Around St. Mary's This Week (25 September 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: William “Jack” Ambeau, Raymond Sun, Lloyd Sykes and James Deciccio.

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

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 is four Wednesday evenings 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 28th and concluding Oct. 19th. 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.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

LIVING AND CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE

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 September we shall pray with you and share in your joy at all Sunday (Saturday evening) Masses this weekend, Sept. 24/25. Please join us in thanking God for the gift of the married couples in our midst.

INDIGENOUS HEALING AND RECONCILIATION FUND

SPECIAL COLLECTION – OCTOBER 1 / 2, 2022

Our country continues to undergo an examination of our relationships with Indigenous Peoples. The Catholic Church in Canada has been deeply engaged in the journey of healing and reconciliation, most notably through the visit of Pope Francis this past summer. As part of our ongoing efforts, the Archdiocese of Toronto has made a firm commitment to provide funds in support of programs and initiatives that respond to the various needs that exist among Indigenous Peoples both locally and throughout the country. The Indigenous Healing and Reconciliation fund is part of a national effort announced by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Bishops of Canada have made a $30-million collective financial commitment to support healing and reconciliation initiatives among Indigenous Peoples. The archdiocese will contribute six million dollars towards the national pledge. The collection on October1 / 2 provides an opportunity for the faithful to contribute to this important initiative. St. Mary’s Finance Council has committed to match our parishioner’s donations to this collection from our interest income over the past three years.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CATHOLIC?

Adults who are not baptized or baptized in another Christian tradition and seek to be full members of the Catholic Church are invited to contact Catherine Ecker at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or email: cecker@archtoronto.org for further information.

BAPTISM FOR CHILDREN OVER THE AGE OF 7

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.

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 currently in grade 7 or older, and baptized Roman Catholic. Participation is essential. The meeting will be at the church on Sept. 27th OR Oct. 6TH from 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Details regarding the preparation process are shared at the meeting. Please attend one of the meetings.

Preparing Young People for first Holy Communion: An Information Meeting for Parents 

Parents of children currently in grade 2 or older, baptized Roman Catholic and ready to prepare for First Holy Communion. The meeting will be at the church on Sept. 29th OR Oct. 4th from 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Details regarding the preparation process are shared at the meeting. Please attend one of the meetings.

All families who began preparation in 2019 or 2020 and did not celebrate the sacrament are asked to attend the appropriate information meeting. Questions regarding the preparation process contact the parish catechist: Catherine at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or Email: cecker@archtoronto.org.

YOUTH MINISTRY

M.E.R.C.Y. (Ministry to Educate Roman Catholic Youth) is for youth grades J.K.-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, October 7th!

EDGE is a youth ministry program for youth grades 5-8 to come together once a month o n 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, September 30th.

LIFE TEEN – for high school teens to explore their faith through talks, prayer and friendship meeting monthly on Sunday nights. Our next gathering is October 2nd at 4:00 p.m.

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

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.

		Wednesday October 26th: Maintaining a Healthy Brain - You are invited to join us from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. for an informative and timely session lead by VON staff. There is no cost to attend, simple refreshments will be available.
	Wednesday, November 23rd - Soup and a Movie You are invited to join us at 12:00 noon for soup, bread and sweets followed by a movie. Cost: free will donation.
		Thursday, October 20th: Classic Movie with simple Refreshments at 2:00 p.m.
	Thursday October 27th: Cards, Games and Refreshments at 2:00 p.m.
		Hold the Dates: November 30th and December 14th. Stay tuned for more details!
	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. Our next sessions will be on Tuesday, September 27th at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom.
	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. The next meeting will be on Tuesday September 27 at 2:00 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Room.

If you have any questions on any of the above programs or activities, please contact Catherine Ecker (705 728 2985 ext. 115 or email cecker@archtoronto.org.

LIFE CHAIN – SUNDAY, OCT. 2 FROM 2-3:00 PM

The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring this year’s Life Chain, an annual vigil to demonstrate against abortion. Barrie brothers please meet in the Kozlov Centre Northwest corner of Bayfield and Cundles parking lot at 1:30 p.m. others meet at Bayfield Street and Cundles Rd. from 2-3:00 p.m. All are welcome to join this peaceful demonstration. Signs will be available to display.