Around St. Mary's This Week (18 September 2022)

The St. Vincent de Paul Annual Collection

September is the month we celebrate the feast of Blessed Frederick Ozanam, our founder.  Our annual collection is this weekend, September 17/18, 2022. We continue to serve our clients only through the generosity of our parishioners. We hear from many clients wanting to give their thanks directly to you.

For July and August we spent just over $15,000 in Giant Tiger gift cards for our families in need, serving nearly 600 people.  Donations can be made using the Poor Boxes at the front and side of the church. Cheques are payable to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St Mary's Conference, or E-transfer to ssvpoffice@gmail.com.

Tax receipts for green envelopes will be issued by St. Mary's.  All other donations will be issued by SSVP. Please ensure your name and address are on the envelopes.

On behalf of our Ministry and our clients thank you for your continued support and prayers.        

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: Margaret Eaton, Raymond Sun, Howard Oram and Elizabeth Hammond.

SPECIAL COLLECTION NEXT SUNDAY

On September 24/25 there is a special collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada.  Your gifts are used by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops to support pastoral activity.  Thank you for your support of this important work.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – September 30, 2022

Cardinal Collins will preside at the 7:30 a.m. Mass from St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica with participation from Indigenous members of the community. All are welcome in person or via livestream at: www.stmichaelscathedral.com/live/.

The Archdiocese of Toronto will also hold a special collection the weekend of October 1/2, 2022 to support the Indigenous Healing & Reconciliation Fund. The fund will support both local and national programs proposed by Indigenous communities to nurture the ongoing reconciliation journey. You can donate through your local parish or online anytime at: www.archtoronto.org/healingandreconciliation.

Hospitality Sunday: September 24^th/ 25^th

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.

LIFE CHAIN

The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring this year’s Life Chain, an annual vigil to demonstrate against abortion.  The event is promoted by the Campaign Life Coalition.  The event will be held on Sunday, October 2 from 2-3:00 p.m.  Barrie brothers please meet in the Kozlov Centre Northwest corner of Bayfield and Cundles parking lot at 1:30 p.m. others meet at Bayfield Street and Cundles Rd. from 2-3:00 p.m.  All are welcome to join this peaceful demonstration.  Signs will be available to display. 

Do you want to know more about palliative care?

We invite you to participate in a learning session on:

Horizons of Hope: A Toolkit for Catholic Parishes on Palliative Care.

The four sessions address issues such as:  understanding the dying process, discernment and decision-making at the end of life, accompaniment and the importance of building Compassionate Communities.  The program is four Wednesday evenings 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 28^th and concluding Oct. 19^th. Participation in all 4 sessions is expected. To register please email your name and phone number to Dianne Hunter at dihun04@gmail.com or call the parish office at 705-728-2985.

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.

LAST CALL to purchase tickets!  Wednesday, September 21^st at 12:30 p.m.   Join us for Lunch with food provided by the Mandarin. The cost is $20.00 and you must purchase a ticket by September 20^th. 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

Thursday, September 22^nd from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Join us for cards, Cribbage, Scrabble, Qwirkle, or bring your favourite board game. Simple refreshments will be provided. To assist with planning please call Catherine at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or email: cecker@archtoronto.org

VON SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) Exercise Program is held on Tuesday mornings. For details regarding the program and registration please call: 705 737 5044 ext. 221.

Christian Meditation is an ancient form of contemplative prayer rooted in the Christian tradition. Our next sessions will be on Tuesday, September 20^th at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom. If you are interested in learning more about this form of prayer or have questions please contact Catherine Ecker. (cecker@archtoronto.org or 705 728 2985 ext. 115) All are welcome.

The Next Chapter Network is a faith-based support network for women who are widowed.  The network encourages and empowers widows to move forward into a positive future. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, September 27 at 2:00 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Room.  If you have any questions please contact Catherine Ecker (705 728 2985 ext. 115 or email cecker@archtoronto.org).

YOUTH MINISTRY

LIFE TEEN – for high school teens  Our Kick-off Night is this weekend on Sunday, Sept. 18^th at 4:00 p.m.  

EDGE – for youth in grades 5-8.  Our next night is Friday, September 30^th.

M.E.R.C.Y. (Ministry to Educate Roman Catholic Youth) is for youth grades J.K.-4.  Our next night is Friday, October 7^th.  For information on our Youth Ministry please email stmarysyouthministrybarrie@gmail.com or call Shannon Barks at 705-229-7426.