

5+). 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.

Tree representing Ministry with Maturing Adults

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 Gatherings in the St. Mary’s Parish Hall 2025-26

Sept. 17 Mass with Anointing of the Sick at 12:10 p.m. followed by a light lunch

Sept. 24 Lunch from the Mandarin at 12:30 p.m. Preregistration and payment necessary.

Oct. 22 Advance Care Planning The Musical – Presented by: Hospice Simcoe at 2:00 p.m. with light refreshments

Nov. 19 Topic: TBA

Dec. 3 Advent Lessons and Carols at 2:00 p.m. followed by a light refreshments and conversation.

Dec. 10 Advent Reflection with light refreshments and fellowshipat 2:00 p.m.

Jan. 21 Happy Birthday! Party at 2:00 p.m. with games, food and prizes

Feb. 11 Mass with Anointing of the Sick at 12:10 p.m. followed by a light lunch in the parish hall

Tuesday March 17 - The Flailing Shilaleighs Band at 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. St. Patrick’s Day singalong concert in the parish hall with light refreshments. Free will offering.

April 22 Topic: TBA

May 20 Topic: TBA

June 17 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 – 2025-26

meditation

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 including parishioners. Registration required. Contact VON directly at 705-737-5044 ext. 211. Tuesday Mornings here at the parish.

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 on Thursdays mornings. An opportunity to gather and discuss a book related to spiritually and the second half of life with a guided book discussion group.

Seasons of Hope Bereavement

Bereavement Support Program:

Seasons of Hope. Bringing comfort through Catholic Grief Support - 6 week program offered in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 at the parish.

Just Sing!

Mark your calendars for 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 sign up – just come and just sing! Cookies and tea included. Any questions please ask David dmurdoch@archtoronto.org. Our next event: Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Classic Movies at St. Mary's Parish

Join us Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. for Classic Movies in the parish hall. Some of this year’s films will include Sunset Blvd., The Third Man, Notorious, and more! Any questions please ask David: dmurdoch@archtoronto.org. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION: Classic Movies

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?

Personal Connection

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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