24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Society of St. Vincent De Paul Annual Collection

This weekend, September 16/ 17 it is the annual collection for The St. Vincent de Paul Society here in St. Mary’s Parish. We are able to support our clients only through the generosity of our parishioners.

We continue to provide gift cards from Giant Tiger on Cundles.  Each client receives a $25.00 card for food, toiletries and/or cleaning items. For example, if there are 4 family members in the home, they will receive $100.00 every OTHER month. We wish we could do more however we have limited resources.  Our conference issues $10,000.00 of cards each month.

Thank you to everyone who supports us on a regular basis.  We accept cash, cheques, payable to Society of St Vincent de Paul, St Mary’s, and e-transfers. Please use the poor boxes at both the front of the church and the side door, or drop off your donation to the parish office. For e-transfer -ssvpoffice@gmail.com.

Thank you for continued support for the less fortunate in our community.

Hospitality Sunday – September 23/24

Hosted by the Catholic Women’s League. 

After all Masses (Saturday 5 p.m., Sunday 8, 10, 12 and 4 p.m.) you are invited to stop by the hall for a time of conversation and simple refreshments. 

If you would like to bake some muffins or cookies please drop them off in the hall on your way into church.

Novena to Saint Michael the Archangel

Archbishop Leo is inviting the Catholic community throughout the archdiocese to join in offering a novena to Saint Michael the Archangel, leading up to the Solemnity of Saint Michael on September 29, 2023.  You are invited to pray this prayer at home with your family.  The novena is for 9 days and starts on September 20^th.  Copies of the prayer are on the parish website and at the back of the church.

Celebration of the Solemnity of St. Michael &

Conferral of the Pallium upon the Most Rev. Francis Leo

Friday, September 29, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica

The Archdiocese of Toronto celebrates the feast day of our archdiocesan patron, St. Michael, on Friday, September 29^th, 2023.  All are welcome to join in a special celebration on that day at 5:30 p.m. at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica (65 Bond Street).  Archbishop Francis Leo will celebrate Mass, with music from the world-renowned St. Michael’s Choir School.  As part of the celebration, the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, the Most Rev. Ivan Jurkovič will confer the pallium on our archbishop, a symbol of his role as Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto and shepherd to the faithful.

Catholic Women’s League

General Meeting – POT LUCK

Tuesday, September 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the parish hall. 

Potluck dinner and Years of Service pins will be awarded.  All are welcome to attend.

Needs of the Church in Canada

Next weekend, September 23/24 there is a special collection.  Your gifts are used by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops to support pastoral activity. 

Thank you for your support of this important work.

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, October 13! 

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 Kick-Off night is Friday, September 29.

LIFE TEEN – for high school teens to explore their faith through talks, prayer and friendship meeting monthly on Sunday nights. Our Kick-off night is **TONIGHT** Sunday, September 17 at 4:00 p.m.  

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

Preparing for Confirmation in Eastertime 2024

An Information Meeting for Parents and Young People

There will be an information meeting for parents and young people who were born in 2011 or earlier, baptized in the Roman Catholic Church and would like to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Participation in an information meeting is essential. Details regarding the preparation process, registration and the celebration of Confirmation will be shared at the meeting. The meeting will be at the church and begins at 7:30 p.m. You may attend on either Tuesday, September 26^th or Thursday, October 5^th.  

Please note: You only attend one of the meetings. You do not need to register for the meeting. Questions: please contact Catherine Ecker at 705 728 2985 ext.115 or email: cecker@archtoronto.org

Preparing Young People for First Holy Communion

An Information Meeting for Parents

There will be an information meeting for parents of children who were born in 2016 or earlier, baptized in the Roman Catholic Church and would like to prepare to begin to share in Holy Communion. 

The parent meeting will in the church. You are asked to arrange for childcare so you may participate fully. You may attend on either Thursday, September 28^th or Tuesday, October 3^rd. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m.

Please note: You only attend one of the meetings. You do not need to register for the meeting. Questions: please contact Catherine Ecker at 705 728 2985 ext.115 or email: cecker@archtoronto.org

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.

Thursday September 21^st - Cards and Games 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. - Are you ready to meet some new people, learn a card game or play a favourite board game?  Join us for Cards and Games on the 1^st and 3^rd Thursday of the month.  You are welcome to bring your favourite board game. We have decks of cards and avid Bid Euchre players.  They are always willing to teach you the game.  Simple refreshments are provided.  All are welcome and no registration is required!

Christian Meditation is an ancient form of contemplative prayer rooted in the Christian tradition. We will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26^th 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)

Wednesday, September 27^th at 12:30 p.m. Join us for Lunch with food provided by the Mandarin. The cost is $20.00 (cash).  You must get your ticket in advance.  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

Hold the Dates: October 25^th, November 22^nd, December 5^th and December 13^th. Stay tuned for more details!