Welcome to St. Mary's

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted : Aug-10-2023

cross and windANNUAL MASS FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

This year’s Annual Mass for the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Father Larry Léger on Wednesday, August 16 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 208 Sunnidale Road.   Please note – there are no confessions in the parish on that day and no Mass.  In the event of rain, the Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church at 7:00 p.m.  All are welcome.

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

 

Prayers for the Sick and Faithful Departed

prayer requestsAs the baptized we all share in the ministry of prayer. If you or a family member is sick please let us know and we shall add their name to our prayer list which is posted in the gathering space of the church.

We remember in prayer those who have died recently including: David Vatri.

Visiting the Hospital: if you or a family member are admitted to RVH please let them know you are Catholic and call the parish office to inform us. If you wish to receive Holy Communion please let the parish office know and one of our pastoral visitors will come to see you.

 

Celebration of the Solemnity of

Archbishop Francis LeoSt. Michael & Conferral of the Pallium upon the Most Rev. Francis Leo

Friday, September 29, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at

St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica

 

The Archdiocese of Toronto celebrates the feast day of our archdiocesan patron, St. Michael, on Friday, September 29th, 2023. 

All are welcome to join in a special celebration on that day at 5:30 p.m. at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica (65 Bond Street). 

Archbishop Francis Leo will celebrate Mass, with music from the world-renowned St. Michael’s Choir School. 

As part of the celebration, the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, the Most Rev. Ivan Jurkovic will confer the pallium on our archbishop, a symbol of his role as Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto and shepherd to the faithful.

 

 

The Journey to Priesthood – 5 Men Prepare for Ordination to Transitional Diaconate

Five men currently studying for the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Toronto will be ordained to the transitional diaconate this fall.  Transitional deacons are those in formation in view of being ordained to the priesthood. 

 

The Archbishop of Toronto, the Most Rev. Francis Leo, who will preside at each of the ordinations, highlights the importance of the community and families in supporting those currently in formation:

“As the diaconate is a divine call to follow Jesus as Servant of his People, this vocation is likewise a gift which the Lord bestows upon the entire Church. We are grateful for the Lord’s generosity in calling so many men to serve the People of God through this ministry. We pray for all young men discerning a call as well as for vibrant parish communities who are capable and willing to welcome and to foster a culture of vocations through their witnessing and commitment to our Catholic faith.”

 

Marko Busic’s Ordination to the transitional diaconate will take place on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Croatian Martyrs (4605 Mississauga Rd, Mississauga) at the 10:00 a.m. Mass.  You will recall Marko was the seminarian who spent June and July with us here in the parish.

All are welcome to participate and are warmly called upon to offer their prayers for these five men.

 

Church Bulletin Advertising

Bulletin sponsorsLiturgical Publications will be setting up the advertisements for our church bulletin. 

The advertising will begin in October 2023 and supports the bulletin service.  Please support the bulletin and advertise your product or service. 

Call Liturgical Publications at 1-800-268-2637.

 

 

Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary

Assumption of MaryOn Tuesday, August 15th the universal Church celebrates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The assumption refers to Mary be assumed into heaven, body and soul, at the end of her earthly life. Many writings of the early Church fathers illustrate that Christians have believed for more than a millennium that Mary was assumed into heaven. In 1950 Pope Pius XII officially defined the dogma of the Assumption of Mary. Our beliefs about Mary shine a light on our beliefs about Jesus. The Assumption reminds us of Christ’s teaching of eternal life and the resurrection of the of the body.

 

Full Active Conscious Participation in Mass: The Offertory Collection

collection plateOur active participation in the celebration of Mass is crucial and is evident when we answer the prayers, listen to God’s Word and join in singing.  Being able to put our monetary contribution to the upkeep of the parish and the work of the church into the collection basket is another sign of our participation. We require more people to assist, in particular we need additional people to assist at the 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m. Mass.  To fulfill this ministry the church asks that the person be fully initiated and at least 16 years of age. If you are able to assist as an Offertory Collector please speak with David Murdoch or send him an email at dmurdoch@archtoronto.org

 

 

Seasons of Hope Bereavement Group to Begin

Seasons of Hope BereavementThis program is centered on Jesus Christ and grounded in the healing wisdom, traditions and practices of the Catholic Church. The program rooted in Catholic tradition, conveys God’s consolation through scripture, prayer, reflection, and sharing our faith. 

A Christ- centered group is for you if any of the following are true:

  • You are trying to figure out the meaning of your grief
  • You want to get on with life, but have been unable to
  • You find comfort in the teaching of Christ
  • You are open to new ways of coping with your grief
  • You are looking for friends in Christ to share your journey of sorrow.

 

The group meets at 7:30 p.m. for six consecutive Wednesdays beginning September 20, 2023 in St. Joseph’s Room.  Registration is required. For more details or to register please contact Catherine Ecker in the parish office at 705 728 2985 ext. 115.

 

Ministry with Maturing Adults: For All Adults 55+

All are welcome to attend the various session offered for those in the second half of life.Tree representing Ministry with Maturing Adults 

seniors exercisingVON SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) Exercise Program is held on Tuesday mornings.

For details regarding registration please call: VON at 705 737 5044 ext. 221.

 

Life Story Writing Program: September 2023

life story writingThe 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.  It helps to uncover evidence that God has been with you and is still with you.  It nourishes participants and offers an opportunity for renewal. No writing experience is needed to participate.  Each person receives a workbook and the sessions provide suggestions and opportunities to practice writing.  We will offer this six-week program beginning Monday, September 18th. The sessions will be held on Mondays from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. A fee of $20.00 is requested to cover the cost of printing. Advance registration is required. To register or for more information please contact Catherine Ecker at cecker@archtoronto.org or call 705 728 2985 ext. 115.

 

Summer Classic Movies Family Film Afternoon

E. T. MovieJoin us on Thursday, August 24th at 2:00 p.m.in the parish hall for the classic “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” A great way to get out of the heat.

All members and families of the parish are welcome!  Free will donation with light snacks included.

 

 

Preparing for Confirmation or First Sharing in Holy Communion

The preparation for the sacraments formally begins in September. Information meetings will be held in the Church during September / October.  At the information meeting details regarding the preparation process and how to register for Confirmation or first Holy Communion will be shared.  Attendance at the information meeting is essential. 

The information meeting for Confirmation will be offered twice (you attend one meeting) at 7:30 p.m. on September 26th and Thursday October 5th. The parent and young person seeking Confirmation are to attend.

The information meeting for first Holy Communion will be offered twice (you attend one meeting) at 7:30 p.m. on September 28th and October 3rd. This meeting is for parents. Questions regarding the preparation process please contact catechist: Catherine at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or Email: cecker@archtoronto.org.