Around St. Mary's This Week (31 October 2021).....

Future Visit to Canada by the Holy Father

“The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has invited the Holy Father to make an apostolic journey to Canada, also in the context of the long-standing pastoral process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

His Holiness has indicated his willingness to visit the country on a date to be settled in due course.”  Please visit the following link https://stmarysba.archtoronto.org/en/our-community/indigenous-issues/ to read Cardinal Collins Statement and The Catholic Bishop’s of Canada Statement (Pilgrimage of Healing).                                                                    

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 Pauline McLagan, Collumkelle Maloney, Bert Schemitsch and Mary Assumption St. Clement.

Ministry to the Hospitalized  If you or a family member are hospitalized please contact the parish so you or they may receive a pastoral visit.

Hallowe’en is actually a Christian celebration that is over 1000 years old

October 31st Hallowe’en and November 1st All Saints Day have been celebrated since the early 8th century. Pope Gregory III wanted to establish a day to celebrate all Saints.  The word Hallowe’en comes from “All Hallows Eve” that refers to the night before All Hallows Day, also known as All Saints Day. Hallow as a noun is an old English word for saint and Hallow as a verb is to make holy or to honour as holy. 

Traditions - The supernatural aspects of Hallowe’en, like ghosts and demons, have their roots in Catholic belief. At certain times of the year it was believed that the veil separating earth from the afterlife was very thin. When this veil is “thin” the ghosts and demons could be seen. October 31st and November 1st were considered a time when the veil was thin. People would wear costumes to scare away the ghosts and demons.

ALL SAINTS DAY – NOVEMBER 1ST

On November 1st the church celebrates All Saints Day. On this day we celebrate the women and men who have lived before us and the Church has given them the title of saint. For example, people like St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Theresa, St. Matthew, St. Agnes and St. Monica. On all Saints Day we also celebrate all of the people who lived holy lives and have died. Some of these people would be our grandparents, aunts, uncles, leaders who have worked for justice and peace. We believe in the communion of saints which means we believe that through baptism we are united with the baptized who are living on earth, those who have died and all who have been named saints. We pray: All holy men and women, pray for us.

ALL SOULS DAY – NOVEMBER 2ND

On Tuesday November 2nd, All Souls Day we will pray for all of the faithful departed at the 7:00 p.m. Mass. Our Bereavement Committee has extended a personal invitation to all families who had a loved one buried from St. Mary’s Parish during the past year to attend this Mass. All parishioners are welcome to attend this Mass as we pray for our family near and far who have died this past year. When you arrive, we will give you a lit candle which is placed on the steps near the altar. At the end of Mass, you are welcome to take a candle home or to leave it in burning in the church.

Book of Remembrance is available in the church proper so that you may inscribe the names of those who have gone before you marked with the sign of faith.  Please remember to use your own pen.  Pens will not be provided.

Veterans Appreciation MASS

Wednesday, November 10^th at 7:00 p.m. we will honour our veterans.  The veterans who are present will be invited to stand for a blessing.  Veterans are encouraged to wear their blazers and medals.  Regular and Reserve Force personnel and Cadets are invited to attend in uniform. 

YOUTH MINISTRY

M.E.R.C.Y. (Ministry to Educate Roman Catholic Youth) is for youth grades J.K. to Gr. 4and 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, November 12^th. Registration required. 

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, November 12^th.

LIFETEEN – for high school teens to explore their faith through talks, prayer and friendship meeting monthly on Sunday nights. Our next gathering is Sunday, November 14^th after the 4:00 p.m. Mass.  Dinner provided.

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

COATS FOR KIDS PROGRAM

Coats for Kids Program is a Knights of Columbus designated charity that provides warm winter coats to children in need, within the local community. Similar to last year, Barrie Council 1626 will be raising funds for this program by accepting cash or cheque donations following all Masses this weekend and next weekend (November 6th and 7th). If you are not able to attend church, an alternate method of support is through etransfer funds to financial.secretary@kofc1626.ca or drop off a cheque payable to the Knights of Columbus at our hall on 93 Berczy Street in the mailbox at the front. 

Please remember to support this worthy cause. Thank you!

MINISTRY WITH MATURING ADULTS

The Ministry with Maturing Adults seeks to support the lifelong faith development of women and men throughout all phases of the pre-retirement and retirement years. Programs are open to everyone.

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

Christian Meditation meets on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. The next session on Tuesday, November 2nd will be online (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)

Neighbourhood Circle:  “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Mt. 18:20. 

Building and maintaining relationships is part of our lives at every stage. As we age we can choose to reach out and build new connections. Before the pandemic residents from St. Mary’s Residence would meet monthly for conversation and refreshments. Neighbourhood Circle is expanding to include people at St. Mary’s Residence and the larger community. As a sign of its faith base a simple form of prayer is part of these gatherings. If you would like to join others for a time of conversation please come to St. Mary’s Parish on Thursday, November 4th at 2:00 p.m. We will meet for an hour. All are welcome. For information please contact Catherine at 705 728 2985 ext. 115.

PARISH GROUNDS FALL CLEAN UP

Saturday, November 6^th from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.  hosted by the Knights of Columbus, Council 1626.  Parish families are invited to bring your rakes, brooms, shovels, leaf blowers, gloves and enthusiasm to help clean up the parish grounds.  Leaf bags will be providing with Timbits and refreshments!  Look forward to seeing you!

Are you a registered parishioner of the parish?

Many who attend St. Mary’s regularly have never officially registered.  We encourage you to register if you haven’t.  Registration forms are available in the foyer or at the parish office.