Around St. Mary's This Week (1 January 2023)

With best wishes for the coming year

As we celebrate The Solemnity of Mary, The Mother of God, we reflect with gratitude that we are able to gather in person to celebrate our Faith. We have so much to be thankful for in St. Mary’s Parish.

To our music ministry, led by Shannon Barks, who have enriched our liturgies and to our lectors and communion ministers who have served over this past year, a heartfelt thank you for all you do! Thank you also to those who bring communion to our nursing homes, care facilities, and to all shut-ins!

To Nadia DeAmicis and Bernice Scian who again this year, decorated our front entrance planters – well done! They are festive and welcoming!

Thank you to Paul Spicer and John Barks who installed the “Joy” decoration and Christmas lights in the tree; to Paul Ecker for his ongoing assistance in hanging the church banners; to all those who assisted with decorating the church at Christmas and a special thank you to Jeanette Binsfeld who takes care of our votive candles all year round.

We are so grateful for our Parish Schools: Principals, Teachers, Administration and Staff who continue to work on the front lines in Catholic Education. We hope you have had a great break!

And to all who shared their good cheer with kind words and actions, your thoughtfulness and gifts are greatly appreciated. Let us look to this New Year with great promise and hope.

Fr. Larry and Fr. Neyomal

Praying 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.  We pray for all deceased members of our parish.

January 1 – Feast of Mary the Mother of God and Word Day of Prayer for Peace

This feast celebrates Mary as the Mother of God. Every year on January 1^st the Pope marks the World Day of Peace with a special message inviting all people to reflect on the important work of building peace.  In 1967 Pope Paul VI, now St. Paul VI began this tradition.

Celebrating Christmas until January 9, 2023

The Christmas season continues until the feast of the Baptism of the Lord celebrated this year on Monday January 9, 2023. Throughout the liturgical season of Christmas our Church celebrates the many ways that God is made present in our midst and world.  We are invited to celebrate the full season of Christmas. 

From Christmas Day until the Baptism of the Lord, the following prayer can be prayed when your family gathers for a meal.

Father in heaven, you so loved us that You sent Your Son, among us as Savior and Lord. Fill us with Your blessing, that we may grow in love and continue to live our Christian faith. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Some suggestions for celebrating Christmas beyond December 25 are:  sing a verse or refrain of a favourite Christmas carol before the evening meal; call or schedule a virtual visit with a family member who lives a distance from your home; pray for peace in our homes, community and world; at meal time talk about the many ways you see God each day; walk through your neighbourhood and enjoy the lights and decorations.

Wedding Anniversaries: Celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage

The married couples in our parish are a sign to us of God’s faithfulness and through their witness we are strengthened. If you celebrated a wedding anniversary in December we shall pray with you and share in your joy at all Sunday (Saturday evening) Masses this weekend, December 31^st and January 1^st.

Please join us in thanking God for the gift of the married couples in our midst.

Enrolment for Confirmation: Reminder to Candidates!

All young people who have formally registered in the preparation process for Confirmation will bring their letter to Father Larry to the Enrolment. The letter will be presented during at one of the Saturday evening or Sunday morning Masses on January 14/15 or January 21/22, 2023.

On the day of Enrolment, as a tangible sign of our membership in the Body of Christ and commitment to living as disciples each candidate is asked to bring new socks, mitts or gloves.  The items will be shared with those who experience homelessness.

Preparing for First Holy Communion  and First Reconciliation

All families who have formally registered their child in the preparation process to begin sharing in Holy Communion are reminded to set aside time to complete the book We Prepare for Reconciliation.

Please continue to check your emails for updates and reminders.

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. Class will resume on Tuesday January 3, 2023.  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. This group meets on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. The next session will be on Tuesday, January 3 on Zoom.  

Thursday, January 5 - Bid Euchre, Cards and Games!  1:00 – 3:00 p.m. 

All are welcome to attend. Simple refreshments will be provided.

Writing Circle Alumni Group:  this is a gathering for those who have already completed the Life Story Writing program.

The monthly meeting will be held in person on Thursday, January 12 at 2:00 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Room.

Wednesday, January 18 - Healthy Aging:  join us for an engaging, informative and fun session led by staff from Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit.  We will gather at 2:00 p.m. and conclude by 3:30 p.m.  Simple refreshments will be served and each participant will receive a “goodie bag”.

 If you are interested in learning more about any of the above programs, please contact Catherine Ecker. (cecker@archtoronto.org or 705 728 2985 ext. 115).