First Sunday of Lent

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.  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.

FASTING AND FEASTING

Lent is more than a season of fasting, it can also be a joyous season of feasting.

Fast from judging others; Feast on the Christ dwelling in them.

Fast from emphasis on differences; Feast on the unity of life.

Fast from apparent darkness; Feast on the reality of light.

Fast from thoughts of illness; Feast on the healing power of God.

Fast from words that pollute; Feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger; Feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism; Feast on optimism.

Fast from worry; Feast on divine order.

Fast from complaining; Feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives; Feast on affirmatives.

Fast from unrelenting pressures; Feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility; Feast on non-resistance.

Fast from bitterness; Feast on forgiveness.

Fast from self-concern; Feast on compassion for others.

Fast from personal anxiety; Feast on eternal truth.

Fast from discouragements; Feast on hope.

Fast from facts that depress; Feast on acts that uplift.

Fast from lethargy; Feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from thoughts that weaken; Feast on promises that inspire.

Fast from shadows of sorrow; Feast on the sunlight of serenity.

Fast from idle gossip; Feast on purposeful silence.

Fast from problems that overwhelm; Feast on prayer that [strengthens].

—William Arthur Ward (American author, teacher and pastor, 1921-1994.)

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: Gerald Marleau, Pat Cable and Moya Johnson.

Confirmation Preparation: Important Reminder!

Catechetical Meeting # 2

Candidates and Sponsors

The next catechetical meeting for candidates and sponsors is in Lent.  IF the sponsor cannot attend it is understood that the parent will be present.  You are asked to attend the assigned meeting.  If you are unable to attend the assigned meeting you do NOT need to notify the parish, simply attend the other meeting.

The meetings are:

Feb. 27^th                     Surnames A to G

March 7^th                    Surnames H to Z

INDIGENOUS LEARNING & SHARING SERIES

You are invited to attend four video sessions on 4 consecutive Tuesdays: (Feb. 28, Mar. 7, 14, & 21) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in-person at St. Margaret Church, 161 Hanmer St W, Barrie, ON.   Designed by Sister Kathleen Lichti of the Sisters of Saint Joseph in London, Ontario, these sessions will include a film and a talking circle for participants led by Indigenous Knowledge Keepers Tracey Whiteye, Tina Stevens, Gloria Thomson, and Mary -Anne Kechego.

Session 1:  Stolen Lands, Strong Hearts

Session2, 3, 4:  They Came for the Children, a documentary series produced by filmmaker Kevin Moynihan.

• From Assimilation to “We are all Treaty People”
• The Residential Schools
• “the Churches, the Apologies and Indigenous spirituality” and “the 94 Calls to Action and Signs of Hope”

To register contact Elaine or Catherine at kairos.simcoecounty@gmail.com by Feb. 24. Registration fee of $20. Registration is limited to 25 participants on a “first come, first served” basis.  Sponsored by Simcoe County KAIROS.

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, February 28^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).

Thursday March 2^nd at 1:00 p.m. Bid Euchre, Cards and Games

All are welcome to an afternoon at of cards and games. Bring your favourite game, invite a friend and enjoy some simple refreshments.  All are welcome.

March 15^th from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.  Celebrating the Saints:  Patrick, Joseph and Francis

You are invited to an afternoon of music, games, conversation and food! All are welcome.

YOUTH MINISTRY

M.E.R.C.Y. (Ministry to Educate Roman Catholic Youth) is for youth grades J.K.-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, March 10^th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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, March 24^th. 

LIFE TEEN  – Lifeteen is for high school teens to explore their faith through talks, prayer and friendship meeting monthly on Sunday nights. Our next gathering is Sunday, March 12^th.  

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

EDGE Catholic Adventure Camp

A 5-day Catholic adventure camp with sports and activities, catechesis, Mass, praise and worship and fellowship!

Who:  Students currently in grade 5-8 who attend EDGE.

When:  August 27^th to August 31^st, 2023

Where:  Camp White Pine, Haliburton

Cost: $475.00 (before April 30 early bird deadline) $525.00 until from May 1-31 (last day to register) All-Inclusive (Food, Transportation, Accommodations, Camp T-shirt, Water bottle)

Space limited to a first come, first register basis.

For questions & to register, contact: Shannon Barks at 705-229-7426 or stmarysyouthministrybarrie@gmail.com

Thank you!

A huge thank you to Sister Catherine Donnelly for hosting Hospitality Sunday on February 12^th at the 8:00 and 10:00 am Masses! 

Bible Camp 2023

Our parish bible camp this summer will be held the week of July 4^th to 7^th. 

Registration is will be open March 1^st.  Watch the bulletin for further information!