Around St. Mary's This Week

Journey to Easter!

A Time of Purification and Enlightenment

A Lenten Series: March 24 and March 31st.

The season of Lent is a time to prepare for baptism or to prepare to renew our baptismal promises. You are invited to participate in the Thursday morning sessions. We will hear and reflect on the Gospels that will be proclaimed on Sunday. We will meet online from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. All are welcome. For more information and the link please email Catherine Ecker at cecker@archtoronto.org or call 705 728 2985 ext. 115.

VIRTUAL RETREAT

“Hey Church, Deal Me In!” (April 4-9).

The doors of the Church are now wide open to all!  But we may be debating about returning. So, how would you like Fr. Robert Foliot, SJ, and especially the Holy Spirit, to help you make a 6-day virtual Retreat on your relationship with Church.

For more information, and to register, visit https://martyrs-shrine.com/

Just click the black border at the very, very top of the website.

The Word of God on the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays in Lent!

On March 20th, March 27th and April 1st at all Sunday (Saturday evening) Masses the readings for the Liturgy of the Word will be from Year A.

We proclaim Year A readings because we will be celebrating a scrutiny with the elect. The Baptismal images in these readings are strong and offer reflection for the elect and us as we prepare to renew our baptismal promises at Easter.

For those who prepare for Sunday Mass by reading the Scripture before Mass the Living with Christ missal includes the readings from Year A.

MINISTRY WITH MATURING ADULTS

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. This group meets on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. The next session will be on Tuesday March 22nd on Zoom. If you are interested in learning more about this form of prayer, have questions or would like the link please contact Catherine Ecker. (cecker@archtoronto.org or 705 728 2985 ext. 115).

Youth ministry

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, March 25^th.

EDGE CAMP – Registration is Open!  For those who currently participate in our Edge Program.  For more information please contact Shannon.

M.E.R.C.Y. (Ministry to Educate Roman Catholic Youth) is for youth grades J.K. to Gr. 4 and 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, April 8^th. Registration required. 

LIFETEEN – for high school teens to explore their faith through talks, prayer and friendship meeting monthly on Sunday nights. Our next gathering is Sunday, March 27^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.

Stations of the Cross

We will pray communal Stations of the Cross on the following Friday’s at 7:00 p.m.:

April 1^st we will pray the Way of the Cross for Residential Schools.  All are welcome to participate.

Good Friday, April 15^th (after the 7:00 pm Mass)

Preparing for Confirmation: Important Reminder

Catechetical Meeting # 2: Candidate & Sponsor Meeting!

It is understood that the candidate and sponsor will attend the meeting. IF, the sponsor cannot attend the parent is to attend. The candidates are grouped alphabetically. Please make every effort to attend the assigned meeting. If there is a serious reason, such as illness, you may attend a different meeting. You do not need to notify the parish office if you are attending a different meeting.

Tuesday, March 22nd 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Surnames A to M

Monday, March 28th 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Surnames N to Z

Support our Lenten ShareLife Appeal

After two years of crisis, our communities need hope and healing. That hope can be found in you – the “hands and feet of Christ” making possible the life-changing work of ShareLife agencies.ur parish’s ShareLife Campaign is now underway. In this time of Lent, please reflect on the great needs of our brothers and sisters who are helped through your kind support of ShareLife.

Vulnerable people are turning to these agencies for support more than ever. And the problems are many, ranging from mental illness, to poverty, addiction and isolation.

The solution is in reach: your hands and ours, working together to live the Gospel.

Our parish goal is $110,000.

ShareLife Sunday’s this year are March 27, May 1 and June 5.

Please give generously!