22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (September 1, 2024)

HOLY HOUR AND BENEDICTION

Friday, September 6th, 2024             

6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Praying for the Sick:  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: Roger Chicoine, Anthony LaMantia and Magola Rangel.

Visiting the Hospital: if you or a family member are admitted to RVH please let them know you are Catholic and call the parish office. If you wish to receive Holy Communion please let the parish office know and one of our pastoral visitors will come to see you.

Vitamin F: Our Father!

Preparing for the Jubilee Year in 2025

Tuesday, September 10^th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

In advance of the Jubilee Year, Pope Francis has asked for a preparatory year to take place in 2024 with a focus on the need for prayer, especially reflection on the Lord’s Prayer.  We shall continue our preparation, by reflecting and focusing on the first two petitions in the Lord’s Prayer: Hallowed be your name and Your Kingdom Come. All are welcome to attend this time of catechesis, conversation and prayer. We will begin at 7:00 p.m., have simple refreshments available and conclude by 8:30 p.m.

New Program - Just Sing!

Mark your calendars for a laid back, fun afternoon of song and fellowship as we come together to JUST SING, our way through the folk, pop, gospel and traditional music songbooks. Bring your voice whether you can sing or not!  No sign up – just come and just sing! Cookies and tea included. Any questions please ask David dmurdoch@archtoronto.org. 

Join us on Tuesday, September 17 at 2:00 p.m. at the parish.  Other dates for Just Sing: October 15, November 12, January 21, 2025, February 18, April 8, May 6, and June 3.

A Symposium to Educate our Community on Homelessness in Barrie

Monday, September 23, 2024

7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Parish Hall

This symposium is for all people concerned about homelessness in our community, the lack of affordable housing, and the shelter system.  Come and hear speakers from the County of Simcoe, Barrie Homelessness and Housing Justice Network; Busby Centre, St. Mary’s Parish and St. Vincent de Paul Society. Registration is not required!  All are welcome!

Altar Server Training – FOR THE 2024-2025 Year

There will be an altar server practice for all new servers on Thursday, September 12 at 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. OR Thursday, September 19 at 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the church proper. All children Grade 4 and up who have received their first communion are welcome to attend ONE of these practices.  Any questions please email David Murdoch: dmurdoch@archtoronto.org.

Preparing for Confirmation - The preparation for Confirmation formally begins in October with an Information Meeting.  At the Information Meeting details regarding the preparation process and how to register are shared. The information meeting for Confirmation will be offered twice at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 3^rd and Monday, October 7^th. You attend one meeting. The parent and young person seeking Confirmation are to attend.

Preparing for First Sharing in Holy Communion - The preparation for first Holy Communion formally begins in September with an Information Meeting. The information meeting for first Holy Communion will be offered twice at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday September 24^th and Monday September 30^th. You attend one meeting. This meeting is for parents.

Questions regarding the preparation process for Confirmation or first sharing in Holy Communion please contact the parish catechist: Catherine at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 (cecker@archtoronto.org) or David Murdoch (dmurdoch@archtoronto.org)

All Adults 55+ - Ministry with Maturing Adults

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, September 3, 2024 on Zoom. All are welcome! 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).

Wednesday September 11^th at 12:30 p.m. NEW DATE! BUY YOUR TICKETS!  Join us for Lunch with food provided by the Mandarin. The cost is $20.00 (cash).  You must get your ticket before September 9^th Tickets are available from Catherine Ecker or at the parish office. Join us for conversation, fellowship and good food. There will be a 50 /50 draw. Proceeds will go to St. Vincent de Paul Society. Questions: contact Catherine Ecker at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or email cecker@archtoronto.org.

The Six Week Life Story Writing Program begins September 16^th, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. – The program is open to those in the second half of life (55+).  No writing experience is needed.  The program offers an opportunity to reflect on the various stages of life and recognize Gods presence.  To register or for more information please contact Catherine Ecker at cecker@archtoronto.org or call 705 728 2985 ext. 115.

Seasons of Hope Bereavement Group

Seasons of Hope helps us come together to share in God’s love. Whether your loss is recent or long ago, Seasons of Hope is a nurturing link to the Church, our God and people of faith who understand what it means to grieve.  Come and be comforted.

The group meets at 7:30 p.m. for six consecutive Wednesdays beginning September 25, 2024 in the parish library.  Registration is required. For more details or to register please contact Catherine Ecker in the parish office at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or email cecker@archtoronto.org.

Baptism for Children Over the Age of 7

The preparation for baptism of children over the age of seven is distinctly different than the process for infants and young children.  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.

Classic Movies – Fall Schedule

We have a wonderful line up of classic movies.  Snacks included (free will offering).  All welcome – no sign ups. 

Movies shown on the following Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. in our parish hall:  Sept. 10^th & 24^th, Oct. 8^th & 29^th, Nov. 26^th, Dec. 17^th.  Our feature film on Tuesday, September 10^th is “Dodsworth” starring Walter Huston.

Any questions, please contact David at dmurdoch@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 4^th.

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, September 27th.  

LIFE TEEN –for high school teens to explore their faith through talks, prayer and friendship meeting monthly on Sunday nights at 4:00 p.m. Our next gathering is Sunday, October 6^th. 

Questions or Helping with Youth: 

For questions or if anyone is interested in helping with our youth ministry, please reach out to Shannon Barks at email stmarysyouthministrybarrie@gmail.com or call Shannon at 705-229-7426.  Training days will be held in Toronto on September 22/23^rd.