Epiphany of the Lord (January 7, 2024)

With best wishes for the coming year            

As we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, we reflect with gratitude and have so much to be thankful for in St. Mary’s Parish.

To our music ministry, led by Shannon Barks, who have enriched our liturgies and to our lectors and communion ministers who have served over these months, a heartfelt thank you for all you do! A special thank you to Catherine Ecker, Paul Ecker, and David Murdoch for the decoration of the Church.

To Nadia DeAmicis and Bernice Scian who decorated the front entrance planters, to Paul Spicer and John Barks who installed the “Joy” decoration and Christmas lights and thank you to Robert Lynn who takes care of our votive candles. A Special thank you to all those who bring communion to our nursing homes, care facilities, and to all shut-ins!

We are so grateful for our Parish Schools: Principals, Teachers, Administration and Staff who continue to work on the front lines in Catholic Education. We hope you have had a great break!

And to all who shared their good cheer with kind words and actions, your thoughtfulness and gifts are greatly appreciated. Let us look to this New Year with great promise and hope.                        

Fr. Larry and Fr. Savio   

Pastoral Letter from the Most Rev. Francis Leo “Seeking The Kingdom of God Above and Beyond All Other Things”

Archbishop Francis Leo has released a Pastoral Letter to the Church of God in the Archdiocese of Toronto, entitled, “Seeking The Kingdom of God Above and Beyond All Other Things”. This significant reflection from our spiritual shepherd is intended to offer a theological, spiritual, and pastoral meditation as we embark upon a New Year and our collective efforts to build and strengthen the Kingdom of God throughout our archdiocese. 

The Pastoral Letter can be accessed by visiting the archdiocesan website at: www.archtoronto.org.

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:  Hermann Struthmann and David LaPlante.

Sunday, January 7^th: Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.

The word Epiphany means manifestation. On this feast the Church celebrates the manifestation of our Lord to the whole world. Christ is revealed as the light of the Gentiles.  During the coming week as part of your family time you can talk about how your family is a sign of God’s loving presence.

Monday, January 8^th: Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the end of the Christmas season.

This feast is a wonderful time for us to recall our own baptism.    

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, January 12^th. Registration required.  

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, January 26^th.

LIFETEEN – for high school teens to explore their faith through talks, prayer and friendship meeting monthly on Sunday nights. Our next gathering is Sunday, January 14^th after the 4:00 p.m. Mass.  Dinner provided.

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

Vitamin F: The Gospel of Mark in Ordinary Time

Tuesday, January 9, 2024 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

The Church invites us to continue to grow in our relationship with God and our understanding of our faith. All are welcome to attend this time of catechesis, conversation and prayer as we look at the Gospel of Mark which we will hear proclaimed during these weeks of Ordinary Time. Simple refreshments available and we will conclude by 8:30 p.m. 

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 13/14 or January 20/21, 2024. 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 new socks, gloves or hot paws. (Please not mitts.)  The items will be shared with those who are unhoused.

All Adults 55+: Ministry with Maturing Adults

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, January 9, 2024 on Zoom. All are welcome! 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)

Alumni Writing Group:  this is a gathering for those who have already completed the Life Story Writing program. The monthly meeting will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11^th in St. Joseph’s Room.

Knights of Columbus, Council 1626

The K of C invite all men of the parish to the next segment of our faith journey through prayer, formation & fraternity. The Cor program looks ‘to refocus Catholic men on Jesus Christ and to form and strengthen them in faith and virtue’.

Led by Fr. Scott, with K of C members, our next session will be held on January 13 from 2:00-4:00pm in the St. Joseph room. Light refreshments will be provided. Come and be part of this continuing initiative where we, as men of the parish, hope to grow in faith. Further questions can be forwarded to Bob Tinkess: rgtinkess@gmail.com