Bulletin – February 16, 2025

February 15th, 2025

FAMILY DAY

Monday, February 17th

Monday February 17th is Family Day, a day to celebrate our families. The Parish Office will be closed and there will be no 9:00 AM Mass on that day.

GLUTEN-FREE HOSTS

Our parish is considering offering communion with celiac safe gluten-free hosts in the near future to parishioners requiring these. If this is your case, in order to help us assess the need, please let yourself be known, by visiting, calling or emailing the office. We do not require any specific information about yourself, other than what mass you usually attend.

Please stay tuned for further details about how and when communion with gluten-free hosts will be able to be received at St. Gabriel’s.

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT GATHERING

Sunday, February 23rd after the 12:30 PM Mass

There will be a gathering for youth (Grades 5-12) and young adults (18 and older) on Sunday February 23rd after the 12:30 Mass. Join us for an afternoon of food, games, and activities tailored to our different age groups. All are welcome!

ANNOUNCED MASSES

February 17th – February 23rd, 2025

MONDAY – FAMILY DAY – No 9:00 AM Mass
TUESDAY – CATHY & JOYCE DRAB ✞ – Requested by their Family
WEDNESDAY – MATILDA BARROS – Requested by Agnes Gaughan & Family
THURSDAY – MARY HIGGINS – Requested by Agnes Gaughan & Family
FRIDAY – SANDRA CANDIDO – Requested by Janet Candido
SATURDAY – DIVIA HAZA-BENAVIDES & LORENZO HAZA JR. ✞ – Requested by Andrea Mesa
SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – KOK YAU MEI ✞ – Requested by Kok Yau Lam
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – HAU CHANG FAT ✞ – Requested by Kok Yau Lam

PSALM MEDITATION

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 16th, 2025

Psalm 1

Blessed is the person who does not pursue wickedness, but delights in God’s Law.

Let’s look to today’s first reading from the prophet Jeremiah and to today’s Gospel as Jesus describes that blessing for us.

Blessed are we when we rely on God alone. For then we shall be filled, then we shall laugh, then we shall leap for joy!

OPENING 2025 JUBILEE YEAR MASSES IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO CENTRAL REGION

All Parishioners are invited to celebrate the Opening Jubilee Year Masses in the Central Region of the Archdiocese of Toronto.

The masses include:

  • St. Mary’s Church (588 Adelaide Street) on Thursday, Feb. 20th, celebrated by Bishop Kasun
  • St. Edward the Confessor Church (75 Churchill Ave) on Tuesday Feb 25th, celebrated by Cardinal Francis Leo

All Masses begin at 7:00 PM

Confession time from 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM

No need to register. Just come!

CASSEROLES FOR THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Next Weekend, February 22nd/23rd

Your prepared frozen casseroles will be collected at all the Masses next weekend for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre. Many more volunteers are needed to help feed the hungry in our city.

Three recipes are available on St. Gabriel’s web site. Printed copies of the recipes are also available in the Parish Office. Pans can also be picked up here in the office. Please remember to mark the label on the pan lid with the name of the casserole. For more information, you may contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791

CARING FOR THE HOMELESS IN OUR CITY

Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.

Rosalie Hall is an accredited children’s mental health facility focusing on the needs of pregnant and parenting youth ages 12-25, their children, and their families. Here the needs of young families are met, offering prenatal and parenting classes as well as staff to aid in the transition to parenthood. A school program enables clients to finish high school. The food we donate from our parish often replenishes their empty food bank.

Good Shepherd provides hot meals, clean clothes and shelter for the homeless in our city They help find housing and provide follow up support. They support the homeless who are working to overcome addictions and provide a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs.

Your food donations are so important as numbers of people in need continue to increase. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired.

FREE TRADE COFFEE

Free Trade coffee will be sold after all the Masses next weekend. The cost is $7.00 per bag.

PLANNING TO BE A CATHOLIC TEACHER?

If you are planning to be a teacher, it is important for you to know that to be hired to teach in any Catholic school board in Ontario, there must be a reference form from your pastor as part of your application.

The form explaining that you belong to and participate in the community cannot be written if your pastor does not know you. It is recommended that you have a conversation with him early in the process well before the applications are to be submitted.

THE SOURCE – HOLY HOUR – FEBRUARY 2025

Thursday, February 20, 2025 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM

St. Peter’s Church, 840 Bathurst Street, Toronto

Join the Sisters of Life and the Office of Catholic Youth for an evening of prayer. Spend some time with Our Lord amidst your busy schedule with the source and summit of our faith – Jesus in the Eucharist. There will be some time for fellowship and refreshments after the Holy Hour. This event is open to all parishioners and visitors!

Holy hour with music: 7:00 PM
Confessions available
Social: 8:00 to 9:00 PM

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY VIRTUAL TRAINING

Thursdays, February 20th, 27th, March 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th, From 7:00 to 8:30 PM

Registration is now open for the annual archdiocesan training for bereavement ministry. Training will be offered online on Thursdays, February 20th, 27th, March 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th, 2025 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.

This training is designed for new and seasoned parish bereavement ministers. Registrants are required to participate in all online sessions, complete pre-homework and pass final assessment to receive full training. There is no cost to attend but registration is required.

Please let Sr. Maria Lucia know via email if you are interested so she can have a conversation with you about it no later than February 1st. Capacity is limited, so contact Sr. Maria Lucia at: stgabrielbereavement@gmail.com so that she can register you directly for the training sessions.

DOMINICAN FRIARS YOUTH INTERFAITH VIDEO CONTEST 2025

February 5 to April 15, 2025

Theme: Faith as a Pathway from Division to Unity

High school students (aged 13 to 19 years) in the Catholic School Boards within the Archdiocese of Toronto are invited to participate in this annual celebration of the United Nations International Human Fraternity Day on February 4 each year.

Students are encouraged to create a three-minute video that captures this year’s theme. Please adhere to the guidelines provided on our website and submit your entries via the submission form at https://bit.ly/DFVCSubmission

For further information, please contact us at interreligious@archtoronto.org or call 416-934-3400 ext. 527.

2025 BLACK HISTORY MONTH/AFRICAN HERITAGE MASS

Saturday, February 22nd, from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 520 Sherbourne St., Toronto.

You are invited to our Lady of Lourdes Church for a Eucharistic celebration of African Heritage/Black History 2025 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.

Traditional or cultural attire is encouraged. For more information please contact Our Lady of Lourdes Parish at ollourdesto@archtoronto.org or phone 416-924-6257.

DISCERNMENT WEEKEND RETREAT

March 14 to March 16, 2025 at St. Augustine’s Seminary

The Office of Vocations will be hosting a Come & See Weekend Discernment Retreat for men 18 years and older, at St. Augustine’s Seminary on Friday, March 14 (6:30 PM) until Sunday, March 16 (2 PM). This Retreat offers a way for men to discern a possible call to priesthood at our seminary.

Registration must be done online at www.vocationstoronto.ca/comesee.

JUBILEE OF YOUTH 2025

July 23rd to August 5th, 2025

Calling all young adults (ages 19 – 39), join Fr. Paul Magyar and the OCY team for a pilgrimage of a life time! We will be embarking on a pilgrimage to Venice, Padua, Florence, Assisi and Rome from July 23rd to August 5th, 2025.

Please contact youth@archtoronto.org to receive the pilgrim information package and detailed itinerary.

FINANCE CORNER

Please consider giving your offertory by picking up Envelopes, enrolling in Pre-Authorized Giving (PAG), or Donate Now (through the Archdiocese of Toronto website).

Offertory envelopes for 2025 are still available in the Gabriel Room. Boxes are usually not assigned to parishioners who are donating via Pre-Authorized Giving or Donate Now through the Archdiocese.

To ensure the proper recording for tax receipt purposes, please do not use any envelopes from 2024 or any prior year for any 2025 donations.

Please contact the parish office if you have any questions at 416-221-8866.

TRIVIA

What do you call group of rabbits marching backwards?

A receding hareline

St Gabriel’s volunteers ready for the early shift at the Good Shepherd

February 10th, 2025

St Gabriel's volunteers ready for the early shift at the Good Shepherd - Feb. 10, 2025

Bulletin – February 9, 2025

February 8th, 2025

FAMILY DAY

Monday, February 17th

Monday February 17th is Family Day, a day to celebrate our families. The Parish Office will be closed and there will be no 9:00 AM Mass on that day.

GLUTEN-FREE HOSTS

Our parish is considering offering communion with celiac safe gluten-free hosts in the near future to parishioners requiring these. If this is your case, in order to help us assess the need, please let yourself be known, by visiting, calling or emailing the office. We do not require any specific information about yourself, other than what mass you usually attend.

Please stay tuned for further details about how and when communion with gluten-free hosts will be able to be received at St. Gabriel’s.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

February 10th – February 16th, 2025

MONDAY – ANN GRACE THOMAS RAJAN ✞ – Requested by Therese Thomas
TUESDAY – DIVIA BENAVIDES ✞ – Requested by the Family
WEDNESDAY – BORIS CELIS ✞ – Requested by His Family
THURSDAY – TONINO DIDIODATO ✞ – Requested by the Family
FRIDAY – CHRISTINA MEDA ✞ – Requested by Karen Crichton
SATURDAY – ODELIA ZERNA ✞ – Requested by Karren Ramos
SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – NICOLA VUKOVIC ✞ – Requested by His Family
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – KOK YAU BO ✞ – Requested by Kok Yau Lam

OPENING 2025 JUBILEE YEAR MASSES IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO CENTRAL REGION

All Parishioners are invited to celebrate the Opening Jubilee Year Masses in the Central Region of the Archdiocese of Toronto.

The masses include:

  • St. Paul’s Basilica (83 Power Street) on Wednesday Feb.12th, celebrated by Bishop Kasun
  • St. Mary’s Church (588 Adelaide Street) on Thursday, Feb. 20th, celebrated by Bishop Kasun
  • St. Edward the Confessor Church (75 Churchill Ave) on Tuesday Feb 25th, celebrated by Cardinal
  • Francis Leo

All Masses begin at 7:00 PM

Confession time from 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM

No need to register. Just come!

PSALM MEDITATION

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 9 2025

Psalm 138

Today’s psalm sings out loudly of the steadfast love and graciousness of the Lord. Such is the basis of our hope, repeated often in the Psalms.

We respond to the Prophet Isaiah’s experience of God:
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.”

CARING FOR THE HOMELESS IN OUR CITY

Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.

Rosalie Hall is an accredited children’s mental health facility focusing on the needs of pregnant and parenting youth ages 12-25, their children, and their families. Here the needs of young families are met, offering prenatal and parenting classes as well as staff to aid in the transition to parenthood. A school program enables clients to finish high school. The food we donate from our parish often replenishes their empty food bank.

Good Shepherd provides hot meals, clean clothes and shelter for the homeless in our city They help find housing and provide follow up support. They support the homeless who are working to overcome addictions and provide a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs.

Your food donations are so important as numbers of people in need continue to increase. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired.

TORONTO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Begins Wednesday, January 22nd at 10:00 AM

The Toronto Catholic District School Board welcomes families with junior kindergarten-aged children (born in 2021) to register for the September 2025/2026 school year.

The Elementary Student Online Registration 2025/26 is now available. Please complete an application at http://soar.tcdsb.org.

The following original documents for your child are required upon registration:

  • Birth certificate
  • Proof of Catholicity (one of the following documents): Your child’s Catholic baptismal certificate. The parent’s Catholic baptismal certificate (note: the Catholic parent must provide proof of residency in the City of Toronto). A letter of enrolment to the R.C.I.A./R.C.I.C. program.
  • Passport / immigration documents (if child was not born in Canada).
  • Two proof of address documents

For more registration information, please email: admissions.registration@tcdsb.org or phone 416-222-8282 ext. 5320

PLANNING TO BE A CATHOLIC TEACHER?

If you are planning to be a teacher, it is important for you to know that to be hired to teach in any Catholic school board in Ontario, there must be a reference form from your pastor as part of your application.

The form explaining that you belong to and participate in the community cannot be written if your pastor does not know you. It is recommended that you have a conversation with him early in the process well before the applications are to be submitted.

FESTIVAL OF FAITH FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2025: THE FATHERHOOD AND CARE OF GOD WHO RULES THE UNIVERSE

Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM

51 Centre St. S., Oshawa

AN EVENT SPONSORED BY THE OFFICE FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN UNITY AND RELIGIOUS RELATIONS WITH JUDAISM

Join Christians from various traditions for prayer and reflection on the Fatherhood of God. This event will engage our faith in the mission of God’s triune love and what this means for the churches’ shared witness and service.

It is part of a year-long series of monthly ecumenical gatherings celebrating the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council held in Nicaea.

This is an opportunity to journey together through the Nicene Creed and consider its legacy for ecclesial life today.

THE SOURCE – HOLY HOUR – FEBRUARY 2025

Thursday, February 20, 2025 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM

St. Peter’s Church, 840 Bathurst Street, Toronto

Join the Sisters of Life and the Office of Catholic Youth for an evening of prayer. Spend some time with Our Lord amidst your busy schedule with the source and summit of our faith – Jesus in the Eucharist. There will be some time for fellowship and refreshments after the Holy Hour. This event is open to all parishioners and visitors!

Holy hour with music: 7 p.m.
Confessions available
Social: 8-9 p.m.

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY VIRTUAL TRAINING

Thursdays, February 20th, 27th, March 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th, From 7:00 to 8:30 PM

Registration is now open for the annual archdiocesan training for bereavement ministry. Training will be offered online on Thursdays, February 20th, 27th, March 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th, 2025 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.

This training is designed for new and seasoned parish bereavement ministers. Registrants are required to participate in all online sessions, complete pre-homework and pass final assessment to receive full training. There is no cost to attend but registration is required.

Please let Sr. Maria Lucia know via email if you are interested so she can have a conversation with you about it no later than February 1st. Capacity is limited, so contact Sr. Maria Lucia at: stgabrielbereavement@gmail.com so that she can register you directly for the training sessions.

DOMINICAN FRIARS YOUTH INTERFAITH VIDEO CONTEST 2025

February 5 to April 15, 2025

Theme: Faith as a Pathway from Division to Unity

High school students (aged 13 to 19 years) in the Catholic School Boards within the Archdiocese of Toronto are invited to participate in this annual celebration of the United Nations International Human Fraternity Day on February 4 each year.

Students are encouraged to create a three-minute video that captures this year’s theme. Please adhere to the guidelines provided on our website and submit your entries via the submission form at https://bit.ly/DFVCSubmission

For further information, please contact us at interreligious@archtoronto.org or call 416-934-3400 ext. 527.

DISCERNMENT WEEKEND RETREAT

March 14 to March 16, 2025 at St. Augustine’s Seminary

The Office of Vocations will be hosting a Come & See Weekend Discernment Retreat for men 18 years and older, at St. Augustine’s Seminary on Friday, March 14 (6:30 PM) until Sunday, March 16 (2 PM). This Retreat offers a way for men to discern a possible call to priesthood at our seminary.

Registration must be done online at www.vocationstoronto.ca/comesee.

JUBILEE OF YOUTH 2025

July 23rd to August 5th, 2025

Calling all young adults (ages 19 – 39), join Fr. Paul Magyar and the OCY team for a pilgrimage of a life time! We will be embarking on a pilgrimage to Venice, Padua, Florence, Assisi and Rome from July 23rd to August 5th, 2025.

Please contact youth@archtoronto.org to receive the pilgrim information package and detailed itinerary.

FINANCE CORNER

Please consider giving your offertory by picking up Envelopes, enrolling in Pre-Authorized Giving (PAG), or Donate Now (through the Archdiocese of Toronto website).

Offertory envelopes for 2025 are still available in the Gathering Space. Boxes are usually not assigned to parishioners who are donating via Pre-Authorized Giving or Donate Now through the Archdiocese.

To ensure the proper recording for tax receipt purposes, please do not use any envelopes from 2024 or any prior year for any 2025 donations.

Please contact the parish office if you have any questions at 416-221-8866.

TRIVIA

What do you call a moose with no name?

Anonymous

Bulletin – February 2, 2025

February 1st, 2025

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Sunday, February 9th after 12:30 PM Mass

Wednesday, January 29th marked the beginning of Lunar New Year for 2025. This year is the Year of the Snake. For many years, the Asian community in our parish has gifted our parish community with a wonderful Lunar New Year Party.

This year, the Lunar New Year Celebration will take place on Sunday, February 9th after the 12:30 PM Mass in the Gathering Space. There will be foods, candies, Chinese goodies, coffee and tea. All are welcome.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

February 3rd – February 9th, 2025

MONDAY – MARIA CONVERTINI ✞ – Requested by Angela Convertini
TUESDAY – SOM ONG ✞ – Requested by Hilly Tan & Family
WEDNESDAY – HUI SOU LIN ✞ – Requested by Linda Law
THURSDAY – ODILIA YIU ✞ – Requested by Her Family
FRIDAY – PANG KIT YU ✞ – Requested by Yeung
SATURDAY – GERALDINE WALSH ✞ – Requested by Roland & Christine Kilchling
SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – CHIU LAI SAU ✞ – Requested by Kok Yau Lam
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – HELEN NG ✞ – Requested by Her Classmates at Sacred Heart Canossian College

OPENING 2025 JUBILEE YEAR MASSES IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO CENTRAL REGION

All Parishioners are invited to celebrate the Opening Jubilee Year Masses in the Central Region of the Archdiocese of Toronto.

The masses include:

St. Paul’s Basilica (83 Power Street) on Wednesday Feb.12th, celebrated by Bishop Kasun
St. Mary’s Church (588 Adelaide Street) on Thursday, Feb. 20th, celebrated by Bishop Kasun
St. Edward the Confessor Church (75 Churchill Ave) on Tuesday Feb 25th, celebrated by Cardinal Francis Leo

All Masses begin at 7:00 PM
Confession time from 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM
No need to register. Just come!

PSALM MEDITATION

Presentation of the Lord. February 2nd , 2025

Psalm 24

On this feast, we respond to the words of the prophet Malachi with this psalm praising the King of Glory.

So great is this Holy One that even the gates must be raised to accommodate him.

God does not need our praise; however it is truly right and just for us to give God thanks and to praise God. Which is what Psalm 24 and many psalms do.

“The Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory.”

CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE SUNDAY

Sunday, February 9th at 2:30 PM

St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, 65 Bond St. Toronto

As part of Marriage Sunday 2025 celebrations, Bishop Ivan Camilleri will preside at a special Mass to honour married couples, with special recognition for those celebrating 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th and 60+ wedding anniversaries in 2025. This occasion highlights the importance of the institution of marriage rooted in faith, affirms couples who strengthen our faith community through their witness, and complements World Marriage Sunday celebrations that take place across North America.

The Mass will take place at 2:30 PM on Sunday, February 9th, 2025 at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica All married couples will have an opportunity to renew their marriage commitment. All are welcome to attend. Couples celebrating a 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th or 60+ anniversary in 2025 may register for reserved seating. All other seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will be streamed live on the St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica website: https://www.stmichaelscathedral.com/live/ for those wishing to tune in. The broadcast will begin at 2:15 PM.

GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE CASSEROLES

Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 36 casseroles for January. For February, your prepared frozen casseroles will be collected at all the Masses on the weekend of February 22nd/23rd to be delivered to the Good Shepherd Centre.

You may pick up a copy of a casserole recipe and a pan from the Parish Office. Three recipes are also available on St. Gabriel’s website. Please remember to mark the label on the pan lid with the name of the casserole.

More volunteers are urgently needed to help feed the hungry in our city. For more information, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791.

CARING FOR THE HOMELESS IN OUR CITY

Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.

Your food donations are so important as numbers of people in need continue to increase. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired.

PLANNING TO BE A CATHOLIC TEACHER?

If you are planning to be a teacher, it is important for you to know that to be hired to teach in any Catholic school board in Ontario, there must be a reference form from your pastor as part of your application.

The form explaining that you belong to and participate in the community cannot be written if your pastor does not know you. It is recommended that you have a conversation with him early in the process well before the applications are to be submitted.

TORONTO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Begins Wednesday, January 22nd at 10:00 AM

The Toronto Catholic District School Board welcomes families with junior kindergarten-aged children (born in 2021) to register for the September 2025/2026 school year.

The Elementary Student Online Registration 2025/26 is now available. Please complete an application at http://soar.tcdsb.org.

The following original documents for your child are required upon registration:

  • Birth certificate
  • Proof of Catholicity (one of the following documents): Your child’s Catholic baptismal certificate. The parent’s Catholic baptismal certificate (note: the Catholic parent must provide proof of residency in the City of Toronto). A letter of enrolment to the R.C.I.A./R.C.I.C. program.
  • Passport / immigration documents (if child was not born in Canada).
  • Two proof of address documents

For more registration information, please email: admissions.registration@tcdsb.org or phone 416-222-8282 ext. 5320

FESTIVAL OF FAITH FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2025

Reflection and prayer, a journey through the Nicene Creed

Christians from various traditions in the Archdiocese of Toronto will celebrate the unity that we share in Jesus Christ throughout 2025 in the Greater Toronto Area and commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.

All are cordially welcomed to join their neighbourhood events. For details, please see the poster on our bulletin boards.

Contact ecumenical@archtoronto.org or call 416-934-3400 ext. 527 for more information.

JUBILEE OF YOUTH 2025

July 23rd to August 5th, 2025

Calling all young adults (ages 19 – 39), join Fr. Paul Magyar and the OCY team for a pilgrimage of a life time! We will be embarking on a pilgrimage to Venice, Padua, Florence, Assisi and Rome from July 23rd to August 5th, 2025.

Please contact youth@archtoronto.org to receive the pilgrim information package and detailed itinerary.

TRIVIA

What do you call a droid that takes the long way around?

R2-Detour

UNDERSTANDING JUDAISM: A CONCEPT-ORIENTED APPROACH

Wednesday, February 12th from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Online

AN ONLINE EVENT RECOMMENDED BY THE OFFICE FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN UNITY AND RELIGIOUS RELATIONS WITH JUDAISM

Join Rabbi Fred Guttman for an enlightening exploration of Judaism and the Holocaust. This webinar offers a profound look into Jewish life, culture and the critical importance of understanding the human stories behind historical events. This session provides insights into the rich traditions of Judaism and the lasting impact of the Holocaust. Learn how understanding cultural context deepens our collective memory and promotes mutual respect.

For more information and to register, please visit this link: https://info.echoesandreflections.org/teaching-concept-oriented-judaism

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY VIRTUAL TRAINING

Thursdays, February 20th, 27th, March 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th, From 7:00 to 8:30 PM

Registration is now open for the annual archdiocesan training for bereavement ministry. Training will be offered online on Thursdays, February 20th, 27th, March 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th, 2025 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.

This training is designed for new and seasoned parish bereavement ministers. Registrants are required to participate in all online sessions, complete pre-homework and pass final assessment to receive full training. There is no cost to attend but registration is required.

Please let Sr. Maria Lucia know via email if you are interested so she can have a conversation with you about it no later than February 1st. Capacity is limited, so contact Sr. Maria Lucia at: stgabrielbereavement@gmail.com so that she can register you directly for the training sessions.

FINANCE CORNER

Please consider giving your offertory by picking up Envelopes, enrolling in Pre-Authorized Giving (PAG), or Donate Now (through the Archdiocese of Toronto website).

Offertory envelopes for 2025 are still available in the Gathering Space. Boxes are usually not assigned to parishioners who are donating via Pre-Authorized Giving or Donate Now through the Archdiocese.

To ensure the proper recording for tax receipt purposes, please do not use any envelopes from 2024 or any prior year for any 2025 donations.

Please contact the parish office if you have any questions at 416-221-8866.

Bulletin – January 26, 2025

January 25th, 2025

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Sunday, February 9th after 12:30 PM Mass

Wednesday, January 29th marks the beginning of Lunar New Year for 2025. This year is the Year of the Snake. For many years, the Asian community in our parish has gifted our parish community with a wonderful Lunar New Year Party.

This year, the Lunar New Year Celebration will take place on Sunday, February 9th after the 12:30 PM Mass in the Gathering Space. There will be foods,candies, Chinese goodies, coffee and tea. All are welcome.

ST. GABRIEL’S NEW EVENTS COMMITTEE

If you are interested in being part of a new group helping with special events at the parish, please take a look at the poster on either of the bulletin boards, in the gathering space or downstairs by the elevator, for more information.

Please send us an email at office@stgabrielsparish.ca. We look forward to hearing from you and meeting with you.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

January 27th – February 2nd, 2025

MONDAY – THANKSGIVING – Requested by the Pinto Family
TUESDAY – CHIARA INTINI ✞ – Requested by the Annibale & Oakie Families
WEDNESDAY – SUNNY JOSEPH ✞ – Requested by Tony
THURSDAY – GENARA MARTINEZ ✞ – Requested by Anna Bascom & Family
FRIDAY – FR. KEN O’BRIEN ✞ – Requested by Dan & Carolyn Letters
SATURDAY – THE SICK AND THE DYING – Requested by Lydia McGrann
SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – ANTHONY & AGATHA PAUL ✞ – Requested by Sophie & Candida Pereira
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – KOK SHING WING ✞ – Requested by Kok Yau Lam

PSALM MEDITATION

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Psalm 19

Today’s Liturgy offers a midsection of the psalm (v 7-9) featuring a celebration of God’s law as perfect, sure, right, clear, and true.

The law of the Lord revives the soul, makes wise the simple, rejoices the heart, enlightens the eyes, endures forever and is altogether righteous.

With this psalm we respond to our reading from the Book of Nehemiah describing the celebration of the reading of the Law.

A line from this poem to hold firm in our hearts: “O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE SUNDAY

Sunday, February 9th at 2:30 PM

St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, 65 Bond St. Toronto

As part of Marriage Sunday 2025 celebrations, Bishop Ivan Camilleri will preside at a special Mass to honour married couples, with special recognition for those celebrating 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th and 60+ wedding anniversaries in 2025. This occasion highlights the importance of the institution of marriage rooted in faith, affirms couples who strengthen our faith community through their witness, and complements World Marriage Sunday celebrations that take place across North America.

The Mass will take place at 2:30 PM on Sunday, February 9th, 2025 at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica All married couples will have an opportunity to renew their marriage commitment. All are welcome to attend. Couples celebrating a 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th or 60+ anniversary in 2025 may register for reserved seating. All other seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will be streamed live on the St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica website: https://www.stmichaelscathedral.com/live/ for those wishing to tune in. The broadcast will begin at 2:15 PM.

OPENING 2025 JUBILEE YEAR MASSES IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO CENTRAL REGION

All Parishioners are invited to celebrate the Opening Jubilee Year Masses in the Central Region of the Archdiocese of Toronto.

The masses include:
St. Paul’s Basilica (83 Power Street) on Wednesday Feb.12th, celebrated by Bishop Kasun
St. Mary’s Church (588 Adelaide Street) on Thursday, Feb. 20th, celebrated by Bishop Kasun
St. Edward the Confessor Church (75 Churchill Ave) on Tuesday Feb 25th, celebrated by Cardinal Francis Leo

All Masses begin at 7:00 PM
Confession time from 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM

No need to register. Just come!

TRIVIA

What do you call a boomerang that won’t come back?

A stick

PLANNING TO BE A CATHOLIC TEACHER?

If you are planning to be a teacher, it is important for you to know that to be hired to teach in any Catholic school board in Ontario, there must be a reference form from your pastor as part of your application.

The form explaining that you belong to and participate in the community cannot be written if your pastor does not know you. It is recommended that you have a conversation with him early in the process well before the applications are to be submitted.

TORONTO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Begins Wednesday, January 22nd at 10:00 AM

The Toronto Catholic District School Board welcomes families with junior kindergarten-aged children (born in 2021) to register for the September 2025/2026 school year.

The Elementary Student Online Registration 2025/26 is now available. Please complete an application at http://soar.tcdsb.org.

The following original documents for your child are required upon registration:

  • Birth certificate
  • Proof of Catholicity (one of the following documents): Your child’s Catholic baptismal certificate. The parent’s Catholic baptismal certificate (note: the Catholic parent must provide proof of residency in the City of Toronto). A letter of enrolment to the R.C.I.A./R.C.I.C. program.
  • Passport / immigration documents (if child was not born in Canada).
  • Two proof of address documents

For more registration information, please email: admissions.registration@tcdsb.org or phone 416-222-8282 ext. 5320

CARING FOR THE HOMELESS IN OUR CITY

Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.

Rosalie Hall is an accredited children’s mental health facility focusing on the needs of pregnant and parenting youth ages 12-25, their children, and their families. The food we donate from our parish often replenishes their empty food bank.

Good Shepherd provides hot meals, clean clothes and shelter for the homeless in our city They help find housing and provide follow up support. They provide a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs.

Your food donations are so important as numbers of people in need continue to increase. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired.

CHRISTIAN JEWISH DIALOGUE OF TORONTO COMMEMORATION OF INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

Monday, January 27th, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

East End United, 310 Danforth Ave., Toronto

An in-person event sponsored and recommended by the Office for Promoting Christian unity and Religious Relations with Judaism

The Archdiocese of Toronto, a member of the Christian Jewish Dialogue of Toronto, invites you to join them as they honour the memory of the victims of the Holocaust, and recommit to a culture of encounter, “living in an open and neighbourly spirit, sharing our joys and sorrows, our human problems and preoccupations” (Dialogue and Proclamation, #42). This city-wide event is part of The Dialogue of Life “In Our Time,” a commemoration marking the 60th anniversary of the Vatican Declaration on Interreligious Dialogue, Nostra Aetate.

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY VIRTUAL TRAINING

Thursdays, February 20th, 27th, March 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th, From 7:00 to 8:30 PM

Registration is now open for the annual archdiocesan training for bereavement ministry. Training will be offered online on Thursdays, February 20th, 27th, March 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th, 2025 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.

This training is designed for new and seasoned parish bereavement ministers. Registrants are required to participate in all online sessions, complete pre-homework and pass final assessment to receive full training. There is no cost to attend but registration is required.

Please let Sr. Maria Lucia know via email if you are interested so she can have a conversation with you about it no later than February 1st. Capacity is limited, so contact Sr. Maria Lucia at: stgabrielbereavement@gmail.com so that she can register you directly for the training sessions.

FESTIVAL OF FAITH FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2025

Reflection and prayer, a journey through the Nicene Creed

Christians from various traditions in the Archdiocese of Toronto will celebrate the unity that we share in Jesus Christ throughout 2025 in the Greater Toronto Area and commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.

All are cordially welcomed to join their neighbourhood events. For details, please see the poster on our bulletin boards.

Contact ecumenical@archtoronto.org or call 416-934-3400 ext. 527 for more information.

JUBILEE OF YOUTH 2025

July 23rd to August 5th, 2025

Calling all young adults (ages 19 – 39), join Fr. Paul Magyar and the OCY team for a pilgrimage of a life time! We will be embarking on a pilgrimage to Venice, Padua, Florence, Assisi and Rome from July 23rd to August 5th, 2025.

Please contact youth@archtoronto.org to receive the pilgrim information package and detailed itinerary.

FINANCE CORNER

Please consider giving your offertory by picking up Envelopes, enrolling in Pre-Authorized Giving (PAG), or Donate Now (through the Archdiocese of Toronto website).

Offertory envelopes for 2025 are still available in the Gathering Space. Boxes are usually not assigned to parishioners who are donating via Pre-Authorized Giving or Donate Now through the Archdiocese.

To ensure the proper recording for tax receipt purposes, please do not use any envelopes from 2024 or any prior year for any 2025 donations.

Please contact the parish office if you have any questions at 416 -221-8866.