There is a wonderful team of pastoral workers and staff at St. Mary's. They have been very welcoming and have shown me the ropes so to speak. Fr. Jeremias Inoc is the Associate, and has been ordained in May of 2017. A man of great joy, and care for the people of God. Fr. Robert Reddy is in residence - on a health leave - yet has been very much a go to guy for assistance - especially when Fr. Jeremias has been away.
We have 2 Permanent Deacons - Deacon Ron MacLellan and Deacon Del Allan who preach regularly and serve the community at the Hospital, Nursing Homes, and Christian Initiation.
Many know Susan Scarff - our Parish secretary - and the Point Person that everyone connects with. We also have Shannon Barks - our Music Director and Youth Minister - who is the mother of 7 and yet mothers many in Youth Ministry! Catherine Ecker started on July 1st and also wears 2 hats - Catechist and Co-ordinator of Ministry with Maturing Adults. This ministry really had its birth at St. Mary's in Barrie, and seeks to place a spiritual context for those in the parish as they move through the second half of life.
We have a full time Custodian - Dennis - who cares for the facility, and is proactive about making sure thisngs get taken care of before they break! We also have and some part time employees:
Pat - who looks after all things financial,
Cathy - who looks after our parish records and website,
and David who assists Shannon in Youth Ministry and Catherine in Catechesis.
This is a parish with more responsibilities than Holy Family. There is a large regional Hospital (Royal Victoria Health Centre) in the parish as well as Simcoe Hospice. We ware on call for Simcoe Hospice all the time, and 2 out of 5 weeks for the Hospital. There are 6 Elementary Schools and 1 Secondary School within the parish boundaries, as well as 12 different Seniors / retirement care centres. There is a robust ministry to the Home bound and those in the care centres.
Lots to keep you updated in the coming Months and Years!
