Holy Spirit Parish, Barrie
Parish Blog
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A Pilgrim’s Reflections on World Youth DayMichelle Pacheco, Mission Development Coordinator for OCY Missionaries at the Office of Catholic Youth, was one of the more than 5,000 Canadian pilgrims that journeyed to Lisbon, Portugal, to celebrate World Youth Day from August 2 to 6. Below...Friday, August 11, 2023 -
Reflections on World Youth Day Toronto 2002: A Journey of Faith, Awe and InspirationAs this year’s World Youth Day unfolds in Lisbon, Mary Lou Laramee from Pickering, Ont. reflects on her experience at World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto – recounting various moments during this extraordinary event. From the arrival of...Friday, August 04, 2023 -
Renew, Recharge and Journey: Retreat Centres to Visit this SummerSummer is a great time to sit back and relax. Long, warm and bright summer days really allow us to enjoy the season – especially after so many months in the cold. It’s also an ideal opportunity to...Wednesday, July 26, 2023 -
Reflections on the Papal Visit, One Year LaterWritten by John Ecker One year ago, Pope Francis made his penitential pilgrimage to Canada. The theme of his visit was "Walking Together." At the outset of his journey, in Maskwacis, Alberta, His Holiness said, "I am sorry. I ask...Tuesday, July 25, 2023 -
A Joyful Encounter Between the Young and OldThe World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on Sunday July 23, close to the Feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. Pope Francis “renews his invitation to everyone – dioceses, parishes, associations...Friday, July 21, 2023 -
The Gift of GrandparenthoodArchdiocese of Toronto parishioner Cindy Tracey, a grandmother of 24 (soon to be 25) grandkids, reflects on her unique role in light of the third World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly on July 23. Cindy's...Wednesday, July 19, 2023 -
From the GTA to Martyrs' Shrine: A Pilgrim's JourneyTotus Tuus Summer Camps are returning to 20 parishes throughout the archdiocese this month. The camps, geared toward youth ages 6-18, are facilitated by faithful young adult “missionaries” who receive several weeks of formation and training. It...Thursday, July 06, 2023 -
Recognizing Dignity on National Indigenous Peoples DayJulia and Adam Kozak, a married couple involved in bridge-building and peacemaking with Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples, reflect on National Indigenous Peoples Day. Adam, a Lay Pastoral Associate and musician, was the National Project Manager for the Programs...Tuesday, June 20, 2023 -
Sacred Heart of Jesus Highlights God’s Generous Love on the Journey to MarriageMegan Séas, a parishioner of the Archdiocese of Toronto, chronicles below her journey to marriage at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in the town of Paray-Le-Monial in France. 1. How did you come to...Monday, June 19, 2023 -
An Incredible Journey of Faith and NursingAs National Nurses Month wraps up, nurse and author Margaret Price reflects on her life's journey guided by faith -- and all the opportunities the field of nursing opened up to her. 1. Through your involvement in helping to start...Tuesday, May 30, 2023 -
Shining a Spotlight on the Ministry with Maturing AdultsThe month of June is dedicated to Adult Faith Formation for the ministries of the Office of Formation for Discipleship. It is also Seniors’ Month in Ontario. This office is committed to help parishes support all adults to grow...Thursday, May 25, 2023 -
Celebrating Nurses this National Nursing WeekThe National Association of Catholic Nurses-Canada joined its international friends in honouring nurses at Nurses’ Week this year. We resumed in-person celebrations, inviting our members to host get-togethers for nurses in their parishes. This gave nurses...Thursday, May 11, 2023 -
Momentum Catholic Single MothersIn 2015, Pope Francis wrote to a single mother, acknowledging the difficulties single mothers face because of the existing stigma against them. “I know it's not easy to be a single mother,” Pope Francis said. “I...Thursday, May 11, 2023 -
Exploring the ‘Gift of Faith and Mental Health’ this MayFr. Stephan Kappler is the President and Chief Psychologist of Southdown Institute. In light of the upcoming day dedicated to raising awareness of mental health across the the archdiocese, he shares with readers some of the strong connections between faith...Tuesday, May 02, 2023 -
‘Love One Another’ this National Family and Life WeekNational Family and Life Week is taking place from May 7-14 reflecting on the theme of “Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34). Below, Michelle Dabrowski...Wednesday, April 19, 2023 -
Strengthening the Fabric of our Faith CommunityIn recognition and appreciation of all volunteers throughout the Archdiocese during National Volunteer Week (April 16-22, 2023) we asked various members of the community about the role of volunteers and how volunteering weaves us together, thereby strengthening the fabric...Tuesday, April 18, 2023 -
Good Friday Procession Ends Pandemic HiatusFr. Massimo Buttigieg, Pastor at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, reflects on the joy of being able to welcome back Toronto’s Good Friday Procession in Little Italy. 1. What does it mean for the Catholic community to once...Wednesday, March 29, 2023 -
Walking Together in Pursuit of Healing and ReconciliationJulia and Adam Kozak, a married couple, reflect on healing and repentance in light of the 2022 papal visit, Pope Francis’ ‘Pilgrimage of Penance.’ Adam, a Lay Pastoral Associate and musician, was the National Project Manager for...Tuesday, March 28, 2023 -
Breaking Barriers: Supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing CommunityFor those who are Deaf and hard of hearing, isolation and communication barriers did not just emerge during the pandemic. These individuals are often excluded from their communities as they face stigma and discrimination. On Wednesday, March 8 at...Wednesday, March 08, 2023 -
Seven Things to Know about Ash WednesdayMichelle Brylowski is Associate Director, RCIA and Liturgical Formation, for the Office of Formation for Discipleship. Below, she helps us prepare for Ash Wednesday. 1. What do the ashes on the forehead represent?Biblically, ashes symbolize mourning, mortality and penance...Tuesday, February 21, 2023
