Around St. Mary's This Week (September 4, 2022)

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 prayer those who have died recently including: Henry Wozniak and Patrick Collins Jr.

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.

Our faith in Jesus Christ has much to teach us about living well until the end of life. The program will help parishioners, caregivers, and family members facing a terminal illness to learn more about 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 will be offered at St. Mary’s on four Wednesday evenings from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. beginning September 28^th and concluding October 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.

FALL BEREAVEMENT PROGRAM

Our parish offers a support group for those grieving the loss of a loved one.  Our Fall Bereavement Program begins on Wednesday, September 7 and runs every Wednesday until October 26.  We are offering an afternoon and evening session. Please call the parish office indicating your interest and a member of the bereavement committee will call you.

OKTOBERFEST

The Knights of Columbus, Council 1626 are presenting an early Oktoberfest celebration with Die Hofgassler, a 15-member German band playing on Saturday, September 10^th in our parish hall from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be a German sausage/ bun for lunch and cash bar. Tickets are $15/pp and available to purchase at all Masses this weekend. Net proceeds support the Coats for Kids program.

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.

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.  If you have questions about any of the programs listed below, please contact Catherine Ecker at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or email (cecker@archtoronto.org.)

Wednesday, September 21^st at 12:30 p.m.

Join us for lunch in the parish hall with food provided by the Mandarin. The cost is $20.00. Purchase your ticket beginning September 6 from Catherine.  Deadline for ticket sales is September 19. Join us for conversation, fellowship, good food and a 50 /50 draw! Proceeds will go to St. Vincent de Paul Society.  

Hold the Dates: October 26^th, November 23^rd, November 30^th and December 14^th.  Stay tuned for more details!

Thursday Afternoons

Sept. 15^th at 2:00 p.m. Join us for a Classic Movie and simple refreshments.

Sept. 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. Please register in advance by calling Catherine Ecker.

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. Our next sessions will be on Tuesday, September 6^th at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom.

The Alumni Writing Group: will meet in St. Joseph’s Room on Thursday, September 8^th at 2:00 p.m.  All graduates of the Life Story Writing Group are welcome to attend.

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 on Tuesday, September 27 at 2:00 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Room.

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 27^th or Thursday, October 6^th.   

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 29^th or Tuesday, October 4^th. 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

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.