Gather

"Christianity isn't meant to simply be believed; it's meant to be lived, shared, eaten, spoken, and enacted in the presence of other people."

~ Rachel-Held Evans

Annual Traditions

Throughout the year this parish has various special traditions. These help us to remember and celebrate the stories of our faith and link us to the centuries of tradition that we are a part of and belong to.

  • The Anglican Church has what are called ‘liturgical seasons’ that we cycle through every year. The year is divided into six ‘seasons’ of differing lengths and focus, beginning with Advent and ending with a long season of ‘ordinary time’.

    The season of Epiphany is normally about 5 to 7 weeks long and runs from Epiphany day (typically in January) until Ash Wednesday. This is the time we commemorate the arrival of the Magi and focus on the light of God breaking into the world.

  • Our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper takes place the day before Ash Wednesday. We celebrate with a pancake supper, organized by volunteers, and we have a Mardi Gras theme for activities and decorations.

  • The Anglican Church has what are called ‘liturgical seasons’ that we cycle through every year. The year is divided into six ‘seasons’ of differing lengths and focus, beginning with Advent and ending with a long season of ‘ordinary time’.

    The season of Lent (the 6 weeks prior to Easter. The dates of which depend on the date of Easter) during which we focus on intentional spiritual disciplines of various kinds (usually focused around the 3 general spiritual practices of generosity, prayer, and fasting) to prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of the events of “Holy Week”

    Holy Week is not a ‘season’ but is the week starting at Palm Sunday and running to Easter Sunday. This is the most holy week of the year for Christians. This week has a number of different worship services and events as we commemorate the events of the last week of Jesus’ life. These include the celebratory arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the Last Supper on Thursday, the darkness of Good Friday, the mysteries of the resurrection at the service traditionally called ‘Easter Vigil’ on Saturday evening, and the joyful celebration of the resurrection on Easter Sunday.

  • The Anglican Church has what are called ‘liturgical seasons’ that we cycle through every year. The year is divided into six ‘seasons’ of differing lengths and focus, beginning with Advent and ending with a long season of ‘ordinary time’.

    The Season of Easter (the 7 weeks from Easter to Pentecost) focuses on new life, beginning of course with Easter Sunday.

    On Easter Sunday we provide the children with an Easter Egg Hunt. Eggs are typically filled with chocolate, candies, and or mini-toys. We are always prepared with safe treats if someone with a nut allergy comes. If the weather is good, we do it outside, if it’s raining we do it inside the hall.

  • The annual Blessing of the Pets takes place during our 10am worship at the beginning of October, near the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. We take time to celebrate and bless our animal friends, current and deceased, or even our beloved stuffed animal companions.

  • The Anglican Church has what are called ‘liturgical seasons’ that we cycle through every year. The year is divided into six ‘seasons’ of differing lengths and focus, beginning with Advent and ending with a long season of ‘ordinary time’.

    Advent (the 4 weeks prior to Christmas) focuses on preparation, hope, faith, love, and joy.

    The season of Christmas (the “12 days of Christmas” running from Christmas Day to the feast of Epiphany on January 6) focuses on celebrating the birth of the Christ Child.

  • Our Christmas Pagent(s) are a retelling of the Christmas story, told to us with the help of our young people. Traditionally the pageant(s) take place on Christmas Eve.

Adult Social Ministries

Community is an important part of living a life of faith. Social ministries like the ones mentioned here can help you to feel like you belong and remind you that you’re not alone.

  • We meet on Monday mornings for fellowship and mutual support, prayer, Bible study, discussion of faith, discipleship and everyday issues from personal to planetary. All are welcome.

    When: We meet Monday mornings, 11am-12noon, in the Heritage Lounge (lower floor) at St. Mary’s and on Zoom.

    Interested? Email apt@stmaryskerrisdale.ca

  • Spend some time with one of our clergy at Grandmama’s Café (on Balsam Street) on Thursdays from 9:15-11am.

    Stop by for a visit and conversation. Make a new friend or two! No appointment is necessary - just swing by, grab a drink, and sit for a bit!

  • Join the mom's group for fellowship, friendship and faith. Explore different topics and how they impact families like yours. Gatherings are on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm (September and January we meet on the second Wednesday of the month). Child supervision will be provided in the nursery upon request.

    Interested in joining?

    Please contact our Family Ministry team via email at family@stmaryskerrisdale.ca

Parish Life Ministries

Parish Life Ministries help care for the inside and outside of our church, both physically and financially, as well as welcome and integrate newcomers into the life of our community

  • One of the most important issues the world is facing right now is the climate crisis. One of the things that our current environmental issues are bringing home is how important our relationship with the rest of God’s creation is. And how vital it is that we reclaim the values and priorities our ancestors everywhere in the world, used to sustain the balance of nature and to live within that balance.

    St. Mary’s Creation Care team helps the parish to identify and organize activities, events special worship services and educational opportunities for the parish (and maybe the neighborhood) as well as look for ways for the church to lessen our own environmental impact.

  • Our Newcomers Ministry Team ensures that St. Mary’s is doing everything it can to make visitors and newcomers feel welcomed and informed. They also periodically put on a newcomers brunch to formally welcome new members to the parish.

  • Our Chancel Guild members help prepare for the Eucharist and other sacraments like baptism and marriage that are vital to parish life. The Guild's ministry includes laundering linens, polishing silver and brass, managing supplies and organizing memorial flowers. Members also decorate the Church for major festivals.

  • Our Finance Committee oversees the financial well-being of the parish, advising Corporation and Parish Council about financial decisions as well as helping support the Treasurer in their work.

  • Our Property Committee helps maintain our building and grounds. They also coordinate a rotation of volunteers.

  • Our Communications Team works with our Communications Coordinator to help to get news to the parish and the wider community about what’s going on at St. Mary’s.