6th Sunday of Easter
Catholic Education Week — May 5-10, 2024
As we begin Catholic Education Week, we continue to pray for all those who serve in our Catholic education system - Administrative Staff, Teachers, Educational Assistants, Support Staff, Custodial Staff and Students. The Catholic schools in our parish will engage in a series of events to celebrate the ongoing gift of publicly funded Catholic education. Publicly funded Catholic education has existed in Ontario since 1841 and its graduates have served Ontario and Canada very well. The current generation of students in our publicly funded Catholic schools will serve with the same spirit and generosity as their previous generations. This year’s Catholic Education Week theme is, “We are called to love.” The Catholic Education Week biblical quote is, “If we love one another, God lives in us.” (1 John 4:12). Visit https://www.archtoronto.org/en/outreach/news/archdiocesan/archbishop-leos-message-for-catholic-education-week2/ to read a message from Archbishop Leo.
Property Taxes and School Support
Do you know if the education portion of your property taxes supports the Catholic School system? If you are a baptized Roman Catholic you have a right to direct your tax dollars to the Catholic School system. Tenants and homeowners alike are able to designate their taxes. The number of supporters determines the number of trustees. Being a supporter allows you to elect a trustee for the Catholic school system. You do not need to have a child in school to support Catholic education. To ensure your property taxes are designated properly contact the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (M.P.A.C.) at 1-866-296-6722 or visit https://smcdsb.on.ca/cms/one.aspx?portalId=30054&pageId=108844. Have your assessment notice or property information available.
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 pray those who have died recently including: Stella Oziewicz and Math Noel.
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.
Confirmation Reminders!
The candidates preparing for Confirmation will attend a retreat at the parish on May 7th from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. Supper is provided. Reminders have been sent to families via Flocknote. Please prayer for our candidates as they complete their preparation. Bishop Boissonneau will celebrate Confirmation at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21st and Thursday, May 23rd. All candidates and sponsors are to arrive by 6:40 p.m. If you have any questions / concerns please contact Catherine Ecker (cecker@archtoronto.org) or David Murdoch (dmurdoch@archtoronto.org).
The Feast of Pentecost: May 18 /19, 2024 Wear Red!
Pentecost Sunday marks the end of the Easter season. We celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles and the beginning of the Church. This day is often described as the ‘birthday of the Church’. All parishioners are invited to add to our celebration of Pentecost by wearing red to church. There are many different shades of red – the vibrant colour and the different shades will be a visual reminder to us of the diversity of our God given gifts and talent.
ShareLife: Live the Gospel by supporting our vulnerable brothers and sisters
Through your love, Catholic agencies bring the hands of Christ to the most vulnerable members of our community. 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
The next ShareLife Sunday is June 2nd.
All Adults 55+ Ministry with Maturing Adults
All are welcome to attend the various sessions 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, May 7th 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).
Alumni Writing Group: this is a gathering for those who have already completed the Life Story Writing program. The monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, May 9th at 2:00 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Room.
The 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!
Hold the Date: Wednesday, June 19th: Celebrating the Gift of Years! - Join us for a potluck lunch as we celebrate Seniors’ Month and give thanks to God. Details to follow.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Summer Camp
Two camps are available; Marygrove for girls ages 5 - 13 near Penetang and Camp Ozanam for boys ages 7 – 12, near South River, On. Camps are for families experiencing financial difficulties. Final registration date: Wednesday, May 8, 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. in the parish library. Please bring ID for yourself and your child(ren).
Catholic Women’s League May 2024 Diaper Drive
The CWL is inviting everyone to donate to our May Diaper Drive for the Barrie Women's and Children shelter. We will be accepting donations before and after all Masses May 11th and 12th, 2024. Donations can be placed in the hall. Diapers size 5, 6 and pull ups, wipes, diaper cream or Vaseline, juice boxes, school snacks and cash or gift card donations are appreciated. Thank you to all.
Parish Religious Article Store
Open every Sunday between the morning Masses. Hours of operation are: (9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.)
We invite you to visit our parish store. We have a wonderful selection of items for First Communion, rosaries, crosses, jewelry, books, unique items, greeting cards and lots more! Why not think ahead and buy that special gift for the next special occasion? For further information please call Pat Dunn at 705-718-1853. Thank you for your support!
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May is the Month of Mary Prayer to our Lady of Good Counsel Holy Mary Mother of God, Chosen by the eternal Wisdom 
To be the Mother of the eternal Word in the flesh, You who are the treasurer of God’s graces and the advocate of sinners, be my guide and counsel. Obtain for me through your son Jesus Christ the forgiveness of my sins, the salvation of my soul, and the means necessary to bring it about. Help me to spread the kingdom of God over the whole of this earth. Amen. |
Youth Ministry
M.E.R.C.Y. (Ministry to Educate Roman Catholic Youth) is for youth grades J.K. to Gr. 4 and gathers once a month on Friday nights from 6:00-7:30 p.m. where we explore our faith in a dynamic way through activities, games, crafts and music. Our next gathering is Friday, May 10th.. Registration required.
EDGE is a youth ministry program for youth grades 5-8 to come together once a month on a Friday from 6:00-7:30 p.m. EDGE is a safe, fun place for youth to find solid Catholic community, to get answers to their questions about faith and most importantly, to experience Jesus in a profound and personal way. Our next gathering is Friday, May 24th.
LIFETEEN – for high school teens to explore their faith through talks, prayer and friendship meeting monthly on Sunday nights. Our next gathering is Sunday, May 19th 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 - At the Flying Monkeys Brewery (in the Attic Lounge upstairs) TONIGHT May 5th from 6:00-9:00 p.m. and June 23rd, 2024.
Pro-Life Apologetics Evening – Knights of Columbus
Tuesday, May 28th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 93 Berczy Street.
Keturah Duhmaine, from CCBR (The Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform), will speak on how we can compassionately and effectively respond to the challenges that are presented in our world today when faced with life issues. Contact Michael Mora with any questions: mike_mora@hotmail.com.
Mobility Scooter
A Shoprider mobility scooter is available for a reduced price. Used for less than 4 months. Please call the parish office for further information.
