Around St. Mary's This Week (24 April 2022)

Posted : Apr-21-2022

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! As your family gathers for meals throughout the season of Easter you are invited to begin by lighting a candle and then praying together.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! Alleluia!

God of all joy, We are at this table of plenty celebrating Easter joy.

We thank you for the food we have before us and for those who prepared it.

We remember those who do not have enough to eat.

Bless this food and our time together for you are the God who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!

prayer requests 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: Baby Lennon Caruana, Fred Campling, Margaret Mills and Donna Marie Bartlett.

prayers for Divine Mercy TODAY IS THE FEAST OF DIVINE MERCY

This afternoon there will be a time of prayer from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. with: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction. Jesus told St. Faustina: “On that day [the Feast of Divine Mercy] the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the Fount of My Mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.” (Diary, 699).

SPRING BEREAVEMENT PROGRAM

dove holding olive branch 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 Charity ShareLife Sunday is next weekend – May 1

To date we have raised $24,820 towards our parish goal of $110,000. Please give generously.

Important Reminder for Families Preparing Children for FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Chalice and Bread 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 – 8:00 p.m.

Saturday April 30th 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Cross and flame 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.

Many have commented on the solemnity of the Easter Liturgies beginning with Palm Sunday and continuing through Holy Week. Thank you to all who ministered: Shannon and the musicians and cantors, the lectors and Eucharistic ministers. Thank you to all those who decorated the church including Paul Ecker. Thank you to Nadia DeAmicis for the beautiful Easter arrangements in the planters at the front of the church. Thank you also to Catherine Ecker and those who have been a part of the Initiation process.

It is wonderful that we were able to gather and celebrate with fewer restrictions this year.

WHAT IS THE KAIROS BLANKET EXERCISE?

Developed in collaboration with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers and educators, the KAIROS Blanket Exercise is an interactive and experiential teaching tool that explores the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the land we now know as Canada. During this 2 to 3-hour workshop, participants step on blankets representing the land, and into the role of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We will be guided by trained facilitators, including Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, who work from a script that covers pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization, resistance and much more.

The KAIROS Blanket Exercise concludes with a debriefing, conducted as a talking circle, during which participants discuss the learning experience, process their feelings, ask questions, share insights, and deepen their understanding.

St. Mary’s will have two blanket exercises:

Virtual – Wednesday May 4th, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Register by sending an email to stmarysba@archtoronto.org by April 25th. You will need a desktop, (not a phone) and be able to change background images.

In Person – Monday, May 16th 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Please register by May 9th by sending an email to stmarysba@archtoronto.org

EASTER FOOD DRIVE SUCCESS!

Sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who supported this year’s Easter Food Drive for the Barrie Food Bank. A total of 2529 lbs. of food was donated, along with $1,861.00 in cash and cheques and numerous gift cards. Thank you to the Knights of Columbus, Council 1626 members who helped to organize the food drive. Non-perishable Food Donations can still be dropped off at 42 Anne Street South, Unit 2 on Mon., Wed., and Fri., 8:30-3:30pm, Tues., 8:30-3:30pm, Thurs., 8:30-7pm or items can be dropped off at local grocery stores including Zehrs, Loblaws, NoFrills, Costco, Metro, Freshco, Food Basics and the Wholesale Club. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call The Barrie Food Bank at: 705-725-1818.

IN NEED OF HELPERS

The Catholic Women’s League are looking for anyone that would like to help serve at funeral receptions. Duties include serving catered food, preparing and serving coffee/tea/juice, set-up and clean up and ensuring the reception runs smoothly. You do not need to be a CWL member to help. If you can help, please contact Diana Catton at 705-722-7067 or email the parish office: stmarysba@archtoronto.org

Tree representing Ministry with Maturing Adults 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 26th we will meet online via 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)

Wednesday, April 27th!

It is movie time! We will gather at 1:00 p.m. for conversation and refreshments and the movie Belfast will begin at 1:30 p.m. All are welcome. Free Will Offering!

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)

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