Second Sunday of Ordinary Time (January 14, 2024)

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Bible Study

We are planning to offer Bible Study commencing Thursday, February 8^th in the afternoon at 1:30 p.m. and in the evening at 7:00 p.m.  Participants would attend one session. The location will be at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Berczy Street.  Sign up for either session is available after Mass.  Further information including cost to follow.

Service for Christian Unity

Each year the Downtown Ministerial Association (which includes St. Mary’s Church, Collier Street United, St. Andrews Presbyterian, and Trinity Anglican Church) work together to serve the needs of the Downtown core of the City of Barrie.

We work together to support the daily “Breakfast-To-Go” program which serves the needs of those who experience homelessness and addictions, and the Little Food Pantry Program.

We participate in shared Lenten and Advent study groups and organize an annual Service of Christian Unity. The Service for Christian Unity is part of the week of Prayer for Christian Unity organized by the Canadian Council of Churches, Prairie Centre for Ecumenism, and the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism. Its primary object is to bring Christians together to foster a stronger sense of shared ministry and mission and worship.

This year the service is on Thursday, January 25^th (The Feast of the conversion of St. Paul) at 2:00 p.m. and will be hosted by Trinity Anglican Church, 24 Collier Street, Barrie with the participation of the churches within the Downtown ministerial Association.

The theme is “You Shall Love the Lord your God….and your neighbour as yourself...”  This years’ prayer service was written by the people of Burkina Faso located in West Africa and explores the theme loving God and neighbour in the midst of a security crisis. 

All are welcome.  Please mark your calendar and plan on joining us.  Refreshments to follow.

Carpenter Needed

Sister Catherine Donnelly Catholic School are seeking someone with carpentry skills to build pews for their chapel. For more information, please call the school at 705-726-1221.

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.

Confirmation Preparation for Adults

If you are an adult, baptized in the Catholic Church and would like to be Confirmed please contact Catherine Ecker (cecker@archtoronto.org or 705 728 2985 ext. 115) for details regarding preparation. Confirmation will be celebrated close to the feast of Pentecost.

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 16, 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).

Save the Date! If it is your intention to celebrate a birthday in 2024 then please come to our Birthday Party on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.  There will be refreshments, games, cake and ice cream and door prizes.  All are welcome.

An Afternoon of Music: Wednesday, March 13^th   

2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Russ Clayton and Pat Gowan of “The Flailing Shilaleighs” will be performing mostly traditional Irish and East Coast Canadian music.  Refreshments will be served. Free will offering. All are welcome.

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, February 9^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 TODAY, Sunday, January 14^th after the 4:00 p.m. Mass.  Dinner provided.

Young Adult Ministry

Theology on Tap - At the Flying Monkeys Brewery (in the Attic Lounge upstairs) on the following Sundays from 6:00-9:00 p.m.:  Jan. 21, Mar. 17, May 5 and June 23, 2024.

STEUBENVILLE, OHIO – YOUTH RETREAT

Calling all high schoolers!  In our ever-changing world, Jesus is the answer to the longing of our hearts for meaning, fulfillment, security, and love. Join hundreds of Catholic teens at Steubenville, OH on June 28^TH to June 30^th, 2024 to be illuminated in the light of Christ. All teens entering or presently in high school are invited to attend this retreat with our group.  Deadline to register is Tuesday, January 16^th, 2024. 

If you are interested in attending the Steubenville Youth Retreat or would like additional information on our Youth Ministry or Young Adult Ministry please call Shannon Barks at 705-229-7426 or email stmarysyouthministrybarrie@gmail.com.