Ministry with Maturing Adults Events
Ministry with Maturing Adults (MMA)
at St. Mary’s Parish
65 Amelia Street, Barrie, Ontario
We believe adults continue to grow into the fullness of Christian life. This ministry reaches out to the entire parish community including regular participants and those on the edge of parish life.
This includes the entire adult population in the second half of life, often described as those who are 55+. All are welcome!
The goal of the ministry is to support Lifelong Faith Development through:
· Connection and Community: Intentional building of connection with oneself, with the faith community, with the broader community, with the gift of creation, and with God.
· Mission: A lifelong outreach to others with an emphasis on supporting the senior population of the parish. In addition, the ministry fosters participation in the ministries of the parish and in activities of service on behalf of the wider community.
· Programs Aimed at Personal Growth: Through reflection, insight, and wisdom, content will address life issues and lived experience within the context of Christian faith.
Monthly Wednesday Gatherings in the St. Mary’s Parish Hall
Wednesday September 11th at 12:30 p.m. NEW DATE!
Join us for Lunch with food provided by the Mandarin. The cost is $20.00 (cash). You must get your ticket before September 9th Tickets are available from Catherine Ecker or at the parish office. Join us for conversation, fellowship and good food. There will be a 50 /50 draw. Proceeds will go to St. Vincent de Paul Society. Questions: contact Catherine Ecker at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or email cecker@archtoronto.org
October 23: Soup and a Movie at 12:00p.m.
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Save the Date and Reserve your Spot! Wednesday, October 23rd - Soup and Movie
You are invited to join us at 12:00 p.m. for soup and bread followed by the movie “Mrs. Doubtfire.” We welcome donations of cookies or sweets. To be sure we have sufficient food please reserve your spot by Monday, October 21st. To reserve a place call Catherine at 705.728.2985 ext. 115 or email: cecker@archtoronto.org. Cost: free will donation.
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November 20: Topic: Understanding Mental Heath and Well Being in Later Life with snacks, refreshments and fellowship at 2:00 p.m.
December 4: Advent Reflection: Living in Hope with snacks, refreshments and fellowship at 2:00p.m.
December 11: Advent Lessons and Carols at 2:00p.m. followed by a reception in the parish hall
January 15: Happy Birthday! Party at 2:00p.m. with games, food and prizes
March 12: The Flailing Shilaleighs Band Live! 2:00– 3:30pm St. Patrick’s Day singalong Concert in the parish hall with snacks and refreshments
April 30: Topic: When the Blues Don’t Go Away: Understanding Depression in Later Life with snacks, refreshments and fellowship at 2:00 p.m.
May 28: TBA
June 18: Celebrating the Gift of Years: Potluck Lunch with fellowship, food and door prizes at 12:00 p.m.
MMA Programs Offered at St. Mary’s Parish – 2024-25
Christian Meditation is an ancient form of contemplative prayer rooted in the Christian tradition. This group meets online Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. For further information and an outline of the session please contact the coordinator.
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FALL 2024 Christian Meditation We will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday October 15, 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) |
VON-SMART Program (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) a gentle fitness program designed for people aged 55+. Facilitated by trained fitness leaders (parishioners who are maturing adults). Registration required. Contact VON directly at 705-737-5044 ext. 211.
Life Story Writing Life Story Writing Program provides an opportunity to look back over the years in order to gain a deeper understanding, clearer perspective and a more integrated view. The program helps to uncover evidence that God has been with you and is still with you. The program nourishes participants and offers an opportunity for renewal. No writing experience is needed to participate.
This six week program is offered once a year in the Fall.
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Fall 2024 Life Story Writing Program: September 2024
No writing experience is needed to participate in the Life Story Writing Program. Each person receives a workbook and the sessions provide suggestions and opportunities to practice writing. We will offer this six-week program beginning Monday, September 16th. The sessions will be held on Mondays from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. A fee of $20.00 is requested to cover the cost of printing. Advance registration is required. To register or for more information please contact Catherine Ecker at cecker@archtoronto.org or call 705 728 2985 ext. 115.
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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. The program helps to uncover evidence that God has been with you and is still with you. The program nourishes participants and offers an opportunity for renewal. 
Women’s Guided Discussion Group. Offered twice a year – Fall and Spring. An opportunity to gather and discuss a book related to spiritually and later life with a guided book discussion group.
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Fall 2024 Guided Book Discussion Group for Women
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Women are invited to a guided discussion of the book
Mass with Anointing of the Sick:
Wednesday Sept. 25, 2024 and Wednesday Feb 12, 2025 at 12:10 p.m. followed by light lunch and fellowship in the parish hall
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Wednesday, September 25th: Anointing of the Sick
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The Anointing of the Sick conveys several graces and imparts the gifts of strengthening in the Holy Spirit against anxiety, discouragement and temptation and conveys peace and fortitude e. The Anointing of the Sick is a prayer of healing including spiritual health and for the courage, strength and peace to bear the burden of illness. We will celebrate a Mass of Anointing on Wednesday, September 25th at 12:10 p.m. All those requesting the Sacrament of Anointing, young and elderly are welcome to attend. A reception of soup and sandwiches will follow in the parish hall.
Bereavement Support Program:
Seasons of Hope.
Bringing comfort through Catholic Grief Support - 6 week program offered in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 at the parish.
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Fall 2024: Seasons of Hope Bereavement Group
This program is centered on Jesus Christ and grounded in the healing wisdom, traditions and practices of the Catholic Church. Come and be comforted. The group meets at 7:30 p.m. for six consecutive Wednesdays beginning September 25, 2024 in the parish library. Registration is required. For more details or to register please contact Catherine Ecker in the parish office at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or email cecker@archtoronto.org |
Our Lord assured us that those who mourn are blessed and shall be comforted. Seasons of Hope helps us come together to share in God’s love. Whether your loss is recent or long ago, Seasons of Hope is a nurturing link to the Church, our God and people of faith who understand what it means to grieve.
Bid Euchre and Games
Join us every 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month at 1:00p.m. in the parish hall.
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FALL 2024 Cards / Bid Euchre and Games: all are welcome to participate. Lessons will be provided for those new to Bid Euchre! Join us in St. Joseph’s Room on Thursday October 17th from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Simple refreshments are provided. All are welcome! |
Just Sing! A laid back, fun afternoon of song and fellowship as we come together to JUST SING! our way through the folk, pop, gospel and traditional music songbooks. Bring your voice whether you can sing or not! No music experience necessary.
Join us at the parish at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays:Sept 17, Oct 15, Nov 12, Jan 21, Feb 18, Apr 8, May 6, and Jun 3.
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New Program - Just Sing!
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Classic Movies: Join us Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. for Classic Movies in the parish hall. Some of this year’s films include Vertigo, Citizen Kane, On the Waterfront, and more! Sept 10, Sept 24, Oct 8, Oct 29, Nov 26, Dec 17, Jan 14, Jan 28, Feb 25, Mar 11, Mar 25, Apr 15, Apr 29, May 20, June 10 and June 17
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Classic Movies – Fall Schedule
Movies shown on the following Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. in our parish hall: Sept. 10th & 24th, Oct. 8th & 29th, Nov. 26th, Dec. 17th. You’re invited to come out on a Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. for a Classic Movie held in our parish hall. Snacks included (free will offering). All welcome – no sign ups. Our feature film on Tuesday, October 29th is “Vertigo.” The classic mind-bending mystery of identity and obsession starring Jimmy Stewart as a recovering police detective and Kim Novak as the woman he’s trailing in one of Alfred Hitchcock’s classics. Mark your calendars for the next Classic Movie on Tuesday, November 26th – the comedy, “To Be or Not To Be.” Any questions, please contact David at dmurdoch@archtoronto.org. Free will offering.
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We have a wonderful line up of classic movies. Snacks included (free will offering). All welcome – no sign ups.
For information on all programs, contact the coordinator Catherine Ecker at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or email: cecker@archtoronto.org
Maturing Adult Resources:
Are you feeling isolated or disconnected from the world?
