Around St. Mary's This Week (13 November 2022)

SHEPHERD’S TRUST COLLECTION TODAY

The mission of The Shepherds’ Trust is to help ensure that elderly and disabled priests are provided with sufficient financial resources to lead a dignified life after many years of ministry.  Your generous gift will help our priests to maintain a modest but active and independent lifestyle in their retirement years.  For priests who are ill or otherwise infirm, the Trust ensures they have access to nursing home facilities and medical care.  Thank you for your support of this important work. Please also consider remembering The Shepherds’ Trust in your will.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated.         

PRAYING FOR THE SICK AND FAITHFUL DEPARTED

As the baptized we all share in the ministry of prayer. 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 all those mentioned in Our Book of Remembrance.

A November Prayer

Throughout November we pray for those who died. Although the falling leaves and days that are getting shorter can create a picture of death we know that Jesus in his resurrection has destroyed death for all time.  During this month you are invited to light a candle when you gather for a meal or family prayer and to include a prayer for those who have died including those who have no one to pray for them. A traditional prayer for those who have died is:

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord,

And let perpetual light shine upon them.

May their souls and the souls

of all the faithful departed,

Through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

TRAINING INFORMATION MEETING FOR ALTAR SERVERS

November 15^th at 6:00 p.m.  We invite all those who are interested in this very important ministry!  Must be in grade 4 and up, and have received First Holy Communion.  

Patron Saint of Widows and Widowers: St. Elizabeth of Hungary

It is customary to celebrate wedding anniversaries.  The witness of a married couple is life giving and a sign of God’s presence. In our parish, many widows and widowers continue to serve God, our parish and the community at large through their witness and living faith. The years of their married life continues to bear great fruit in our midst.

St. Elizabeth of Hungary is the patron saint or an example for widows and widowers. The universal Church marks her feast day on the day of her death, November 17^th. 

Next weekend, on Sunday, November 20^th (Saturday, November 19^th) at all Masses we will thank God for the witness of these many widow and widowers and ask God to bless them.

Hospitality Sunday!

Our next Hospitality Sunday will be November 19^th / 20^th after all Masses. You are invited to bring some of your favourite cookies or muffins to share.

The Parish Staff will be hosting and serving.

Celebrating Advent:

Join us for Advent Lessons and Carols on Wednesday, November 30^th at 2:00 p.m.

At the beginning of the Advent season you are invited to pause from preparations for Christmas to hear God’s Word.  Following this time of prayer and reflection there will be time for fellowship and simple refreshments. All are welcome.

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 the program and registration please call: 705 737 5044 ext. 221. 

Christian Meditation is an ancient form of contemplative prayer rooted in the Christian tradition. Our next sessions will be on Tuesday, November 15^th at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom. If you are interested in learning more about this form of prayer or have questions please contact Catherine Ecker. (cecker@archtoronto.org or 705 728 2985 ext. 115) All are welcome.

Thursday, November 17^th at 2:00 p.m. Classic Movies.  This month’s movie is a classic war time film. All are welcome to enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Snacks will be provided.

Wednesday, November 23^rd - Soup and a Movie at 12:00 p.m.  You are invited to join us at 12:00 noon for soup, bread and sweets followed by a movie. Cost: free will donation.  Please reserve your spot by Monday, November 21^st. Call Catherine at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or email: cecker@archtoronto.org

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Preparing for first Holy Communion

Parent Catechetical Meeting # 1

All families who have registered in the preparation process for first Holy Communion are reminded to attend one of the two parent catechetical meetings.  Parents will receive a family book and catechesis focused on preparing to celebrate reconciliation (confession). We ask that only parents attend. It is fine for one parent to attend.  The parent meeting will be held from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. The second and final opportunity to attend this essential meeting is Tuesday, November 22^nd.

Being Lifted Up! Wednesday, December 14^th

An Advent Reflection

1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

As we move closer to the feast of Christmas, give yourself a gift and gather for a time of prayer, reflection, and conversation. The facilitator will be Laurie van den Hurk. Laurie has spent more than 30 years in community outreach, spiritual development and group facilitation with people of all ages and widely diverse circumstances, including 10 years in Tanzania. Laurie is a trained Spiritual director.  All are welcome to attend this session.  Simple refreshments will be provided. Cost: free will offering.

LUX VITAE

Mark your calendars for this special parish event! 

You are invited to a candle lit, outdoor Christmas Market held in our parish parking lot on Saturday, November 26^th from 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

FAMILY DANCE

Save the Date!  

Please join us on Friday, December 9^th at 6:00 p.m. for a Family Dance in our parish hall.  DJ, snacks and prizes for the whole family!

Tickets are $20/family and can be purchased in advance at the parish office.

YOUTH MINISTRY

M.E.R.C.Y. (Ministry to Educate Roman Catholic Youth) is for youth grads J.K.-4 and gathers once a month on Friday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. where we explore our faith in a dynamic way through activities, games, crafts and music. 

Our next gathering is Friday, December 9^th!

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, November 25^th!

LIFE TEEN – for high school teens to explore their faith through talks, prayer and friendship meeting monthly on Sunday nights.

Our next gathering is TODAY - Sunday, November 13^th at the 4:00 p.m. 

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