St. Mary's church during spring

3rd Sunday of Easter (April 14, 2024)

Posted : Apr-12-2024

EasterChrist is Risen!  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!


                                                              

Prayers for the Sick and Faithful Departed

prayer requestsIf 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:  Josie Tolfo.

 

Hospital VisitationVisiting 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.

 

 

Catholic Women's League logoThe Catholic Women’s League

The CWL is doing a fundraiser selling seeds for your gardens.  The ladies will be taking orders after each Mass next weekend, April 20th/21st and the weekend of April 27th/28th. Cash only for the orders.  Orders can be picked up May 4th at our bake sale.

 

Thank youWhat a Marvelous Food Drive!

Thank you to all who supported this year’s Easter Food Drive.  We collected 2,201 lbs. of food and $3.067.05 in cash, cheques and gift cards.

 

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Summer Camp Sign-Up

St. Vincent de Paul CampsIt is that time of year to register your child(ren) for summer camp. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has two camps; Marygrove for girls ages 5 - 13 near Penetang and Camp Ozanam for boys ages 7 - 12 near Huntsville.  Camps are for families experiencing financial difficulties. 

Registration will be held in the parish library on the following dates:

Wednesday, May 1 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 4 from 9:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday, May 8 from 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Please bring ID for yourself and your child(ren).

 

Archdiocese of Toronto Volunteer Appreciation Week

Thank youThe Archdiocese of Toronto's Volunteer Appreciation Week: Every Moment Matters will be celebrated from April 14-20, 2024, in alignment with Volunteer Canada's National Volunteer Week. This is a time of appreciation and celebration of every volunteer and each of the contributions they make at any moment. Collectively, every moment of sharing in time, skills, and empathy strengthens our community and answers the call to serve others following the example of Jesus and in response to His call to service for each of us.

Galatians 6:10: “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.”

Every day across the Archdiocese of Toronto, parishioners generously give their time and talent to nurture and strengthen the community and share the Gospel. We recognize that each of our parish volunteers are at the heart of the Archdiocesan call to stewardship and are instrumental in all that we do. We thank each one of you!

 

Your ShareLife gift is a lifeline to families in need

ShareLife CharityMany individuals and families silently suffer from depression, anxiety, grief and trauma. ShareLife-supported Catholic Family Services agencies provide a lifeline to those dealing with mental health challenges.  Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.

Our parish goal is $136,500.00

Our next ShareLife Sunday is April 28th

 

 

Children's Liturgy of the WordCelebrating the Liturgy of the Word with Children

We will celebrate a separate Liturgy of the Word with children on Sunday, April 21st during the 12 p.m. Mass. Children between ages 4 and 8 are invited to participate. The children and leaders are sent after the Opening Prayer to celebrate a separate Liturgy of the Word. They return during the Preparation of the Gifts.  If you are interested in becoming a leader or have questions please contact David at dmurdoch@archtoronto.org.

 

PastaPasta Dinner Night Youth Fundraiser – TODAY - Sunday, April 14th @ 5:00 p.m.

Join us to support our parish youth for a delicious pasta dinner, Caesar salad, bread and dessert in our parish hall.  Tickets $15/person OR $40/family and sold after all Masses this weekend or at the door.

 

 

Seasons of Hope Bereavement Group

bereavement groupOur Lord assured us that those who mourn are blessed and shall be comforted.  Seasons of Hope helps us come together to share in God’s love. Whether your loss is recent or long ago, Seasons of Hope is a nurturing link to the Church, our God and people of faith who understand what it means to grieve. 

This program is centered on Jesus Christ and grounded in the healing wisdom, traditions and practices of the Catholic Church. Come and be comforted.

The group meets at 7:30 p.m. for six consecutive Wednesdays beginning April 17, 2024 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.

 

Altar Server Training

Altar ServersThere will be altar server practice for new servers on Tuesday, April 16th at 6:30 p.m. OR Tuesday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m. in the church. All children Grade 4 and up who have received their first communion are welcome to attend one of these practices. Any questions please email David dmurdoch@archtoronto.org.

 

 

St. Mary’s Classic Movies

April  2024 Classic Movie

 

Join us for Classic Movies at St. Mary’s Parish. Our next movie is on Thursday, April 25th at 2:00 p.m. in the parish hall. We will be showing the classic Irish comedy The Quiet Man (1952) starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara about an American boxer who comes to live in a small whimsical town in Ireland. Snacks are included and all are welcome!

 

Preparation for First Sharing in Holy Communion: Parent Child Meeting # 2

Chalice and Bread7:00 – 8:15 p.m. Please arrive 10 minutes early!

Each parent and child will participate in a family catechetical meeting. Please arrange childcare for siblings, so you and your child preparing for Holy Communion may participate fully. The final opportunity to attend this essential meeting is Monday, April 15th. Questions or concerns please contact David Murdoch (dmurdoch@archtoronto.org) or Catherine Ecker (cecker@archtoronto.org) 705 728 2985 ext. 115.

 

Human Trafficking

O.P.P.The presentation by the OPP Human Trafficking Unit will be held on Tuesday, April 30th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

 

 

All Adults 55+ Ministry with Maturing Adults

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

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.

meditationChristian Meditation is an ancient form of contemplative prayer rooted in the Christian tradition. We will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23, on Zoom. All are welcome! 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).

 

Spring FlowersEverything Old is New Again - Spring is Here:

Join us for a Time of Renewal: Wednesday, April 17th at 2:00 p.m.  - Join us for an afternoon of conversation, games and refreshments!  We will play bingo, assorted board games and have some door prizes! All are welcome, no previous play experience needed! 

“Earth is a task garden; heaven is a playground”.                  K. Chesterton

If you want to be ready for heaven you need to play!

 

playing cardsCards / Bid Euchre: all are welcome to participate.  Lessons will be provided for those new to Bid Euchre!  Join us in the parish hall on Thursday, April 18th from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  Simple refreshments are provided.

 

 

meetingThe Role & Importance of a Power of Attorney and Will / Estate Planning - Join us for an informative session on Wednesday, May 22nd from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. The session will be led by: Robert Galloway, Partner with DOOLEY LUCENTI. All are welcome!

 

Youth Ministry

Ages K to Grade 5 groupM.E.R.C.Y. (Ministry to Educate Roman Catholic Youth) For grades J.K. to Gr. 4 Next gathering is Friday May 10th from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Registration required. 

 

EDGE 2023EDGE: For youth grades 5-8.  Our next gathering is Friday, April 26th.

 

LifeTeen 2023LIFE TEEN – For high school teens. Our next gathering is Sunday, April 14th after the 4:00 p.m. Mass.  Dinner provided. 

For information on our Youth Ministry please email stmarysyouthministrybarrie@gmail.com or call Shannon Barks at 705-229-7426.

 

Theology on Tap

Theology on Tap - At the Flying Monkeys Brewery (in the Attic Lounge upstairs) on the following Sundays from 6:00-9:00 p.m.:    

May 5th and June 23rd, 2024.