Around St. Mary's This Week (3 April 2022)

5TH SUNDAY IN LENT: CELEBRATING A SCRUTINY
Today in Catholic parishes throughout the world the Church will celebrate a scrutiny with the elect. A scrutiny is a prayer for purification and strength. The scrutiny is a preparatory rite for the sacrament of baptism when the elect will reject sin and declare their belief in God. The Church prays with and for those chosen for Baptism. At St. Mary’s Parish we have two elect who will celebrate Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion at the Easter Vigil. We pray for our elect Brooklynne and Kiara.

As you prepare for and celebrate the 5th Sunday in Lent you are invited to reflect on your life and where you require the healing and powerful touch of God our creator. Is there a relationship in need of God’s healing?

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 on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. The next session will be on Tuesday, April 5th on Zoom. If you are interested in learning more about this form of prayer, have questions or would like the link please contact Catherine Ecker. (cecker@archtoronto.org or 705 728 2985 ext. 115)

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!

Preparing for and Celebrating the Easter Triduum - April 14 – 17, 2022
The Easter Triduum is the highpoint of our Church year. The word Triduum means three. For a Catholic there is really nothing more important than gathering with the community to pray throughout these three days. A liturgical day begins at sundown, so our first day is from sundown on Thursday to sundown on Friday. The second day is sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday and the third day is sundown on Saturday to sundown on
Sunday. The Easter Triduum is really one liturgy that extends over the three days. We go home in-between to rest, pray and to ponder the mystery of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.

We live in a world that seldom takes time off from work and daily demands so it is important to plan how we can keep the Easter Triduum holy. You are invited to take time each day, to prepare and to reflect on the liturgy.

Schedule for Easter Triduum

Holy Thursday, April 14th Mass of the Lord’s Supper: 8:00 p.m.

You are invited to bring non-perishable food items, gift cards for grocery stores or cash to the celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. The bags of food or monetary gifts will be brought forward during the Preparation of the Gifts.

Good Friday April 15th Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

We will gather for the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion. We do not celebrate Mass on Good Friday. It is the same liturgy at 12:00 and 3:00 p.m.

Stations of the Cross will be prayed at 7:00 p.m.

Holy Saturday April 16th Midday Prayer 12:00 p.m.

Gather with the parish family to pray Midday Prayer. This time of prayer will include anointing of the elect and the final preparation for initiation. All are invited to this brief time of prayer.

Easter Vigil April 16th at 8:00 p.m.

St. Augustine called this vigil the “Mother of all Vigils”. We hear stories from Scripture, proclaim God’s praises and rejoice at the waters of new life. We will celebrate initiation with our two elect, renew our baptismal promises, complete the initiation of seven candidates and then with thanksgiving participate in feasting at the Eucharistic table.

** There is no 5:00 p.m. Mass on April 16th

Easter Sunday, April 17th

We will celebrate Mass at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m.

At each liturgy we shall renew our baptismal promises.

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, April 8th. Registration required.

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

SHARELIFE AGENCIES SERVE EVERYONE
Today’s Gospel shares the parable of the woman accused of adultery, a message of Our Lord’s great love, forgiveness and respect for all people. Likewise, ShareLife agencies are there to support the most vulnerable and marginalized members of our communities.

Our parish goal is $110,000.
ShareLife Sunday’s are: May 1 and June 5

Please give generously