Easter Sunday (April 9, 2023)

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 your family gathers for meals throughout the season of Easter you are invited to begin by lighting a candle and then praying together.

God, source of life,

Pour in our hearts the joy of Easter, and grant us to live the new life

that Christ has gained for us through his resurrection,

for he reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God for ever and ever. Amen.

 (adapted from Blessings and Prayers for Home and Family, © Concacan Inc., 2004)

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:  Englebert Steiner, Mario Larin and Douglas Beesley.

Northern Regional Welcome Mass

St. Mary’s Parish is honoured to host a Northern Regional Welcome Mass for our new Archbishop Francis Leo on Monday, April 17^th, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.  All are welcome to attend this historical event in the life of the Archdiocese.

Celebrating Initiation During Easter

In the Church the Easter season is the normative time for celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.  During the Easter season we will celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation with our young people and children will join us at the table of the Lord as they begin to share in Holy Communion.  You are asked to pray for all families who are preparing to celebrate a sacrament and we thank God for their witness of faith.

Divine Mercy Sunday – April 16^th

All are invited to a holy hour on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 16^th from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Divine Mercy Sunday is celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter, and was established by St. John Paul II centered on the revelations to St. Faustina Kowalska.  There is a Divine Mercy Novena that begins on Good Friday. Pamphlets are available in the church. The Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed on Rosary beads with a different set of prayers. During the holy hour, there will be Adoration, confessions and the sung Divine Mercy at 3:00 p.m. There are special graces that our Lord promised for those who pray on Divine Mercy Sunday and can only be received for oneself, through reception of Holy Communion in a state of grace. A plenary indulgence, however, can be offered for oneself, or for souls suffering in purgatory. 

St. Faustina, pray for us!

You are Invited to Join Us for A Time of Faith Nourishment on Tuesday, April 11^th at 7:30 p.m.

Topic: Easter Joy! Alleluia!  Alleluia!

We will gather for a time of prayer, reflection, discussion and catechesis on the Easter liturgies. 

All are welcome! 

We gather for 7:30 p.m. and conclude by 9:00 p.m.     

Simple refreshments will be provided.

Seasons of Hope Bereavement Group to Begin

This program is centered on Jesus Christ and grounded in the healing wisdom, traditions and practices of the Catholic Church. The program rooted in Catholic tradition, conveys God’s consolation through scripture, prayer, reflection, and sharing our faith.  A Christ- centered group is for you if any of the following are true:

• You are trying to figure out the meaning of your grief
• You want to get on with life, but have been unable to
• You find comfort in the teaching of Christ
• You are open to new ways of coping with your grief
• You are looking for friends in Christ to share your journey of sorrow.

The group meets at 7:30 p.m. for six consecutive Wednesdays beginning April 19 in St. Joseph’s Room.  Registration is required. For more details or to register please contact Catherine Ecker in the parish office at 705 728 2985 ext. 115.

Hospital Visitation

If you or a family member are admitted to the Royal Victoria Hospital and would appreciate a visit from someone at St. Mary’s please call or email the parish office.

Please note: the hospital no longer provides us with a list of Catholics who are hospitalized; therefore, you must notify the parish.

St. Mary’s Bible Camp – 2023!

July 4^th to 7^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. 

Cost is $75.00/ child. 

To register please visit www.stmarysbarrie.archtoronto.org or email stmarysyouthministrybarrie@gmail.com. 

Please contact Shannon Barks at 705-229-7426 for any questions. 

Spaces are limited!

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE

Have you ever wondered what you would do if a loved one suffered heart failure while in your presence? All parishioners are invited to take part in AED/CPR training being held in St. Joseph’s Room on Saturday, April 22^nd from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Registration at 8:30 a.m. A certificate will be provided for all who complete the training.

If interested, please contact Karen Boyle at 705.321.0898 or email kboyle@bell.net.

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. 

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

Christian Meditation is an ancient form of contemplative prayer rooted in the Christian tradition. We will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 11^th on 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).

Writing Circle Alumni Group:  this is a gathering for those who have already completed the Life Story Writing program. The monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, April 13^th at 2:00 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Room.

Bid Euchre, Cards and Games – all are welcome to participate.  Lessons will be provided for those new to Bid Euchre! 

Join us in the parish hall on April 20^th from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  Simple refreshments are provided.

Save The Date!  Common Frauds and Scams: Wednesday, April 26^th

Join us for an information session facilitated by Barrie Police Service on how to protect yourself and family!

This session is open to everyone.  We will gather for 2:00 p.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m.

Youth Ministry

M.E.R.C.Y. (Ministry to Educate Roman Catholic Youth) for grades J.K.-4.  Meets once a month. 

Our next gathering is Friday, April 14^th, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

EDGE for grades 5-8 to. Meets once a month. 

Our next gathering is Friday, April 21^st, 6:00-7:30 p.m. 

LIFETEEN – for high school teens. Meets once a month on Sunday nights at 4:00 p.m.

Our next gathering is Sunday, April 23^rd.

EDGE Catholic Adventure Camp -

A 5-day Catholic adventure camp with sports & activities, catechesis, Mass, praise & worship and fellowship!

Who:  Students in grade 5-8 who attend EDGE.

When:  August 27^th-31^st, 2023 Where:  Camp White Pine, Haliburton.

Cost: $475.00 (before April 30) / $525.00 from May 1-31 (last day to register)

All-Inclusive (Food, Transportation, Accommodations, Camp T-shirt, Water bottle)

Space limited to a first come, first register basis.

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