3rd Sunday of Lent

We invite you to attend Stations of the Cross each Friday during Lent at 7:00 p.m. 

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: Marlene Periera, Karen Marchand and Joan McDermott.

Hospital Visitation

If you or a family member are admitted to the Royal Victoria Hospital 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.

Third Sunday in Lent

The Church reminds us that Lent has two major purposes: It recalls or prepares for baptism and emphasizes a spirit of penance.  For those already baptized Lent is a time to prepare to renew our baptismal promises.  The gospel today tells the story of Jesus’ encounter at Jacob’s well with the Samaritan woman.  The Church proclaims this passage from St. John’s gospel as part of our preparation for Easter when we will renew our baptismal promises.

Preauthorized Special Collection Envelopes

We wish to remind all preauthorized giving parishioners that there are a number of special collection boxes in the parish hall.  If you have not had the opportunity to do so, please collect your envelopes for 2023 at your earliest convenience.  Thank you for your continued support!

Northern Regional Welcome Mass

St. Mary’s Parish is honoured to host a Northern Regional Welcome Mass for our new Archbishop Francis Leo on Monday, April 17^th, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. 

All are welcome to attend this historical event in the life of the Archdiocese.

How has your contribution to ShareLife made a difference?

Because of your kindness and generosity, ShareLife agencies annually help more than 150,000 people. Your gift has:

• funded programs for 2,500 individuals with special needs and their families
• enabled 23,000 people to receive affordable mental health care
• helped over 2,300 seniors receive dignified care
• helped 5,000 newcomers to Canada receive language, employment, and housing assistance
• invested in our Church’s future by supporting the formation of 58 seminarians at St. Augustine’s Seminary and Redemptoris Mater Missionary Seminary in the 2022-2023 academic year

Learn more about the people you have helped at sharelife.org/impact. Thank you for living the Gospel by providing for those in need!

Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.

Our Parish Goal this year is $125,000.00.

The First ShareLife Sunday is March 26th

Please give generously!

Religious Articles Store

Kindly note that for the next three weeks the store will only be accepting cash transactions.

We remind you at this time that the parish Religious Articles store is open each Sunday after the 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Masses. 

Thank you for your support!

You are Invited to Join Us for Faith Nourishment

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Topic: Marking the 10 Years of Pope Francis’ Leadership

A decade ago, guided by the Holy Spirit, Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis. Join us as we look at some of the encyclicals and actions of Pope Francis. 

We gather for 7:30 p.m. and conclude by 9:00 p.m. 

All are welcome. 

Simple refreshments will be provided.

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 March 14^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).

March 15 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.:  Celebrating the Saints: Patrick, Joseph and Francis

You are invited to an afternoon of music, games, conversation and food! All are welcome.

Bible Camp 2023

Our parish bible camp this summer will be held the week of July 4^th to 7^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.  The cost is $75.00/ child.  Registration is open now and has limited space!

The registration form can be found on the parish website at www.stmarysbarrie.archtoronto.org or email stmarysyouthministrybarrie@gmail.com.  Please contact Shannon Barks at 705-229-7426 for any questions.

Celebrating First Reconciliation: Important Reminder to Parents!

When you have completed the book, We Prepare for Reconciliation you are to bring your child to celebrate reconciliation on one of the following dates:

Saturday, March 11^th        11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 15^th & 22^nd    4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

You choose which of the above dates you will bring your child. Your child is to bring the completed book to the church and will take their book into the reconciliation room.  After your child celebrates, you take the book home. This is a good resource for you and your family. 

Seasons of Hope

Bereavement Group to Begin

If you are in need of consolation after losing a loved one, this Christ – centered faith sharing group is for you.  The group meets for six consecutive Wednesdays beginning April 19, 2023.  Prayer, scripture, faith sharing and fellowship begin at 7:30 p.m.  For more details or to register please call Catherine Ecker at 705 728 2985 ext. 115.

EDGE Catholic Adventure Camp – Aug. 27-31

A 5-day Catholic adventure camp with sports & activities, catechesis, Mass, praise & worship and fellowship!   Who:  Students currently in grade 5-8 who attend EDGE.  Where:  Camp White Pine, Haliburton, ON. Cost:  $475.00 (before April 30 early bird deadline) / $525.00 from May 1-31 (last day to register). All-Inclusive (Food, Transportation, Accommodations, Camp T-shirt, Water bottle).

Space limited to a first come, first register basis.

For questions & to register, contact:  Shannon Barks at 705-229-7426 or stmarysyouthministrybarrie@gmail.com

YOUTH MINISTRY

LIFE TEEN – For high school teens to explore their faith through talks, prayer and friendship; meeting monthly on Sunday nights. Our next gathering is TONIGHT Sunday, March 12^th at the 4:00 p.m. Mass.

EDGE: For grades 5-8 to come together once a month on a Friday from 6:00-7:30 p.m.  Come and get answers to questions about faith and most importantly, to experience Jesus in a profound and personal way.  Our next gathering is Friday, March 24^th.   

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