Around St. Mary's This Week (17 April 2022)

CHRIST 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!

An Easter Prayer

God, source of life,

Pour in our hearts the joy of Easter, and grant us to live the new life

that Christ has gained for us through his resurrection,

for he reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God for ever and ever.

Amen. (adapted from Blessings and Prayers for Home and Family, © Concacan Inc., 2004)

SPRING BEREAVEMENT PROGRAM

Our next support group for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one begins on Wednesday, April 27th and runs every Wednesday until June 15th. An afternoon or evening group is available. Pre-registration is required. Please call the parish office indicating your interest and a member of the bereavement committee will call you back with further details.

SHARELIFE IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

“Many aspects of pre-Covid life are returning, such as the gradual reopening of our parishes. But we must remember that, for many people, their suffering continues. ShareLife-funded agencies have been helping thousands of people since the pandemic began. They quickly adapted their programs in light of safety and the changing needs of the people they serve.”                                                                         – Cardinal Thomas Collins

To date our parishioners have contributed $24,820 toward our parish goal of $110,000

ShareLife Sunday’s are: May 1 and June 5

Thank you for supporting ShareLife!

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Living and Celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage

The expression a wedding lasts a day a marriage lasts a lifetime highlights the importance of celebrating and living marriage vows day after day. 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 April we shall pray with you and share in your joy at all Sunday (Saturday evening) Masses on April 23 /24. Please join us in thanking God for the gift of the married couples in our midst.

PARISH RELIGIOUS ARTICLE STORE

The Religious Article Store is 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 offer a wide collection of religious articles, gifts, books and greeting cards. 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!

YOUTH MINISTRY

M.E.R.C.Y. (Ministry to Educate Roman Catholic Youth) is for youth grades J.K. to Gr. 4and 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 13th. 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, April 22nd.

EDGE CAMP – Registration is Open! For those who currently participate in our Edge Program. For more information please contact Shannon.

LIFETEEN – for high school teens to explore their faith through talks, prayer and friendship meeting monthly on Sunday nights. Our next gathering is Sunday, April 24th 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.

CELEBRATING INITIATION DURING EASTER

In the Church the Easter season is the normative time for celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

During the Easter season we will celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation with our young people and children will join us at the table of the Lord as they begin to share in Holy Communion. You are asked to pray for all families who are preparing to celebrate a sacrament and we thank God for their witness of faith.

IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR FAMILIES PREPARING CHILDREN FOR FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

In April all parents and children are to attend a parent child meeting. Attendance is absolutely necessary. The parent and child are to attend one of the meetings.

      Tuesday April 26th:   7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

      Saturday April 30th:   2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

FINAL MEETING FOR CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES

REMINDER TO ALL CANDIDATES PREPARING FOR CONFIRMATION

The final catechetical meeting with candidates and sponsors will be held on May 3rd and May 9th. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. You are to attend one meeting.

It is understood that the candidate and sponsor will attend the meeting together. IF, the sponsor cannot attend the parent is to attend.

MINISTRY WITH MATURING ADULTS

The Ministry with Maturing Adults seeks to support the lifelong faith development of women and men throughout all phases of the pre-retirement and retirement years. Programs are open to everyone.

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. This group meets weekly. Our next session will be on Tuesday, April 19th we will meet in person at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Room.

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)

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, April 21st at 2:00 p.m. Current members are asked to confirm their attendance by email (cecker@archtoronto.org) or by phoning Catherine at 705 728 2985 ext. 115.

The Next Chapter Network is a faith-based support network for women who are widowed. The network encourages and empowers widows to move forward into a positive future. This group is not a bereavement support group and is not intended to replace the Bereavement Support Group at St. Mary’s Church. The next meeting will be on Thursday, April 28th at 7:00 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Room. If you have any questions please contact Catherine Ecker (705 728 2985 ext. 115 or email cecker@archtoronto.org)

Save The Date: Wednesday, April 27th! Join us for an afternoon movie! We will gather at 1:00 p.m. for a time of conversation and refreshments.

The movie will begin at 1:30 p.m. Free Will Offering!