Around St. Mary's This Week (9 January 2022)

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: Ann Ivits, Dean Edgar, John Debney, Terry DeLorenzo, Clair Dubroy, Joe Galle, Michael Kennedy, Ruth Johnson, Nick Dal Bello, Father Paul Cusack C.P. and Isabel Whyte.

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord: Remembering Our Baptism

On Sunday, January 9^th we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord marking the end of the Christmas season. This feast is a wonderful time for us to recall our own baptism.  At your family meal you may consider taking a few moments before you begin to light a candle and to pray a prayer of thanksgiving for all those who handed on the gift of faith to you. Remember to thank God for the gift of godparents, the priest or deacon who baptized and the parish where the baptism was celebrated.  The time of thanksgiving could conclude with this prayer:

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation.

Today we give you thanks

for the gift of baptism.

Give us grace to live in your love

and help our family to draw closer to you by faith, prayer and example.

All glory is yours through Jesus your Son

in the communion of the Holy Spirit,

now and for ever.                     Amen.

Ordinary Time

On Monday, January 10th, 2022 we enter the season of Ordinary Time. The white or gold vestments of Christmas are put aside and we embrace green vestments. Green reminds us of life. During the Winter span of Ordinary Time, except on the 2nd Sunday when we hear the gospel of St. John, the gospel on Sundays will be from the gospel of St. Luke. This span of Ordinary Time extends to Sunday February 27th.

This year Easter Sunday is April 17th and Ash Wednesday is March 2nd marking the beginning of the season of Lent.

Each Sunday (Saturday evening) when we gather to give praise to God we are nourished from the table of God’s Word and the table of the Eucharist. The nourishment we receive strengthens us to live as the Body of Christ for the life of the world.

A Prayer for Ordinary Time

God of wisdom and love, source of all good, send your Spirit to teach us your truth

and guide our actions in your way of peace.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ,

your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

Amen

Recycling Christmas Cards!

The Knights of Columbus, council 1626 are asking for you to donate the fronts of used Christmas Cards. If you have cards to donate please drop them off in the box in the foyer.  Thank you!

You are Invited to Join Us for Faith Nourishment

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

The Role of the Baptized!

 The Church calls all people to continue to grow in understanding and knowledge of our faith. Join us on January 11th as we reflect on our role as the baptized.

This session will be online at 7:30 p.m.

All are welcome to join Father Larry and Catherine Ecker for a time of faith nourishment!  Please email cecker@archtoronto.org to get the link.

MINISTRY WITH MATURING ADULTS

VON SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) During this stage of the pandemic the Exercise Program is suspended. For details regarding the program 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, January 11th on Zoom. If you are interested in learning more about this form of prayer 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 on Thursday, January 13th at 2:00 p.m. online. Current members will be sent a link to the meeting.

Enrolment for Confirmation: Reminder to Candidates!

All young people who have formally registered in the preparation process for Confirmation will bring their letter to Father Larry to the Enrolment.

The letter will be presented during at one of the Saturday evening or Sunday morning Masses on January 15 /16 or January 22 /23, 2022.

On the day of Enrolment, as a tangible sign of our membership in the Body of Christ and commitment to living as disciples each candidate is asked to bring three new unused toiletry items (tooth brush/ toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, no mouthwash or razors) or sport socks. The items will be shared with those who experience homelessness.

Preparing for First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation

All families who have formally registered their child in the preparation process to begin sharing in Holy Communion are reminded to set aside time to complete the book, “We Prepare for Reconciliation.”   Please continue to check your emails for updates and reminders.

CALLING ALL CATHOLIC MEN

Exodus 90 is a spiritual program for you: a challenging 90-day period of prayer and self-discipline, supported by a fraternity of like-minded males. The goal is to renew the Church by renewing its men. Exodus 90 kicks off on January 17th, so it includes Lent and ends on Easter Sunday. Learn more at exodus90.com - if you would like to join a fraternity here at St. Mary's, go to https://app.exodus90.com/j/MYXPAJM. There is an Exodus app, and participation costs around $10 a month (first week is free).