6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

World Day of Prayer for the Sick

Each year the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes on February 11.  This day is also the World Day of Prayer for the Sick.  

This year, on February 11^th & 12^th on the steps of the altar, we will have prayer shawls that are blessed and given to people who experience illness. We thank the members of the Prayer Shawl knitting ministry who meet each Monday morning to pray for the sick and knit these prayer shawls.  

“May the recipients of these shawls be comforted by the steadfast love of our God.” 

Praying for the Sick

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: Carl Wachowiak. Deacon Bill Carson

Lent Begins on Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and Fridays in Lent - Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are universal days of fast and abstinence.  The Church asks all Catholics to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and the Fridays during Lent. 

IF meat is not a staple in your diet, you may choose to abstain from a different food or drink (i.e. alcohol, coffee). You may also choose to do an act of charity in place of abstaining from meat.

The church asks those between the ages of 14 and 59 to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.  To fast is to eat one main meal and not to eat between meals. Those with medical conditions are exempt from the call to fast.

Here in the parish on Ash Wednesday there will be a 12:10 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Throughout the season, there will an additional Mass each  Wednesday at 12:10 p.m.

LIFT JESUS HIGHER RALLY

Saturday, March 4^th, 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.

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 14^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).

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.

Thursday February 16^th: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

All are welcome to attend Bid Euchre, Cards and Games in the parish hall. Simple refreshments are provided.

Classic Movies  on Thursday, February 23^rd  at  2:00 p.m. This month for Classic Movies, we’ll be having a laugh-out-loud, I Love Lucy episode marathon.

All Are welcome!  Snacks and drinks will be provided.

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 a parent meeting. You will receive the second family book and we ask that only parents attend. The final date for this meeting is

Thursday, February 16^th from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.  

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, March 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 – Lifeteen is for high school teens to explore their faith through talks, prayer and friendship meeting monthly on Sunday nights.

Our next gathering is  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.