Around St. Mary's This Week (April 11, 2021)...
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!
An Easter Prayer
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)
Today is the Feast of Divine Mercy
This afternoon there will be a time of prayer from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. with: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction. Jesus told St. Faustina: “On that day [the Feast of Divine Mercy] the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the Fount of My Mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.” (Diary, 699).
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Next weekend is ShareLife Sunday The goal for the 2021 ShareLife Campaign is $13.8 million. Our parish goal is $115,000.00. “Our goal can be met, but only with your help. I invite you to join today's generation of heroes by making a sacrificial gift to ShareLife. As you contemplate the blessings God has entrusted to you, please join me in giving to ShareLife to the best of your ability.” – Cardinal Thomas Collins Next weekend, April 18, is ShareLife Sunday. Please give generously. You CAN work wonders! |
Many have commented on the solemnity of the Easter Liturgies beginning with Palm Sunday and continuing through Holy Week, despite the pandemic limitations. Thank you to all who ministered: Shannon and the musicians and cantors, the lectors and Eucharistic ministers. Thank you to Paul Ecker and Maria Lockhart for the beautiful work on decorating the altar area and crucifix. Thank you to Nadia DeAmicis and Bernice Scian for the beautiful Easter arrangements in the planters at the front of the church. Thank you also to Catherine Ecker and those who have been a part of the Initiation process! Imagine what things will look like when there are no restrictions!
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Celebrating Initiation During Easter
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. |
In the Church the Easter season is the normative time for celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
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Important Reminder for Families Preparing to Celebrate Confirmation in May 2021
The candidates are grouped according to their surname. Tuesday, April 20th 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Surnames A to L Thursday, April 29th 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Surnames M to Z Please make every effort to attend the assigned time. |
In April all candidates and their sponsors are to attend one session together. IF, the sponsor cannot attend the parent is to attend.
YOUTH RETREAT
SAVE THE DATE!
We are excited to announce that prolific Catholic speaker, Paul J. Kim who currently resides in Texas, is joining virtually on Saturday, April 24th for a retreat for our young people. It will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For further details or to register for the retreat, please email stmarysyouthministrybarrie@gmail.com or call (705) 229-7426.
MINISTRY WITH MATURING ADULTS
The Ministry with Maturing Adults seeks to support the lifelong faith development of women and men throughout all phases of the pre-retirement and retirement years. Programs are open to parishioners in the second half of life.
Christian Meditation meets weekly, online. The next session is on Tuesday, April 13th at 10:30 a.m. Christian Meditation is one form of prayer and is a discipline that requires practice, concentration and commitment. This ancient form of Christian contemplative prayer invites us into a time of sacred silence. All are welcome. No prior experience is needed.
For further information on the Ministry with Maturing Adults or to receive the link to the meeting please contact Catherine Ecker the Coordinator at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or by email at cecker@archtoronto.org.
DO YOU WISH PRAYERS FOR THE SICK OR DECEASED AT SUNDAY MASS?
If you know people who are sick that you would like prayed for at the Sunday masses, please notify the parish office by noon on Friday. Their names will be left on the list for two weeks and will be renewed if you call again. Likewise, for those who have died, please call during the week and the parish will gladly include them in the Prayers of the Faithful at Sunday Mass.
ARCHDIOCESAN WEEK OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
Monday, April 19 – Sunday, April 24
During this week, Fr. Matt McCarthy, Director, Office of Vocations, has asked that we all take some time, as a community, to pray for vocations to the priesthood, religious and consecrated life. We also ask that you pray for our 6 soon-to-be priests along with all those who are discerning and who are currently in formation. For further information, please email the Office of Vocations at vocations@archtoronto.org
