Around St. Mary's This Week (13 June 2021)
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Our Labyrinth
A labyrinth combines the imagery of a circle and a spiral. A circle is infinite that God’s love and a spiral draws us deeper into our relationship with God. A labyrinth is often called a walking meditation. A labyrinth is not a maze, you cannot ‘get lost’ in the labyrinth, when you reach the centre you then walk out and the entrance becomes the exit. If you would like to learn more about walking the labyrinth please contact Catherine Ecker at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or Email:cecker@archtoronto.org |
As part of the 2010 renovation project a labyrinth was laid in 2011. The labyrinth is located directly in front of the main doors of the church. It is 43 feet in diameter with 8 circuits. Four benches are placed on the perimeter of the labyrinth.
EVERY CHILD MATTERS
We are profoundly saddened by the discovery of the remains of at least 215 children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School on the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation. Many people including the Catholic Church failed the children and their families. Those entrusted with the administration of the residential schools failed to respect the dignity of all people and to proclaim the Gospel of mercy, love and compassion.
Following the discovery of the remains we have seen memorials set up as a sign of our grief and solidarity with the Indigenous people. A memorial assists us in beginning to process the horror and grief. We must acknowledge the pain, the wrong doing and continue to pray for healing and justice.
We must put prayer into action and be engaged in working for justice for all of our Indigenous people. You are invited to bring a brand-new pair of children’s shoes to the parish. Recognizing that it is challenging to purchase new shoes when stores are closed we encourage you to take advantage of curb side pick up or wait for the re-opening of non essential retail. You may drop off the new shoes in the parish hall between 11 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. We shall ship the new shoes to an Indigenous community.
June is Seniors' Month in the Province of Ontario
Since 2007 St. Mary’s Parish has been intentional in supporting the spiritual growth of all parishioners in the second half of life. Throughout the pandemic some of our regular programs have continued. Although we cannot gather in person we are able to connect online and through the phone. We thank God for the many parishioners in the second half of life who contribute to the health of our parish and community. This year Barrie Public Library is hosting their first virtual Senior’s Fair.
You can find out more information by visiting https://www.barrielibrary.ca/programs-events/seniors'-fair
Ministry with Maturing Adults
Christian Meditation meets weekly, online. The next session is on Tuesday, June 15th at 10:30 a.m. This ancient form of Christian contemplative prayer invites us into a time of sacred silence. All are welcome. If you are new to Christian Meditation and would like some information or if you would like the link to the meeting please email Catherine Ecker cecker@archtoronto.org.
Writing Circle Alumni Group: this gathering is for those who have already completed the Life Story Writing program. The monthly meeting will be held Thursday, June 17th online at 2:00 p.m. To get the link please contact Catherine Ecker at cecker@archtoronto.org
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Prayer for Families Waiting to Celebrate a Sacrament We invite you to pray in an intentional way for families preparing for Baptism, for our young people waiting to be confirmed and for all families preparing their children to begin to share in Holy Communion. Gracious God, I pray for the families waiting to celebrate a sacrament.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph pray for our families. |
I ask for your blessing upon them.
We are Called to Pray!
During the month of June each day Mon-Friday you are invited to come together in prayer virtually at 3:00 p.m. to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet for those affected by Covid and all health care professionals. For those joining online the Zoom link will open at 2:50 p.m. and no one will be admitted after 3:00 p.m. as the leaders will be praying. You may find the link on our website. Questions? Please email Catherine Ecker at cecker@archtoronto.org or call 705 728 2985 and leave a message.
Completing the Preparation for Confirmation
All families who have chosen to complete the preparation for Confirmation are reminded that the candidate and sponsor are to attend one session. If the sponsor cannot attend the parent is to be present. Please take note of the date and time, if you cannot attend at the assigned time please come to the other session. Please arrive ten minutes before the session is to begin.
Thursday July 15 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. -- Surnames A – M
Tuesday July 20 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. -- Surnames N – Z
Confirmation will be celebrated in August.
When at the church please practice physical distancing and wear a mask. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Catherine Ecker cecker@archtoronto.org or phone 705 728 2985 ext. 115.
Completing the Preparation for first Sharing in Holy Communion
Parents are reminded that they and their child who is preparing for first Holy Communion are to attend one session.
The sessions will be on:
Monday June 14th - 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday June 15th - 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday June 19th - 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Please arrive 10 minutes before the session is to begin, practice physical distancing, and wear a mask.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Catherine Ecker cecker@archtoronto.org or call 705 728 2985 ext. 115 and leave a message.
