
The St. Mary’s Update
The St. Mary’s Update is our weekly newsletter featuring news and stories from St. Mary’s Parish! Subscribe now to receive The St. Mary’s Update in your inbox every Friday.
Next Step Sunday
Sunday, October 15th | After Mass
It’s time to take your next step at St. Mary’s! Find out what’s next for you by exploring the many courses, ministries, and opportunities at St. Mary’s Parish after the 9AM and 11AM Masses in the parish hall.

New Life Retreat
October 20th-22nd
Experience New Life! The New Life Retreat weekend is an invitation to a life-changing encounter with the living Jesus Christ and to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. Are you looking for more meaning in your life? Are you seeking a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Register now!

At Your Service: Preaching Series
September 24th – October 15th
Over the next four Sundays, Fr. Mark and Fr. Ken will be preaching about service. At St. Mary’s, we want to create a culture of serving – serving the poor, serving each other, and serving God.

Meet the Team
Our staff team is growing! Please welcome the two newest members of our staff.
Catherine
Operations Manager

I’ve attended St. Mary’s since 2021, and my husband and I got married here in June 2023. I have a passion for parish renewal, and when this job came up I felt the Lord strongly tug my heart towards it. As Operations Manager I oversee our incredible staff team, and help to coordinate parish projects, events, and long-term vision.
Jackie
Receptionist

Hello! My name is Jackie. I love the outdoors, card games and going on spontaneous adventures. I studied Social Justice in university and enjoy discussing matters of faith. I served two years with NET Ministries of Canada; a life changing experience that has ignited my desire to continue to work for the Church. My role at St. Mary’s is to be the friendly first-point of contact for those connecting with the office!
For Families
Family Adoration and Confession
Saturday, October 14th | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
St. Mary’s Kids is hosting regular Eucharistic Adoration and Confession for families. Join us for a family-friendly opportunity to adore Jesus and receive the graces of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Homeschoolers Mass & Meet-Up
Friday, October 6th | 9:00 AM | St. Mary’s Parish and Princess Margriet Park
St. Mary’s Kids is hosting monthly meet-ups for homeschool families in our community! Join us for Mass at 9:00 AM followed by social time at Princess Margriet Park, a short walk away from St. Mary’s.

Sacramental Preparation
First Communion and Reconciliation Preparation
Starts October 28th | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Our First Communion ministry offers a dynamic, hands on approach to sacramental prep that focuses on discipleship. The orientation session for parents and candidates is on October 28th.

Confirmation Preparation
Starts November 8th
Do you have a child in Grade 6 or older in need of the Sacrament of Confirmation? St. Mary’s Parish offers a fun and informative course to prepare them for this important moment in their faith life.

Pro-Life
40 Days for Life
September 27 – November 5
40 Days for Life, a campaign of silent public prayer for an end to abortion, continues every day from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM until November 5th. St. Mary’s Parish will be having a special day of prayer on Saturday, October 28th. Sign up for our Parish prayer day in the hall after Mass this Sunday,

Get Involved
Spend an Hour with Jesus
Beloved Disciples Community, “The happiness you are seeking, the happiness you have a right to enjoy has a name and a face; it is Jesus of Nazareth, hidden in the Eucharist.” (Pope Benedict XVI) Spend time with Jesus in our Adoration Chapel. Contact Agnes at adoration.chapel@stmarysottawa.ca to sign up for a designated hour or to substitute.
Do You Have Carpentry Skills?
The Decorating Ministry is looking for help building a stable for the parish’s nativity scene in time for Christmas. Contact Leah if you would like to help with this special project at decorating@stmarysottawa.ca.
News and Notes
Lost Items
If you have lost pieces of jewelry, keys, and religious items at St. Mary’s over the last few months, contact the office this week. Any unclaimed items will be donated or discarded.
The Alpha Experience at St. Mary’s
Mondays | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | St. Mary’s Parish Hall
It’s not too late to register for Alpha! Seek answers to life’s greatest questions in a welcoming and judgement-free environment. Register today before it’s too late!
From the Servants of the Cross
Come and See
In-Person: October 13th – 15th | Virtual: October 19th – 21st | Servants of the Cross Home (33 Aurora Cres.) and on Zoom
The Community Servants of the Cross is hosting a COME AND SEE for young single women (18-35) who are discerning the consecrated life. It will be a time to discover your vocation and a time to connect with our Community. “Come and See,” and let the Lord speak to your heart.

In the Community
Living Water Women’s Retreat
October 14, 2023 | St. Maurice Parish
This day long retreat is an opportunity to gather with other women and encounter Jesus, The Living Water. Rejuvenate with Mass, Adoration, Confession, music, fellowship and the chance to create something beautiful with Anna from the Flower Pantry. Talks by Megan Turland and time for reflection. Cost is $60. Register
From Campaign Life Coalition
Life Chain
October 1st | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Life Chain takes place this Sunday October 1st from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Set aside one hour to stand silently, praying, and holding a sign to remind people of the sanctity of human life. Signs are provided. There are many locations so please come to the one most convenient for you. For The Life Chain closest to you visit 2023 Life Chain Locations (campaignlifecoalition.com) or call 613-729-0379.
CLC and CLC Youth Information Meeting
Tuesday, October 3rd | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | St. Mary’s Parish Hall
Get the latest updates on pro-life files and initiatives. Guest speaker is Matthew Wojciechowski, CLC Vice-President.
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