2nd Sunday of Easter --April 16, 2023

Many have commented on the solemnity of the Easter Liturgies beginning with Palm Sunday and continuing through Holy Week. Thank you to all who ministered: Shannon and the musicians and cantors, the lectors and Eucharistic ministers. Thank you to all those who decorated the church including Paul Ecker. Thank you also to Catherine Ecker and those who have been a part of the Initiation process, and lastly thank you to Nadia DeAmicis and Berenice Scian for the beautiful Easter arrangements in the planters at the front of the church. 

Prayers for the Sick and Faithful Departed

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: Mark Duncan, Doris Murphy and Mary Meehan.

Visiting the Hospital: if you or a family member are admitted to RVH and would appreciate a visit from someone at St. Mary’s please call or email the parish office. Please note: the hospital no longer provides us with a list of Catholics who are hospitalized; therefore, you must notify the parish.

TODAY is Divine Mercy Sunday

All are invited to a holy hour on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 16^th from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Divine Mercy Sunday is celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter, and was established by St. John Paul II centered on the revelations to St. Faustina Kowalska.  Pamphlets are available in the church. The Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed on Rosary beads with a different set of prayers. During the holy hour, there will be Adoration, confessions and the sung Divine Mercy at 3:00 p.m. There are special graces that our Lord promised for those who pray on Divine Mercy Sunday and can only be received for oneself, through reception of Holy Communion in a state of grace. A plenary indulgence, however, can be offered for oneself, or for souls suffering in purgatory. 

Your ShareLife gift changes lives

Your contributions help people with disabilities and their family members. Your generous support enables our member agencies to provide them with the resources they need.

Thank you very much for supporting our parish’s ShareLife campaign. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.

   The 2^nd ShareLife Sunday is April 30^th

   Our goal this year is $125,000.00

   Please give generously!

Celebrating Initiation During Easter

In the Church the Easter season is the normative time for celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. 

During the Easter season we will celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation with our young people and children will join us at the table of the Lord as they begin to share in Holy Communion.  You are asked to pray for all families who are preparing to celebrate a sacrament and we thank God for their witness of faith.

Catholic Women’s League

All are invited to participate in AED/CPR training being held in St. Joseph’s Room on Saturday, April 22^nd from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Registration at 8:30 a.m.

A certificate will be provided for all who complete the training. If interested, please contact Karen Boyle at 705.321.0898 or email kboyle@bell.net.

Alleluia!  Alleluia!

For 50 days we celebrate the great feast of Easter!  In our parish and homes, we continue to praise our God and celebrate Jesus’ victory over death.  Alleluia!

Family Prayer during Eastertime

As your family gathers for meals throughout the season of Easter you are invited to begin by lighting a candle and then praying together.

Alleluia!  Christ is risen! Alleluia!

God of all joy, We are at this table of plenty celebrating Easter joy.

We thank you for the food we have before us and for those who prepared it.

We remember those who do not have enough to eat.

Bless this food and our time together for you are the God who lives and reigns for ever and ever.  Amen.  Alleluia!

Reflections on the Papal Visit

Thursday, April 20^th, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Since the Papal Visit to Canada we have heard many people asking, “Where is hope? What happens next?”

This gathering of Reflections on the Papal Visit to Canada is one way we continue walking forward together in truth, Reconciliation and healing.  Throughout the evening we will be hearing personal reflections on the Papal Visit from some of the people who were there involved in helping with the Holy Father’s historic visit.

Please register by Tuesday, April 18^th at https://ABCReflections.eventbrite/ca and join us via zoom.  The Zoom link will open at 7:25 pm ET.  Please email AboutBeingCatholic@gmail.com if you have any questions.

St. Mary’s Bible Camp – 2023!

July 4^th to 7^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.  Cost is $75.00/ child. 

To register please visit www.stmarysbarrie.archtoronto.org or email stmarysyouthministrybarrie@gmail.com. 

Please contact Shannon Barks at 705-229-7426 for any questions.  Spaces are limited!

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. 

VON 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.

Christian Meditation is an ancient form of contemplative prayer rooted in the Christian tradition. We will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday April 18^th on Zoom. 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)

Bid Euchre, Cards and Games – all are welcome to participate.  Lessons will be provided for those new to Bid Euchre!  Join us in the parish hall on Thursday, April 20^th from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  Simple refreshments are provided.

Classic Movies will return on Thursday, April 27^th at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome!

Common Frauds and Scams: Wednesday, April 26^th at 2:00 p.m.  Join us for an important information session facilitated by Barrie Police Service on how to protect yourself and family!  The session will also include important information on preventing senior abuse. All are welcome, no pre-registration required! We will gather for 2:00 p.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m.

Youth Ministry

M.E.R.C.Y. (Ministry to Educate Roman Catholic Youth) for grades J.K.-4.  Once a month. 

Our next gathering is Friday, May 5^th, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

EDGE for grades 5-8 to. Once a month.  Our next gathering is Friday, April 21^st, 6:00-7:30 p.m. 

LIFETEEN – for high school teens. Once a month on Sunday nights at 4:00 p.m. Our next gathering is Sunday, April 23^rd.