Around St. Mary's This Week (7 August 2022)

As the baptized we all share in the ministry of prayer. 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 prayer those who have died recently including: Allan Alter, Donald McNeil, Colleen Blight, George Olah and Philip Rodrigues.

Are You Interested in Becoming a Catholic?

The journey towards becoming a full member of the Catholic Church includes time for prayer, catechesis (teaching) and conversation. The initiation process is for those who are not baptized and for those baptized in another Christian tradition and seek to be full members of the Catholic Church. If you would like more information about becoming a member of the Catholic Church please contact Catherine Ecker at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or email: cecker@archtoronto.org

BAPTISM FOR CHILDREN OVER THE AGE OF 7

The preparation for baptism of children over the age of seven is distinctly different than the process for infants and young children. If you are seeking baptism for your child who is seven years of age or older, please contact Catherine Ecker (cecker@archtoronto.org) for details on the preparation process.

PREPARING FOR CONFIRMATION IN EASTERTIME 2023:

An Information Meeting for Parents and Young People

There will be an information meeting for parents and young people who are currently in grade 7 or older, baptized in the Roman Catholic Church and would like to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Participation in an information meeting is essential. Details regarding the preparation process, registration and the celebration of Confirmation will be shared at the meeting. The meeting will be at the church. You may attend on either:

Tuesday, September 27th     or     Thursday, October 6th.

The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and will conclude at 8:30 p.m.

PREPARING YOUNG PEOPLE FOR FIRST HOLY COMMUNION:

An Information Meeting for Parents

There will be an information meeting for parents of children who are currently in grade 2 or older, baptized in the Roman Catholic Church and would like to prepare their child to begin to share in Holy Communion. The meeting will in the church. You are asked to arrange for childcare so you may participate fully. You may attend on either

Thursday, September 29th     or     Tuesday, October 4th.

The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and will conclude at 8:30 p.m.

Questions regarding the preparation process for Confirmation or first sharing in Holy Communion please contact the parish catechist: Catherine at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or Email: cecker@archtoronto.org

MINISTRY WITH MATURING ADULTS

VON SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) Exercise Program is held on Tuesday mornings. The program continues through the summer months. 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. This group meets weekly. Our next session will be on Tuesday, August 9th 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.

LIFE STORY WRITING PROGRAM: September 2022

The Life Story Writing Programme provides an opportunity to stop, take stock, and look back over the process of life in order to gain deeper understanding, clearer perspective and a more integrated view. Undertaken from a faith perspective, it is a search for evidence in your life that God has been with you and is still with you. Such discovery nourishes one’s inner being, renews one’s spirit and energizes for the journey ahead.”

We will offer this six-week program beginning Monday, September 19th. The sessions will be held in person from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. A fee of $20.00 is requested to cover the cost of printing. Advance registration is required. To register or for more information please contact Catherine Ecker at cecker@archtoronto.org or call 705 728 2985 ext. 115.

PRAYER FOR RECONCILIATION

Holy One, Creator of all that is, seen and unseen,

of story and of song, of heartbeat and of tears

of bodies, souls, voices and all relations:

You are the God of all truth and the way of all reconciliation.

Uphold with your love and compassion all who open their lives

in the sacred sharing of their stories

breathe in us the grace to trust in your loving forgiveness,

that we may face our histories with courage;

touch us through the holy gift of story

that those who speak and those who listen may

behold your redeeming presence;

guide us with holy wisdom to enter through the gates of remorse

that our feet may walk gently and firmly on the way of justice and healing. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL

As the baptized, it is our joyful duty to pray for the those who are sick, those who have died and for the needs of the world. Including these intentions as part of your morning or evening prayers as part of your prayer before meals is one way to deepen our call to prayer.

“IT IS SOLVED BY WALKING”  -ST. AUGUSTINE

St. Mary’s has a labyrinth directly in front of the main church doors.

If you are interested in learning more about the ancient practice of contemplative prayer associated with walking the labyrinth please contact Catherine Ecker (cecker@archtoronto.org).

The practice of walking the labyrinth is a wonderful way to pray while outside.

THE ANNUAL MASS OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

The Annual Mass for the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Most Rev. John A. Boissonneau on Wednesday, August 17 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 208 Sunnidale Road.

In the event of rain, the Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome.