Body and Blood of Christ

Parish Feast Day Celebration!

On December 15, 1872, the new Catholic Church in Barrie was blessed by Archbishop John Joseph Lynch and dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary are celebrated on the third Friday and Saturday after Pentecost, for this year Friday, June 16^th and Saturday, June 17^th, 2023.   

To celebrate the Feast Day, we will start on Friday, June 16th after the 12:10 p.m. Mass (the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus) and conclude with the 9:00 a.m. Mass on Saturday, June 17^th (the Memorial of the Sacred Heart of Mary).  You are invited to sign up to spend an hour (or more) in prayer and Eucharistic Adoration.  Please call Mary at 705-726-6641 or the parish office.

Prayers 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 prayer those who have died recently including: Maurice Brooks Jr.

Visiting the Hospital

If you or a family member are admitted to RVH and would appreciate a visit from someone at St. Mary’s please call or email the parish office.  Please note: the hospital no longer provides us with a list of Catholics who are hospitalized; therefore, you must notify the parish.

Parishioners Invited to Learn about Knights of Columbus Fraternal Benefits

Today, Sunday, June 11 all parishioners are invited to our parish hall from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for an opportunity to learn about the various insurance, long-term care and retirement annuity products that are available to members of the Knights of Columbus. This meeting is open to members & non-members alike. The K of C Field Agent will highlight how these diverse products might be adapted to your lifestyle and needs.

You helped thousands of people on the path to healing

Through your kind support, you eased the struggles of 23,000 people by providing access to mental health care. You continue to bring hope and healing to families in need through counselling sessions from our Catholic family agencies.  Our parish community has raised $81,303.00 toward our goal of $125,000. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.

Resuming Communion from the Cup: Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ

We have received permission to resume offering the Blood of Christ to the assembly. Beginning this weekend at all Masses we shall be able to receive both the Body and Blood of Christ. We remember that when we receive the Host we are receiving the Body and Blood of Christ. Everyone who is able to receive the Body of Christ is invited to receive the Blood of Christ from the chalice. To participate in the Chalice is a fuller sign of the banquet.

If you are feeling unwell please refrain from receiving from the Chalice.  We remind everyone that it is important to remain at home when sick. The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion receive formation and instruction on the importance of purifying the chalice.

Sharing in Holy Communion: A Sign of our Communion with God and Union with Others

Our sharing in Holy Communion is a profoundly public personal act.  We process forward to share in Holy Communion. It is most definitely a holy union with Jesus and with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  There is nothing private about the Communion procession.  Please review the following information.

In 2011, the Canadian Bishops instructed that our common sign of reverence before sharing in Holy Communion be a bow of the head. The ritual does not expect anyone to genuflect, kneel or make the sign of the cross before or after receiving Holy Communion.

At the time of Holy Communion when the person in front of you has received Holy Communion and you are in the front of the procession, you bow your head, the Minister of the Body of Christ will say, “The Body of Christ”, you reply, “Amen”. It is important to note that the only appropriate response is Amen.  The Church expects that Amen is said in a voice that can be heard by the Minister of Holy Communion.  After saying Amen the Minister of Communion places the host in your hand and you will consume the Host immediately. If receiving the Precious Blood, you will move to the Minister of the Chalice who will say, “The Blood of Christ”, you will reply, “Amen” and take a sip from the chalice.  You will not bow a second time for the act of receiving the Body and Blood of Christ is one ritual gesture.  (GIRM, paragraph 160)

The Communion procession is a time of communal prayer. We sing the Communion hymn as an outward sign of our unity.  We sit or kneel for silent prayer when the priest sits down after Communion.

Resuming the Offertory Collection

Beginning this weekend at each Sunday (Saturday evening) Mass we will resume the practice of passing the offertory basket.  Our active participation in the celebration of Mass is crucial and is evident when we answer the prayers, listen to God’s Word and join in singing.  Being able to put our monetary contribution to the upkeep of the parish and the work of the church into the collection basket is another sign of our participation.

If you are able to assist as an Offertory Collector please speak with David Murdoch or send him an email at dmurdoch@archtoronto.org

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. 

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

Christian Meditation is an ancient form of contemplative prayer rooted in the Christian tradition. We will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 13^th 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).

June is Seniors’ Month: Celebrating the Gift of Years!

All adults in the second half of life are invited to join us for lunch on Wednesday, June 21^st at 12:00 p.m. to celebrate and give thanks for the gift of years. We will provide soup, buns, and beverages. You are invited to bring either a salad, finger foods or dessert.

Join us for fellowship, good food, and door prizes as we celebrate the gift of years!

To assist with planning please sign up after Mass this weekend or on June 17 /18. 

For questions please email Catherine Ecker at cecker@archtoronto.org or call 705 728 2985 ext. 115.

Classic Movies in June:

Join us at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 22^nd for a classic movie.  A wonderful way to spend an afternoon.