Fourth Sunday of Easter

Catholic Education Week — April 30-May 5, 2023

We are proud supporters of publicly funded Catholic Education

As we begin Catholic Education Week, we continue to pray for all those who serve in our Catholic education system - Administrative Staff, Teachers, Educational Assistants, Support Staff, Custodial Staff and Students.  Please also continue to pray for the students and staff from St. Joseph's High School who are on grade level retreats at St. Mary's throughout the month of May.

We are many, we are one; we all form one body in Christ. Lord, when we see the one before us, let us reverence your presence within; when we listen to one another, let us hear with our hearts; when we reflect on each encounter, may we discern to understand; when we learn from those around us, let us respect our differences with joy; and when we act, may we be kind and generous to all,  for each person is a member of your body, with all that they are. 

We are many, we are one. Amen.

Property Taxes and School Support

Do you know if the education portion of your property taxes supports the Catholic School system?    

If you are a baptized Roman Catholic you have a right to direct your tax dollars to the Catholic School system. Tenants and homeowners alike are able to designate their taxes. The number of supporters determines the number of trustees. Being a supporter allows you to elect a trustee for the Catholic school system.   You do not need to have a child in school to support Catholic education.

To ensure your property taxes are designated properly contact the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (M.P.A.C.) at 1-866-296-6722 or visit https://smcdsb.on.ca/cms/one.aspx?portalId=30054&pageId=108844.   Have your assessment notice or property information available.

Visiting the Hospital and Prayers for the Sick and Faithful Departed

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.

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.

Please remember those who have died including:  Guiliano Cassandro and Steve Lang

Catholic Women’s League Annual Diaper Drive

The CWL are collecting diapers (sizes 5, 6, 7), pull-ups, Goodnights, baby wipes and skin care diaper cream after all Masses on May 13^th/14^th in support of The Women’s and Children’s Shelter of Barrie.  Donations of cash or cheques are welcomed –(cheques made payable to The Women and Children’s Shelter of Barrie). 

Altar Server Training

If you are interested in serving at Sunday (Saturday evening) Mass, we invite you to attend the meeting on Tuesday, May 9^th at 6:15 p.m. 

For any questions please contact David Murdoch dmurdoch@archtoronto.org or call 705 728 2985 ext. 101.

Today is the 2nd ShareLife Sunday!

Today is ShareLife Sunday and we also celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.  When you support ShareLife, you support and help educate our future priests. Through ShareLife, you invested in our Church’s future by supporting 58 seminarians at St. Augustine’s Seminary and Redemptoris Mater Missionary Seminary.  We ask for your prayers and your generous support for our future priests.

Thus far we have raised $22,804 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.

We thank you for your support and for living the Gospel through ShareLife.

Welcome Marco Busic

Next weekend, we will welcome a seminarian for the summer, Marco Busic.  Marco is completing his third year of theology and entering his final year before his ordination to the diaconate and priesthood.  He will be with us until the end of July. 

We look forward to welcoming him and including him in all areas of parish life.

Pray for Vocations

The Archdiocesan Day of Prayer for Vocations is on Friday, May 5, 2023.  We ask that you pray for all those discerning vocations.

Meal Ministry for the Homeless

As part of our cooperative spirit with the downtown churches in Barrie, we are holding a meeting on Thursday, May 11^th at 7:00 p.m. in our parish hall to discuss meal preparation for the homeless.

You’re invited to attend this important meeting to learn how you can help prepare meals for those less fortunate in the community!

You are Invited to Join us for Vitamin F: Tuesday May 9^th

Topic: Mary: The First Disciple

Join us for a time of prayer, catechesis and conversation as we discuss Mary, the first disciple.  We will devote some time to deepening our understanding of the stained-glass windows in the church. 

We gather at 7:30 p.m. and conclude by 9:00 p.m. All are welcome.

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, May 2^ndon 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).

Bid Euchre, Cards and Games – all are welcome to participate.  Lessons will be provided for those new to Bid Euchre!  Join us in the parish hall on Thursday, May 4^th from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. 

Simple refreshments are provided.

New Date! Common Frauds and Scams: Wednesday, May 24^th at 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. 

Join us for an important information session facilitated by Barrie Police Service on how to protect yourself and family!  The session will also include important information on preventing senior abuse.

All are welcome, no pre-registration required!

Youth Ministry

M.E.R.C.Y. (Ministry to Educate Roman Catholic Youth) for grades J.K.-4. and gathers once a month on Friday nights from 6:00-7:30 p.m. 

Our next gathering is Friday, May 5^th, 6:00-7:30 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.  

Our next gathering is Friday, May 12th.

LIFETEEN – is for high school teens to explore their faith through talks, prayer and friendship meeting monthly on Sunday nights.

Our next gathering is next Sunday, May 7^th at the 4:00 p.m. Mass.

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