Hope4 banner

Ministry with Maturing Adults

Drawing of a tree - symbol of Maturing Adults MinistryMinistry for Maturing Adults is a program which seeks to provide spiritual growth and community for parishioners in the second half of their lives. The Ministry offers a variety of different activities which are open to all members of the community. 

Ministry with Maturing Adults has been an active ministry at St. Mary’s parish for ten years.  The ministry is for people in the second half of life, 50’s plus.  This ‘New Generation’ is living 20-30 years longer than previous generations and dealing with all the challenges and transitions that come with the second half of life.  

Pope Francis identifies the growing needs of those in the second half of life and recognized that we have a responsibility as a church to meet these needs. He speaks of the vocation and mission for those who are aging and suggests that we need to find our new purpose. He said, “It’s still not time to ‘rest on one’s oars’ and just coast along. There is a true vocation and mission set aside for those in the second half of life, who have a lot more free time at their disposal”.  

Ministry with Maturing Adults provides many opportunities to support the lifelong faith development of this population.  Through a variety of programs there are opportunities to discover a new purpose and vocation, while considering being of service to the community.  This ministry also strives to build a community of support for maturing adults, through relationships of mutual care and concern. 
 
'We always mention you in our prayers and thank God for you'.  1 Thes. 1:2.

 

 

 

Current programs being offered are: 

seniors exercisingVON SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) Exercise Program is held on Tuesday mornings. This gentle fitness program is designed for people aged 55+. The program is facilitated by VON Staff and trained fitness leaders who are parishioners. For details regarding the program and registration please call: 705 737 5044 ext. 221. 

 

meditationChristian Meditation is an ancient form of contemplative prayer rooted in the Christian tradition. The group meets on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. via Zoom. If you are interested in learning more about this form of prayer or have questions please contact Catherine Ecker. (cecker@archtoronto.org or 705 728 2985 ext. 115) All are welcome.  

 

 

meetingWednesday Gatherings for 55+ 

Once a month on a Wednesday afternoon a general session is held for those in the second half of life. The topics presented may be spiritual, educational or health related.  Each session includes time for conversation, refreshments and discussion.  All are welcome to attend. Details of upcoming sessions are found in the parish bulletin or by contacting Catherine Ecker, Coordinator of Ministry with Maturing Adults and Parish Catechist. 

 

life story writingLife Story Writing Group:  

The Life Story Writing Programme provides an opportunity to stop, take stock, and look back over the process of life in order to gain deeper understanding, clearer perspective and a more integrated view.  Undertaken from a faith perspective, it is a search for evidence in your life that God has been with you and is still with you.  Such discovery nourishes one’s inner being, renews one’s spirit and energizes for the journey ahead.”  

The six-week program is usually held once a year. You must register for this group. Details regarding cost and registration are available by calling Catherine at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or email: cecker@archtoronto.org 

 

life story writingAlumni Writing Circle: this is a gathering for those who have completed the Life Story Program and wish to continue writing.  The group meets on the second Thursday of each month, from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. in St. Joseph's Room.  

 
 
 
Plaque of Labyrinth outside St. Mary's Church
The Labyrinth
“Guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1.79 St. Mary’s Labyrinth This Labyrinth was laid in 2011, and is modelled after the famous labyrinth at the Chartres Cathedral, France laid in 1201. A labyrinth is a pathway symbolic of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The labyrinth is a walking meditation, a path of prayer that is often described as a metaphor for the journey of life. A labyrinth is not a maze, the path leads us to the centre. You return from the centre and the entrance becomes the exit. It is solved by walking “Solvitar ambulando” St. Augustine 354 - 430 A.D.
More Info