Around St. Mary's This Week (16 October 2022)

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 Dennis Owsijenko, Cecil Lockhart and Peter Penak.

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY COLLECTION

Next Sunday, October 23^rd  there will be a collection for the Evangelization of the Nations, otherwise known as World Mission Sunday. This is a worldwide collection for the missionary Church and it is our opportunity to assist at-need Catholic communities around the global. Our offerings are combined with those of other Catholics around the world and distributed to missions and dioceses. We are called to share from our abundance with those who are less fortunate and lack the basic essentials to know, love and praise God.

There is an envelope in your offertory box for this effort and also preauthorized givers will have been sent an envelope.  Thank you to all for your commitment to the church’s mission.

RENEW TORONTO YOUNG ADULT CONFERENCE

Young adults, this is the reunion we’ve all been waiting for! We invite you to join us for RENEW Toronto on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at Canada Christian College (300 Water St., Whitby). Our annual young adult conference is open to ALL – men, women, single, married, young professionals – within the ages of 19-39. Look forward to a full day of worship, fellowship and a great line-up of keynote and workshop speakers. Renew your heart, renew your call, and renew our community.  Pleases visit Renew Toronto for more information.

HOSPITALITY SUNDAY: NEXT WEEKEND – OCTOBER 22/23

Come and join us in the parish hall after any one of the Sunday Masses next weekend for fellowship and treats.  You are invited to bring some of your favourite cookies or muffins to share.  Thank you to The Catholic Women’s League who will be hosting and serving.  

Thanksgiving Food Drive

St. Mary's parishioners were quite generous again this year in support of the Barrie Food Bank. In total, over $2000 in cash and gift cards, and 1,879 lbs of groceries were donated. A big thank you to all who supported the parish food drive, and to the Knights of Columbus volunteers who assisted in collecting the food and loading the trucks.

MICHAEL’S COLLEGE SCHOOL

Applications are now being considered for September 2023. St. Michael’s College School is Ontario’s only independent Catholic school for young men from Grade 7-12.  Open Houses: Thurs., Oct. 20^th and Tues., Oct. 25^th at 7p.m. Register at www.ApplySMCS.com.  Call 416-653-3180 if you have questions or for more information.

Ministry with Maturing Adults:

For All Adults 55+

All are welcome to attend the various sessions offered for those in the second half of life. 

Thursday, October 20^th: Classic Movie with simple refreshments at 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 26^th: Maintaining a Healthy Brain. You are invited to join us from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. for an informative and timely session lead by VON staff.  There is no cost to attend, refreshments will be available. Questions: contact Catherine Ecker at 705 728 2985 ext. 115.

Thursday, October 27^th: Cards, Games and simple refreshments from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 23^rd: Soup and a Movie

You are invited to join us at 12:00 noon for soup, bread and sweets followed by a movie. Cost: free will donation.

VON SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) Exercise Program is held on Tuesday mornings. For details regarding the program and registration please call: 705 737 5044 ext. 221.

Christian Meditation is an ancient form of contemplative prayer rooted in the Christian tradition. Our next sessions will be on Tuesday, October 18^th at 10:30 a.m. on 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.

Are you able to host a Ukrainian Family?

Over 80,000 Ukrainians have already arrived to Canada.  An additional 500,000 have applied to the program and are expected to arrive in the coming months.  Many are arriving to Toronto and are without family here in Canada to help them. 

There is an immediate need for families to host for a period of between one and six months some of those who have arrived. 

If you would like to learn more about hosting a Ukrainian family, please visit

https://www.archtoronto.org/en/offices-and-ministries/social-justice--outreach/office-for-refugees-orat/home/ukrainian-crisis/

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, November 11^th! 

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, October 21^st.

LIFE TEEN – for high school teens to explore their faith through talks, prayer and friendship meeting monthly on Sunday nights. Our next gathering is Sunday, October 30^th at the 4:00 p.m. 

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

PAKISTAN FLOODS - HUMANITARIAN RELIEF

Devasting floods in Pakistan have displaced hundreds of thousands, at one point leaving a third of the country inundated with water. More than 1,500 people have died following record rainfall with 33 million throughout the country affected by this disaster.  The Archdiocese of Toronto will channel donations through Catholic partners (including Caritas Canada – Development and Peace as well as the Archdiocese of Karachi) to support relief efforts underway.  Please note that these organizations are not subject to the government matching funds program.  Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways:

• Online through www.archtoronto.org
• By phone through the Development Office 416-934-3411
• Through the parish, making cheques payable to: St. Mary’s Parish – Pakistan Floods – Humanitarian Relief

Are You Interested in Becoming a Catholic?

If you would like more information about becoming a member of the Catholic Church please contact Catherine Ecker at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or email: cecker@archtoronto.org.