Around St. Mary's This Week (April 18, 2021)....

THANK YOU!

On behalf of the Knights of Columbus (Council 1626) we would like to sincerely thank the parishioners of St. Mary’s for a tremendously successful Palm Sunday Foodbank Fundraiser and the special Holy Thursday Foodbank Collection with your donations of cash, cheques and gift cards.   The total funds raised on Palm Sunday was just over $6,000.00 and on Holy Thursday just over $3,500.00.  This total of $9,500.00 represents close to 20,000 lbs of food for those in need. This is a record for donations to the Foodbank!

We thank Father Larry and the Parish team for supporting this effort and again we thank all the parishioners of St Mary’s for their kindness and generosity to this exceptional cause.  

National volunteer week -April 18-24

Today, at the start of Canada’s National Volunteer Week, the parish would like to recognize the immeasurable efforts of each of you who strengthen our Church community through your commitment to service and to acknowledge the difference that each person in ministry has made in faithfully answering their baptismal call to serve. Every day across the Archdiocese of Toronto, parishioners selflessly give of their time and talent to nurture and strengthen the faith experience of the Catholic community and announce the Gospel. “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25: 23.

MINISTRY WITH MATURING ADULTS

Christian Meditation meets weekly, online. The next session is on Tuesday, April 20^th at 10:30 a.m.  Christian Meditation is one form of prayer and is a discipline that requires practice, concentration and commitment. This ancient form of Christian contemplative prayer invites us into a time of sacred silence. All are welcome. No prior experience is needed.

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. This group is not a bereavement support group and is not intended to replace the Bereavement Support Group at St. Mary’s Church. The next meeting will be online on Monday, May 3^rd from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.   For any questions or to receive the links for the above meetings, please email Catherine Ecker at cecker@archtoronto.org.

THIS WEEK IS SHARELIFE SUNDAY

“Vulnerable members of our community are relying on you and me to ensure ongoing access to the care they so desperately need. This is why it’s crucial we meet our parish campaign goal of $13.8 million. Our goal can be met, but only if we each do our part.”

– Cardinal Thomas Collins

Our Parish goal is $100,000.00.

Today is ShareLife Sunday. Please give generously.

Christ is Risen!  Alleluia!

For 50 days we celebrate the great feast of Easter!  In our parish and homes, we continue to praise our God and celebrate Jesus’ victory over death.  Alleluia!

As we continue to celebrate the season of Easter you are asked to pray in an intentional way for families preparing for Baptism, for our young people who will be confirmed in May and all families preparing their children to begin to share in Holy Communion throughout the Easter season.

Gracious God,

I pray for the families preparing to celebrate

a sacrament during the Easter Season.

I ask for your blessing upon them.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph

pray for our families.

You are Invited to Join Us for Faith Nourishment

Tuesday, May 4^th at 7:30 p.m.

Topic: The Holy Spirit

The Church calls all people to continue to grow in understanding and knowledge of our faith.  To assist all members of the parish we are offering a monthly session of prayer, catechesis (teaching) and discussion.  During the time of lock down we shall meet on line.  Our next session will be held on Tuesday, May 4^th and the topic is the Holy Spirit.

Please email Catherine (cecker@archtoronto.org) to get the link.  All are welcome to join Father Larry and Catherine for a time of faith nourishment! 

Wedding Anniversaries:  Living and Celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage

The expression a wedding lasts a day a marriage lasts a lifetime highlights the importance of celebrating and living marriage vows day after day. The married couples in our parish are a sign to us of God’s faithfulness and through their witness we are strengthened. If you celebrated a wedding anniversary in April we shall pray with you and share in your joy at all Sunday (Saturday evening) Masses on April 24^th and 25^th. Please join us in thanking God for the gift of the married couples in our midst.

YOUTH MINISTRY

YOUTH RETREAT – Save the Date!  We are excited to announce that prolific Catholic speaker, Paul J. Kim who currently resides in Texas, is joining virtually on Saturday, April 24^th for a retreat for our young people.  It will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  For further details or to register for the retreat, please email stmarysyouthministrybarrie@gmail.com or call (705) 229-7426.

"M.E.R.C.Y. with an EDGE" will continue to meet once a month on zoom following the original schedule.  The next date for this is Friday, April 23^rd.  You can catch any missed episodes on St. Mary's YouTube Channel to see what Albert has been up to :)

https://youtu.be/HE5XEujqawQ