We have an active children’s program with weekly Sunday School and frequent family events that celebrate events in the Christian year. Our Halloween Open House brings hundreds to our doors. We frequently enjoy games and movie nights for families of all ages. We also help with Community Dinners, sponsor an annual sock drive and support other organizations through programs like Coldest Night of the Year.
Sunday School for younger children has resumed at 9:30 and here is a message re our program for older children:
We’re excited to welcome our SMM Youth Group back for another year of friendship, faith, fun, service, and adventure!
Youth Group begins Sunday, September 13th at the 9.30 am service. Youth in Grades 6–9 are invited to join us as we kick off the 2026–2027 year. We’ll spend our first gathering re-connecting, welcoming our new youth and doing a bit of Team building. This year we will take a more hands on approach in learning more about how the church operates. Including participating in some all-ages services, learning how to use some of the ceremonial objects and discovering more about the mechanics of the order of service. We will also be exploring new themes and virtues central to a Christian life. Last year we considered Hope, Joy, Love and Peace throughout the year. This year we will introduce Compassion, Service/ Ministry, Care and Wonder.
A Year of Adventure, Action & Connection
This year, we’re putting youth at the centre of the program. Alongside our regular gatherings, we’re planning a mix of social events, leadership opportunities, community action, team building, and opportunities to bring friends.
Here’s a taste of what’s ahead:
Treetop Trekking & Team Building – an outdoor adventure to challenge ourselves and grow as a team (October)
Sports Game & Bring-a-Friend Social – getting out into the community together (November)
Holiday Creative Night – cookie baking, candle making and holiday card making (December)
Community Action Projects – including a food drive and opportunities to support Out of the Cold and other community ministries
Video Game Night – an evening of fun, food and friendship (January)
Pancake Supper Leadership – youth taking an active role in helping our parish community (February)
Good Friday Vigil/Sleep-In or Food Ministry Evening – exploring ways to put faith into action (March)
Activate – a fun social adventure and opportunity to bring a friend (April)
Spring Team Challenge – an outdoor adventure or city challenge (May)
June 20th – End-of-Year Celebration – celebrating the year, reflecting on what we’ve accomplished, and looking ahead (June)
We’re looking forward to a year where our youth can build friendships, try new things, serve others, develop leadership skills, ask questions, have fun, and make SMM Youth Group their own.
Welcome back! We can’t wait to see you on September 13th!
-Erin and the SMM C&Y Team
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SEPTEMBER 26th QUIET DAY AT ST JOHN'S CONVENT - LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!
For those who are still interested in attending the September 26th Quiet Garden Day retreat with the Sisters of St. John the Divine, the deadline to register is Saturday, September 19th. Registration costs $40 for the day (bring your own lunch) or $60 including a hot lunch with the sisters. The convent has asked that each participant register themselves using the following link: https://ssjd.ca/events/quiet-garden-day-sept-26/. Although each participant must register individually, we will arrange transportation from Finch Station to the convent as a group. Please contact Iris at liu4478@gmail.com for more information.