5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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 including: Vera Herra, Gwen Murphy and Elaine O’Connor.

You are Invited to Join Us for Faith Nourishment

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Heaven, Hell and Purgatory

As we move towards the season of Lent Easter you are invited to an evening of conversation and catechesis, our topic is Heaven Hell and Purgatory. We gather for 7:30 p.m. and conclude by 9:00 p.m.  All are welcome.  Simple refreshments will be provided.

Catholic Women’s League

Mary Matthews Public Speaking Contest For Youth

St. Mary’s Catholic Women’s League will be holding the Mary Matthews Public Speaking Contest in our parish hall on Saturday, February 11 at 10:00 a.m. Grades 7 & 8 students who have won or are runner - up from all schools in the St. Mary’s catchment area will be invited by their school to compete.

The winner from this competition will be invited to compete in the CWL Regional Contest on February 25th at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Vianney Church in Barrie.  For further inquiries contact Karen Boyle 705-321-0898 or kboyle@bell.net.

Pop-Up Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit will host a Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic in our parish hall on:

Monday, February 6^th

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Primary doses are available for eligible people 6 month+

Booster doses are available for eligible people 5 years+.

Appointments can be booked at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine or by calling 1-833-943-3900.

Walk-ins accepted while supplies last.

Preparing for First Holy Communion: Parent Meeting # 2

Preparing for Full Participation in the Celebration of Mass!

To assist all parents in preparing their children for first sharing in Holy Communion each parent is to attend one of the following parent meetings. You will receive the second family book at this meeting. We ask that only parents attend the meeting on Tuesday, February 7^th from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. OR Thursday, February 16^th from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. You attend only one of the meetings.

Confirmation Preparation for Adults

If you are an adult, baptized in the Catholic Church and wish to be confirmed please contact Catherine Ecker (cecker@archtoronto.org or 705 728 2985 ext. 115) for a registration form and details on the preparation process.

2022 TAX RECEIPTS

2022 Tax receipts for parish donations have been mailed, you should receive it shortly in the mail.  Thank you for your generous and continued support.

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.

Christian Meditation is an ancient form of contemplative prayer rooted in the Christian tradition. We will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 7^th on Zoom.  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).

Writing Circle Alumni Group:  this is a gathering for those who have already completed the Life Story Writing program. The monthly meeting will be held in person on Thursday, February 9^th at 2:00 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Room.

Wednesday, February 15^th at 2:00 p.m. Preparing for the Final Journey

It is not too early to have a conversation about your wishes around end of life care and funeral arrangements. This session will focus on key issues you are encouraged to discuss with your family about end of life and the importance of communicating your expectations for your funeral.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend this session. Simple refreshments will be provided.

Do you have furniture to donate?

Our Refugee Committee is working with the Redwood Furniture Bank to supply future newcomer families with furnishings for their homes. This will make our jobs easier as we no longer have to store and move heavy furniture items. We are encouraging parishioners to support the Furniture Bank if you have items to donate. They will pick up items (there is a pick-up fee) and will issue a charitable tax receipt for the value of the goods. Please support this worthy cause!  More information can be found on their website: https://redwoodparkcommunities.com/furniture-bank/

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, February 10^th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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 24^th.  

LIFE TEEN – Thank you to all who attended and supported our We the North semi-formal dinner and dance this weekend! 

Lifeteen is for high school teens to explore their faith through talks, prayer and friendship meeting monthly on Sunday nights. Our next gathering is Sunday, Saturday, February 25^th for a We the North overnight Retreat at St. Mary’s Church.  

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

EDGE Catholic Adventure Camp

A 5-day Catholic adventure camp with many sports & activities, catechesis, Mass, praise & worship and fellowship! A fun and exciting Christ-centered camp experience!

Who:  Students currently in grade 5-8 who attend EDGE.

When:  August 27th to August 31^st, 2023

Where:  Camp White Pine, Haliburton, ON

Cost: $475.00 (before April 30 early bird deadline) / $525.00 until from May 1-31 (last day to register)

All-Inclusive (Food, Transportation, Accommodations, Camp T-shirt, Water bottle)

Space limited to a first come, first register basis.

For questions & to register, contact:

Shannon Barks at 705-229-7426 or stmarysyouthministrybarrie@gmail.com 

LIFT JESUS HIGHER RALLY

Saturday, March 4th, 2023

St. Mary’s Church will be taking a bus for our young people and any adults interested in attending the Life Jesus Higher Rally in Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.  Tickets are $50/pp. 

Please contact Shannon Barks at 705-229-7426.