Around St. Mary's This Week (30 October 2022)

Posted : Oct-27-2022

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 including Francine Hillier, Eileen Eydt, James Kitchen, Paul Berthiaume and Edward Louis.

ANNUAL MEMORIAL MASS

dove holding olive branch On Wednesday, November 2^nd, All Souls Day, we will pray for all of the faithful departed at the 7:00 p.m. Mass. Our Bereavement Committee has extended a personal invitation to all families who had a loved one buried from St. Mary’s Parish during the past year to attend this Mass.

All parishioners are welcome to attend as we pray for our family near and far who have died this past year. When you arrive, we will give you a lit candle which is placed on the steps near the altar. After Mass everyone is invited to join us in the parish hall for simple refreshments and fellowship.

When Mass has ended you are welcome to take a candle home or to leave it burning in the church. This Mass will also be livestreamed on our parish Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/St.MarysBarrie/live.

BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE

The parish Book of Remembrance is available in the church proper so that you may inscribe the names of those who have gone before you marked with the sign of faith. Please remember to use your own pen.

Sunday Missals for the New Liturgical Year!

The new Missals are available in the foyer or from the parish office. The cost is $5.00. Please remember to put your name in the Missal!

Halloween Hallowe’en is actually a Christian celebration that is over 1000 years old

October 31st Hallowe’en and November 1st All Saints Day have been celebrated since the early 8th century. Pope Gregory III wanted to establish a day to celebrate all Saints. The word Hallowe’en comes from “All Hallows Eve” that refers to the night before All Hallows Day, also known as All Saints Day. Hallow as a noun is an old English word for saint and Hallow as a verb is to make holy or to honour as holy.

Traditions - The supernatural aspects of Hallowe’en, like ghosts and demons, have their roots in Catholic belief. At certain times of the year it was believed that the veil separating earth from the afterlife was very thin. When this veil is “thin” the ghosts and demons could be seen. October 31st and November 1st were considered a time when the veil was thin. People would wear costumes to scare away the ghosts and demons.

All Saints Day

On November 1st the church celebrates All Saints Day. On this day we celebrate the women and men who have lived before us and the Church has given them the title of saint. For example, people like St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Theresa, St. Matthew, St. Agnes and St. Monica. On all Saints Day we also celebrate all of the people who lived holy lives and have died. Some of these people would be our grandparents, aunts, uncles, leaders who have worked for justice and peace. We believe in the communion of saints which means we believe that through baptism we are united with the baptized who are living on earth, those who have died and all who have been named saints. We pray: All holy men and women, pray for us.

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.

Wednesday, November 23^rd - Soup and a Movie - 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.

VON SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) Exercise Program is held on Tuesday mornings. For details and/or registration call: 705 737 5044 ext. 221.

Christian Meditation is an ancient form of contemplative prayer rooted in the Christian tradition. Our next session will be on Tuesday, October 25^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.

Cross and flame Registration for Confirmation Golden Chalice

First Sharing in Holy Communion

Families who participated in the September / October parent information meeting for Confirmation or first sharing in Holy Communion received a package of material.

The completed registration form including a legible photocopy of the young person’s baptismal certificate, the Parish Registration Form and the Sacramental Preparation envelope will be accepted AFTER Mass has ended on October 29 / 30.

Please note: Registration forms are only accepted after Sunday (Saturday) Mass.

If you have questions about the form or the preparation process please email Catherine Ecker, parish catechist at cecker@archtoronto.org or call 705 728 2985 ext. 115.

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.

YOUTH MINISTRY

M.E.R.C.Y. (Ministry to Educate Roman Catholic Youth). Our next gathering is Friday, November 11^th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for an All Saints Party! We invite those in J.K. to Grade 4 (and helpers) to come dressed as their favourite Saint.

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, October 30^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.

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.

PARISH RELIGIOUS ARTICLE STORE

Open every Sunday between the morning Masses. (9-10 a.m., 11-12 p.m., 1-1:15 p.m.). We have a collection of religious articles, gifts, books and greeting cards. We’ll have a nice selection of cards and gifts available as of the first Sunday of Advent. Call Pat Dunn @ 705-718-1853 for information.

READING BUDDIES NEEDED - The Reading Buddy Program is a group of volunteers who go to St Mary’s school Wednesday mornings to help students who are struggling with their reading skills. The CWL of St Mary’s runs the program but you do not need to be a member to help out. You will need to submit a Criminal Record and vulnerable Sector check before entering the school. If you can assist please contact Eileen Bethune at 705 791 6249.

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