3rd Sunday Ordinary Time
We remember in prayer those who have died recently including: Victor DeAmicis, Francesco DeAmicis and Josie Ratusny.
Visiting the Hospital: if you or a family member are admitted to RVH please let them know you are Catholic and call the parish office to inform us. If you wish to receive Holy Communion please let the parish office know and one of our pastoral visitors will come to see you.
Altar Server Training - Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 6:15 p.m. in the church. All children Grade 3 and up who have received their first communion are welcome to attend. Any questions please email David Murdoch: dmurdoch@archtoronto.org.
Marriage Sunday - On the second Sunday of February each year, the Archdiocese of Toronto celebrates Marriage Sunday. In 2025, it will be celebrated on the weekend of February 8/9. This occasion highlights the importance of the institution of marriage rooted in faith, affirms couples who strengthen our faith community through their witness, and complements World Marriage Sunday celebrations that take place across North America. Bishop Ivan Camilleri will preside at a special Mass on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica (65 Bond Street, Toronto).
All married couples will have an opportunity to renew their marriage commitment. All are welcome to attend. Couples celebrating a 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th or 60+ anniversary in 2025 may register for reserved seating. All other seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who are unable to attend at the Cathedral are invited to join the celebration via livestream Mass. The broadcast will begin at 2:15 p.m. Registration and other important information can be found at www.archtoronto.org/marriage.
Celebrate the Year of Jubilee and Elevation of Cardinal Leo
Regional Eucharistic Celebrations with Cardinal Leo & Auxiliary Bishops
All are welcome to attend Regional Masses that will be held throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto in the coming days. There will be two groups of Masses – one Mass in each of the four regions of the archdiocese will launch the Jubilee Year and also provide an opportunity to give thanks for the elevation of Frank Cardinal Leo to the College of Cardinals. At these Eucharistic celebrations, Cardinal Leo will preside. Other celebrations will take place at the remaining pilgrim churches in each of the four regions of the archdiocese to launch the Jubilee Year. At these Eucharistic celebrations, the Auxiliary Bishop with pastoral responsibility for the region will preside. Please note, for those interested in obtaining a Jubilee indulgence, requirements include receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, attending Mass and offering prayers for the intention of the Holy Father. Confessions will be offered at least one hour prior to all celebrations noted below – all Masses will begin at 7:00 p.m. In the Northern Region St. Mary’s, Barrie and Padre Pio Parish, Kleinburg are official Jubilee Pilgrimage Churches.
Auxilliary Bishop John Boissonneau will celebrate a Jubilee Mass on Thursday, January 30,, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Parish, Barrie. Reconciliation from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Archbishop Francis Cardinal Leo will celebrate a Jubilee Mass on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
at St. Padre Pio Parish in Kleinburg. Resources along with helpful links and other information can be found by visiting www.archtoronto.org/jubilee.
Wednesday February 19th: Mass with Anointing of the Sick
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. 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 February 19th 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.
The Sunday of the Word of God - January 25, 2025
In September 2019, Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Letter instituting the Sunday of the Word of God. “The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is to be devoted to the celebration, study and dissemination of the word of God. In the General Instruction to the Roman Missal (GIRM) we read: “The Church invites us to listen reverently to the Word of God as it is proclaimed. (par. 29) and “In the readings the table of God’s Word is spread before the faithful, and the treasures of the bible are opened to them.” (par.57) The celebration of the Sunday of the Word of God has ecumenical value, since the Scriptures point out, for those who listen, the path to authentic and firm unity.” (Apostolic Letter, Instituting Sunday of the Word of God, par.3).
Before coming to Mass (Sunday and weekday) we are encouraged to read the Scripture at home so we are ready to listen as the Word of God is proclaimed.
Sacraments
Thank you to all candidates preparing for Confirmation who donated new socks, gloves, and hot paws. Your generosity will bring comfort to others. We thank God for the gifts you have given to others.
Preparing for First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation
Parent Child Meeting # 1: Reminder for Parents!
All families who have formally registered in the preparation process will participate in a parent child catechetical meeting on: Tuesday, January 28 or Monday, February 3 from 7:00 – 8:15 p.m. Please note only the parent(s) and the child preparing for the sacrament is to attend.
To balance the number of people at the meeting please make every effort to attend the assigned meeting:
January. 28 Surnames A through G
February 3 Surnames H through Z
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 registering for the preparation. Confirmation will be celebrated close to the feast of Pentecost.
All Adults 55+ - Ministry with Maturing Adults
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 an ancient form of contemplative prayer is deeply rooted in the Christian tradition. Our next meeting will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 on Zoom. The Zoom link is on our parish website or contact Catherine Ecker if you are interested in learning more about this form of prayer or have questions. All are welcome! Catherine Ecker. cecker@archtoronto.org or 705 728 2985 ext. 115.
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 7.
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, February 21.
LIFETEEN – Youth program for high school teens to explore their faith through talks, prayer and friendship meeting monthly on Sunday nights. Our next gathering is TONIGHT Sunday, January 26 after the 4:00 p.m. Mass. Dinner provided.
We the North Valentine’s Dance - All teens are invited to join teens from the northern region of the Archdiocese of Toronto for a dinner and dance on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Cost is $15/pp. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Dinner, D.J., and prizes! For questions on any of the above or for tickets to the dance please call Shannon Barks our Youth Minister at 705-229-7426 or email stmarysyouthministrybarrie@gmail.com.
Lift Jesus Higher Rally: Join thousands of Catholics on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. There is an adult side and youth side. We have tickets for both conferences. The bus will depart from St. Mary’s Church at 7:15 a.m. and return at approximately 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $50/pp which includes admission and transportation. For tickets or more information, please contact Shannon Barks at stmarysyouthministry-barrie@gmail.com or 705.229.7426.
Celebrating the Liturgy of the Word with Children - January 26, February 9 and March 9 during the 12 noon Mass. All children between the ages of 4 and 8 are invited to participate.
OTHER PROGRAMS:
Classic Movies – Twice/month in the parish hall. No cost (free will offering). Snacks and drinks included! All are welcome. No sign up –Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. Our next film is the screwball comedy Libeled Lady on January 28. Mark your calendars for Citizen Kane on February 11.
Just Sing! - You’re invited to join us for song and fellowship as we come together to JUST SING our way through folk, pop, gospel and traditional music songbooks. No sign up – just come and just sing! Cookies and tea included. Join us on Tuesday, February 18 at 2:00 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Room.
