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Around St. Mary's This Week (6 March 2022)
The Season of Lent
The Church reminds us that Lent has two major purposes: It recalls or prepares for baptism and emphasizes a spirit of penance. The emphasis on a spirit of penance assists us in preparing to renew our baptismal promises. For those who will be baptized at the Easter Vigil the spirit of penance is to assist them in preparing for their baptism.
Throughout the season of Lent we are called to listen more attentively to the Word of God and to set aside additional time for prayer. The traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and works of charity (almsgiving) are to assist us as we prepare to renew our baptismal promises.
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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: Anna Holden, Benjamin Fordham, and Gloria Kodra. |
Praying for the Sick
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HUMANITARIAN RELIEF Ukraine has been plunged into war after the Russian military invaded the country last week, resulting in widespread violence and a looming humanitarian crisis. In response to the request of parishioners, the Archdiocese of Toronto has launched a humanitarian relief effort to help the Ukrainian people at this time. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian civilians have already fled their homes and are trying to find shelter in neighbouring countries. The United Nations estimates that there could eventually be up to five million Ukrainian refugees, depending on how the war transpires. The Archdiocese of Toronto will channel donations to support the Office for Refugees, Archdiocese of Toronto (ORAT) and the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA). CNEWA is a papal agency with a long history of humanitarian relief; it is currently working in Eastern Europe, providing Ukrainians with food, shelter, medicine and transportation to safe locations. ORAT will use donations to bring Ukrainian refugees to Canada as soon as possible. Those wishing to help may do so as follows:
Please continue to pray for the Ukrainian people and all those who suffer under the human tragedy of war. Thank you for your continued assistance. |
You are Invited to Join Us for Faith Nourishment
Tuesday, March 8
The Sacrament of Reconciliation: A Sacrament of Healing!
The Church calls all people to continue to grow in understanding and knowledge of our faith. Join us on March 8th as we explore the history of the sacrament of reconciliation and examine the current rite for this sacrament. This session will be in person at 7:30 p.m. Please bring your own water / coffee and your mask. All are welcome to join Father Larry and Catherine Ecker for a time of faith nourishment!
Journey to Easter!
A Time of Purification and Enlightenment
A Lenten Series: March 10, 17, 24 and March 31st.
The season of Lent is a time to prepare for baptism or to prepare to renew our baptismal promises. You are invited to participate in a four-part series on Thursday mornings. We will hear and reflect on the Gospels that will be proclaimed on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent.
We will meet online from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. All are welcome.
For more information and the link please email Catherine Ecker at cecker@archtoronto.org or call 705 728 2985 ext. 115.
THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
Thank you to everyone who continues to support our ministry. In the month of February we served 107 families-(271 adults and 192 children). We are able to provide gift cards through Giant Tiger on Cundles only through the generosity of our parishioners. If you are able to make a donation to help those less fortunate in our community, you may do so by using the poor boxes in the church, by cheque -Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Mary's Parish or e-transfer to ssvpoffice@gmail.com. Every donation is greatly appreciated. Please keep us in your prayers.
MINISTRY WITH MATURING ADULTS
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, March 8th 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).
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, March 10th 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.
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Parent Catechetical Meeting # 2 Preparing for Full Participation in the Celebration of Eucharist
The second and final opportunity to attend this meeting is on Thursday, March 10th at 7:30 p.m. Participation in the meeting is essential. |
To assist all parents in preparing their children for first sharing in Holy Communion each parent is to attend a parent meeting in March. The second family book will be distributed at this meeting. To allow for your full participation and attention we ask that only parents attend the meeting.
Youth ministry
M.E.R.C.Y. -Grades J.K. to Gr. 4. Our next gathering is Friday, March 11th.
EDGE: Grades 5-8. Our next gathering is Friday, March 25th.
LIFETEEN – for high school teens. Our next gathering is Sunday, March 13th after the 4:00 p.m. Mass. Dinner provided.
For further information on our Youth Ministry email stmarysyouthministrybarrie@gmail.com or call Shannon Barks at 705-229-7426.
