December 6th, 2025
Our 2025 Annual Impact Report is available in print and online.
We invite you to take a copy home and prayerfully consider your stewardship commitments
Tuesday, December 16th from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Wednesday, December 24th No 9:00 AM Mass Office Open – 8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon 6:00 PM Family Mass 9:00 PM Mass 12:00 AM Midnight Mass
Thursday, December 25th No 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM Mass 10:30 AM Mass 12:30 PM Mass Office Open – 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Friday, December 26th No 9:00 AM Mass Office Closed
Sunday, December 28th 8:30 AM Mass 10:30 AM Mass 12:30 PM Mass
Wednesday, December 31st No 9:00 AM Mass Office Open – 8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon 5:00 PM Vigil Mass
Thursday, January 1st No 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM Mass 10:30 AM Mass 12:30 PM Mass Office Closed
“Advent” is at root a Latin word meaning coming, arrival or approach. This liturgical season opens a new year of public prayer. A time to celebrate that God comes to us, remains with us at all times and places. A time to focus on God and God’s plan for us and all of creation. Advent may appear similar to Lent. However, despite the penitential colour of the purple vestments, Advent is really a four week period of celebration and rejoicing at the coming of God among us.
It’s also a time when it’s easy to be distracted by some of the Christmas preparations. In face of that, we try to make it a time of renewed prayer, thanking God for everything because everything is gift, and praising God. Our themes week to week are hope, peace, joy and love. Pretty good stuff, you might say!
December 8th to December 14th, 2025
MONDAY – ANTHONY MARIE REMEDIOS – Requested by Ann & Ron Ackber TUESDAY – LUCIA ARDIL – Requested by Dario Ardila WEDNESDAY – BEN IVENS ✞ – Requested by Noel & Els McCullagh THURSDAY – ELIZABETH TAN & FAMILY – Requested by Vera Tan & Family FRIDAY – BORIS CELIS ✞ – Requested by the Macaraeg Family SATURDAY – MARY & SEAN CONNOLLY ✞ – Requested by the Connolly Family SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – BRUNO CORTESE ✞ – Requested by Antonietta Cortese SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – DELFINO & SANDRA CANDIDO ✞ – Requested by Janet Candido
Saturday, December 20th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
This year, the parish’s Advent Retreat will take place on Saturday, December 20th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.
Our speaker will be Fr. Rick Frechette, CP.
Fr Rick has worked in Haiti for the past forty years, with an extraordinary ministry among the people there who have been living in extreme poverty through the country’s numerous challenges. From the AIDS epidemic, to social unrest, to the devastating earthquake in 2010, then the outbreak of cholera and Covid, Fr Rick’s heart has been with the people and responded to their various needs in the most ingenious ways.
Unfortunately for the past few years, Haiti has further spiralled into extreme lawlessness, with street violence and kidnappings a common occurrence.
In the retreat, from his lived experience in Haiti, Fr Rick will talk about how to remain steadfast in the face of difficulties and unimaginable atrocities. As we prepare for Christmas, it is good to remind ourselves that when darkness seems to envelop us, the light of Christ continues to shine and give us hope, if only we would learn to see it.
This is a rare opportunity to hear from someone who has lived his faith under very challenging circumstances. Please mark your calendars and join us for the Retreat on Dec 20!
If you are not yet familiar with Fr Rick’s life and work, you can find out more about him in the brochure available at the back of the church and in the Gathering Space.
There is no need to register. All are welcome.
Children ages 7 and up are invited to sing carols and hymns before and during the Christmas Eve Family Mass on December 24th at 6:00 PM. There will be a mandatory rehearsal on Sunday, December 21st from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.
There will be a Nativity Play during the 6:00 PM Family Mass on Christmas Eve. Children grades 5 and under are invited to participate where they will dress up in costumes as they reenact the birth of Jesus. There will be a dress rehearsal on Sunday December 21st after the 10:30 AM mass. Please contact our Youth Minister at youth@stgabrielsparish.ca to participate.
Sunday, November 30th to Friday, December 19th
St. Vincent de Paul
During Advent, the Society of St Vincent de Paul, St. Gabriel Conference, will have a Giving Tree in the Gathering Space. The tree will be decorated with gift stars.
We invite you to take a star, buy a Walmart, Uniqlo or Canadian Tire gift card for about $50 and bring it with the star attached to the Parish Office.
Rosalie Hall
At this time of the year, we are also thinking of the young mothers and babies of Rosalie Hall. If you wish to help, you may choose a “Christmas Stocking” from the Giving Tree to purchase pyjamas or undershirts for little ones, age 6 months to 5 years. Sweaters or hoodies would also be very welcome.
Unwrapped items with the original stocking tag attached can be left in the box provided near the giving tree no later than Friday, December 19th. Toys or books for these little ones would also be appreciated.
For the Moms, we are suggesting gift cards from Tim Horton’s, Walmart or MacDonald’s. These can be placed in the cards provided and brought to the Office. Thank you for your continued generosity.
Fair Trade coffee and chocolate will be sold after all the Masses next weekend, December 13th/14th. The cost is $7.00 per bag.
In the past few weeks, Jamaica, Haiti and the Philippines have been hit with extreme weather storms with many people dead and thousands homeless.
For those interested in supporting humanitarian relief efforts to help those in need, please note the following:
The Archdiocese of Toronto will accept donations and channel funds through our Catholic partners in the Caribbean and Asia to support relief efforts underway in both regions.
Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways:
Please continue to pray for all those affected by these natural disasters. Thank you for your continued co-operation.
Your contribution to ShareLife will be matched dollar-for-dollar!
NEW: Your gift will double in value! Until year end, your contribution to our parish’s ShareLife campaign will be matched by an anonymous donor up to a total of $500,000.
As we approach the end of the year, your loving support is crucial, as ShareLife-funded agencies strive to bring hope and relief to those facing their most challenging times.
Our goal this year is $169,000. To date we have achieved $141,590. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate
Food Collection for the Good Shepherd Centre and Rosalie Hall
Your food donations are very 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.
The Beacons of Hope are seeking gently used Women’s winter outer wear: coats, jackets, scarves, mitts, hats, gloves and boots. Please place these in our donation boxes in the Gathering Space. Many thanks for all your support.
Wednesday, December 17th from 1:30 to 3:00 PM
Enjoy an afternoon of singing your favourite Christmas carols while enjoying tea, coffee and cookies on Wednesday, December 17th from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM.
To register please contact stgabrielmma@gmail.com or call the Parish Office.
| Posted in Bulletin |
November 29th, 2025
December 1st to December 7th, 2025
MONDAY – ADAM TAN ✞ – Requested by Vera Tan TUESDAY – WILMA FRANCIS – Requested by Karen Crichton WEDNESDAY – HARRY K. GEORGE ✞ – Requested by his Family THURSDAY – JAI MARTIN – Requested by Cecilia & Kyng Jin FRIDAY – MARIA DIDIODATO ✞ – Requested by her Family SATURDAY – THE SICK & THE DYING, & FOR HEALING – Requested by Anthony Remedios SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – PATRICIA BRISTOL-CLARKE ✞ – Requested by Karen Crichton SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – SOULS IN PURGATORY ✞ – Requested by Lina Cardenas
Let’s recall that the Psalms we sing weekly at the Sunday Liturgy are
…the prayers offered to us by the Bible; …said to contain the entirety of Christian revelation; …the prayers of our Jewish sisters and brothers; …the prayers of Jesus, Mary, Joseph and all the disciples of Jesus in his times; …a secure basis for our own personal life of prayer; …the heart of the official prayer of the Church, the Liturgy of the Hours.
Advent marks the start of a new liturgical year of prayer.
As last week, our Liturgy again prays Psalm 122.
Throughout Advent, we focus on how God comes to us: at Bethlehem, in each moment of our daily lives and at the end of time.
Psalm 122 responds to the prophecy of Isaiah and offers us a good basis for our prayer. It tells us that our whole life is a journey to the House of the Lord. All the time we are on that journey, and through all its ups and downs, God is with us, never leaves us, never abandons us. God never ever stops loving us.
“Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
Your gift to ShareLife will double in value!
From November 3 until year end, your contribution to our parish’s ShareLife campaign will be matched by an anonymous donor up to a total of $500,000.
ShareLife-funded agencies and Food Security Grant recipients are responding to families facing difficult situations, comforting seniors with fellowship, distributing meals to our neighbours in need, and so much more.
Your sacrificial gift this Advent makes this support possible. You offer immediate relief, restore hope, and remind your brothers and sisters in Christ that they are not alone; that there is a family of faith who cares deeply for them.
Our goal this year is $169,000. To date we have achieved $141,590. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
Your food donations are very 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.
Until further notice, we are not collecting egg cartons any more. Please do not bring egg cartons to the church.
Saturday December 6th at 7:30 PM
St. Gabriel’s Parish
The first snow of the season has fallen, and it’s time to get festive! Come and celebrate the spirit of Christmas with the Seraphim & Cherubim Chorus, as we celebrate 15 years of music, joy and community this year. Our 15th annual Christmas concert series features beloved carols, choral masterpieces, Broadway hits and contemporary favourites.
We hope you’ll join us at one of our festive concerts, perfect for young, old and everyone in between. We promise you a concert that captures the wonder of Christmas in every note!
Kick off your holiday season with us on Saturday December 6 at St. Gabriel’s Parish, North York at 7:30 PM! Advance tickets are available at seraphimandcherubim.ca.
Enjoy an afternoon of singing your favourite Christmas carols while enjoying tea, coffee and cookies on Wednesday, December 17th from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM. To register please contact stgabrielmma@gmail.com or call the Parish Office.
November 23rd, 2025
November 24th to November 30th
MONDAY – FR. DENNIS JOSEPH CP – Requested by Leonor Dytoc TUESDAY – SHELLEY & BABY CHUNG PINT – Requested by Jean Castelino WEDNESDAY – GUIDO CONVERTINI ✞ – Requested by Angela Convertini THURSDAY – DANNY DEGUZMAN – Requested by Karen Crichton FRIDAY – JOYCE & CATHY DRAB ✞ – Requested by their Family SATURDAY – GIUSEPPINA & ORESTO SMERIGLIO ✞ – Requested by Lina Giannotta SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – CLIFTON & JOAN POWER ✞ – Requested by Richard Power SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – DARIO ARDILA – Requested by Dario Ardilo
Psalm 122
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe “Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.”
At the end of the liturgical year, we stand at the gates of heaven. Psalm 122, a Psalm of Ascent, is about a pilgrimage to the holy city, Jerusalem. Jerusalem, place of peace, prosperity, a place to praise the name of the Lord. Our prayer leads to the house of God.
Our year of prayer and grace concludes with the tender sovereignty of Christ speaking through the horrors of crucifixion: “This day you will be with me in Paradise.”
“I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
Sunday, December 7th to Friday, December 19th
Thanks to all who supported the egg carton collection. The Food Bank currently does not need any more. If this should change, they will let us know.
Make your gift to ShareLife and DOUBLE your impact!
NEW: Your gift will double in value! From November 3rd until year end, your contribution to our parish’s ShareLife campaign will be matched by an anonymous donor up to a total of $500,000.
Our goal this year is $169,000. To date we have raised $141,590. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
The Garden Ministry wishes to thank all its many volunteers, supporters, donors, and contributors who have helped in any way over the course of this last growing season, summer, and harvest season.
If you would like to join us, we always welcome new hands. Secondary students can also earn community service hours by volunteering with us on Saturday mornings from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.
Connect with us by email: garden@stgabrielsparish.ca
Saturday, November 29th, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Learn:
Ways to Register:
Follow this QR link: qrco.de/WebNov29
Send an email to: Development@ArchToronto.org and write “webinar November 29” in the title line + your name(s) in the body of the message.
November 29th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM November 30th from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Blessed Trinity Parish Hall
St. Bernard’s Residence is holding a Christmas Bazaar at Blessed Trinity Parish Hall on November 29th from 2:00 to 6:00 PM and November 30th from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Items include collectibles, white elephant items, crafts, ornaments, baked goods books, knitting & crochet and raffles.
All proceeds will go to support retired priests, nuns and laity living at St. Bernard’s Residence. Admission is free! Cash only!
November 16th, 2025
A Book of Remembrance has been placed on the altar for the month of November. You are invited to write the names of your deceased relatives and friends in the book. They will be remembered at all the Masses celebrated in November.
Our Wall of Remembrance is dedicated to all those Members of our Faith Community who have gone home to God this year. Please continue to pray for them. A candle will be lit before each Mass in remembrance of them.
November 15th/16th
Passionist Missionaries cards will be sold in the Gathering Space after all the Masses on November 15th/16th to support the missions in Haiti, Honduras and Jamaica West Indies. Please support our Passionist Missions.
November 17th to November 23rd
MONDAY – NELLA COLANTONIO ✞ – Requested by Angela Colantonio TUESDAY – TONINO DIDIODATO – Requested by the Family WEDNESDAY – ANNIE LAU – Requested by Annie Lau THURSDAY – RICHARD & DAMIAN GAUGHAN – Requested by Agnes Gaughan FRIDAY – MARIA NICOL-LALL – Requested by Karen Crichton SATURDAY – LESLAW & WACLAW LUKACSOW ✞ – Requested by Renata Armstrong SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – VINCENZO TOMAIUOLI & FAMILY ✞ – Requested by the Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – SIMON GALVEZ PRINCIPIO – Requested by Marcy Principio
Psalm 98 “Sing to the Lord a new song For he has done marvelous things.”
We sing this psalm of praise; the entire universe utters its joy at the presence of the Lord. The language is poetic: the seas resound, the rivers clap their hands and the mountains sing together for joy. Because the Lord has made his salvation known, not just to Israel, but to all the ends of the earth.
Psalm 98 celebrates the sovereignty of God, as established in his Son, Jesus Christ.
Today, Psalm 98 responds to the prophecy of Malachi that God will save. And it looks ahead to the end of the liturgical year when we celebrate Christ the King of the Universe.
November 15th /16th
This weekend there will be a second collection for the Shepherd’s Trust. The mission of The Shepherds’ Trust is to help support elderly and disabled diocesan priests. Many of them do not have sufficient financial resources to lead a dignified life after many years of ministry.
Your generous gift will help our diocesan priests, who have devoted their life to serving us in our communities, to maintain a modest but active and independent lifestyle in their retirement years. For priests who are ill or otherwise infirm, the Shepherd’s Trust supports many of them with access to nursing home facilities and medical care.
Thank you for your support and God bless you.
On Tuesday, October 28th, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, causing severe damage to both Jamaica and Haiti. It was the third strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.
In the Philippines, Typhoons Kalmaegi and Fung-wong killed at least 250 people and hundreds are still unaccounted for.
Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways: • Online through the Archdiocese of Toronto website – www.archtoronto.org • By phone through the Development Office – 416-934-3411 • Through the parish, making cheques payable to: St Gabriel’s Parish – Hurricane Melissa or St Gabriel’s Parish – Typhoon Kalmaegi
Rosalie Hall assists young parents and their children to realize their potential. The food we donate from our parish often replenishes their empty food bank.
Good Shepherd provides hot meals and shelter for the homeless in our city as well as a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs.
How Can We Live as Friends of the Poor?
November 16th is World Day of the Poor in the Catholic Church. Living as friends of the poor is what our parish conference of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is trying to do for our most vulnerable neighbours.
If you want to learn more and join our mission, or learn more about the work of the Society and how you can help, please visit www.SSVPToronto.ca. To contact us directly, please email stgabriel@ssvptoronto.ca
For those who turn to ShareLife agencies, the challenges are great – uncertainty feels heavy, hope feels far away. You can ease the struggles of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Your support for ShareLife becomes a saving grace for at-risk children and youth, refugees in crisis, and survivors of domestic violence, ensuring they receive the care and resources they need.
Our goal this year is $169,000. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
November 19th, 2025
Red Wednesday 2025 will be observed on November 19th, uniting Canadians in prayer and action. In Toronto, the Archdiocese of Toronto invites Catholics to join in the celebration of Mass at 5:30 PM at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica. Bishop John Boissonneau, Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto will preside. Contact: el@ac-canada.org or (416) 785-0498. An ACN Canada initiative with archdiocesan support.
Mass, Adoration, Praise & Worship Friday, November 21st, 2025 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM Holy Rosary Parish: 354 St. Clair Ave W, Toronto
On Friday, November 21st, Holy Rosary Parish and the Shalom Community will be hosting an Evening with the Lord. There will be Holy Mass at 7:00 PM celebrated by Fr. Peter Turrone, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Adoration will be accompanied by Praise & Worship Music by the Shalom Community. We invite you, and your friends, to join us for an intimate encounter with the Lord. For inquiries, contact LPA@holyrosary.ca
Fro-zen.
Friends of Loretto Abbey presents Christmas at the Abbey offering poinsettias, plants, planters, outdoor greenery and ornaments in many colours and sizes.
Please visit our website: https://christmas-at-the-abbey.myshopify.com/ to place an order.
Sale ends November 24th. Pick up is December 4th at Loretto Abbey. All profits benefit the needs of Loretto Abbey CSS.
Waiting for the Kingdom and the Life to Come
November 29th at 4:00 PM Join Christians from various traditions to explore how faith in Christ profoundly transforms and enriches our spiritual lives. This meditation will illuminate Christ’s consoling presence, deepening our understanding of his transformative grace. The event will be hosted by the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine
233 Cummer Ave, Toronto, on November 29th, 2025, at 4:00 PM.
Registration is required by November 22nd at guesthouse@ssid.ca For more information please email ecumenicalandinterfaith@archtoronto.org or call 437- 529-1705.
November 8th, 2025
Tuesday, November 11th is Remembrance Day, a day to remember all who have served, and continue to serve in our armed forces, especially those who have died and those wounded in battle. We pray for healing and peace; that one day, all peoples will lay down their arms and embrace one another as brothers and sisters in one human family.
We are pleased to welcome Fr. William (Bill) Murphy, who many of you have met, back to the parish. Fr. Bill will be the associate Pastor here at St. Gabriel’s.
November 10th to November 16th
MONDAY – PAULINE FUNG CHIU ✞ – Requested by the Chiu Family TUESDAY – RICARDO CASTILLO ✞ – Requested by his Family WEDNESDAY – BORIS CELIS ✞ – Requested by his Family THURSDAY – PATROCINIA D. CONDE ✞ – Requested by the Faminial Family FRIDAY – ANNE RO ✞ – Requested by Cecilia Sung SATURDAY – DAVID CRADDOCK ✞ – Requested by Ruth Jones SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – ANGELO DIFLUMERI ✞ – Requested by his Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – FADIE AMI – Requested by Khalid & Emel Amin
There will be a second collection for The Shepherds’ Trust at all the Masses on the weekend of November 16th/17th. The mission of The Shepherds’ Trust is to help support elderly and disabled diocesan priests. Many of them do not have sufficient financial resources to lead a dignified life after many years of ministry.
Your generous gift will help our diocesan priests, who have devoted their life to serving us in our communities, to maintain a modest but active and independent lifestyle in their retirement years. For priests who are ill or otherwise infirm, the Shepherd’s Trust supports many of them with access to nursing home facilities and medical care. Thank you for your support and God bless you.
You may have noticed our group of Parish Outreach collection boxes has been moved to a central location.
If you are looking for the food bins, the milk bag bin, the egg carton box or the Beacons of Hope boxes to make donations, you will find them near the window on the south side of the Gathering Space.
November 16th is World Day of the Poor in the Catholic Church.
Living as friends of the poor is what our parish conference of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is trying to do for our most vulnerable neighbours.
Friday, November 14th to Sunday, November 16th
Have you suffered the loss of a child from abortion, or the abortion pill? If grief, sadness, or shame has kept you alone in this, know that you are not alone, and that there is healing for you. Project Rachel at the Refuge will hold a retreat for post-abortive women November 14-16, 2025. Here you will find a beautiful, natural setting, companionship, and a welcome free of judgment or condemnation – healing is possible.
Call 613-473-2679 in confidence, and see stmarysrefuge.org/rachel
Friday, November 21st, 2025 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Holy Rosary Parish: 354 St. Clair Ave W, Toronto
November 29th at 4:00 PM 233 Cummer Avenue
Join Christians from various traditions to explore how faith in Christ profoundly transforms and enriches our spiritual lives. This meditation will illuminate Christ’s consoling presence, deepening our understanding of his transformative grace. The event will be hosted by the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine
Registration is required by November 22nd at guesthouse@ssid.ca
For more information please email ecumenicalandinterfaith@archtoronto.org or call 437- 529-1705.
We also want to thank all the participants in this year’s raffle and sale. Your support is most appreciated and goes a long way in enabling the Ministry to continuously take care of St Gabriel’s Gardens.
If you would like to join us, please email garden@stgabrielsparish.ca. We always welcome new hands.
Founded by St. Paul of the Cross, every Passionist takes a special vow to spend his or her energies in promoting remembrance of the sufferings of Jesus, the memory of the Cross, and reflection of the meaning of the Cross for the world.
Learn about Passionists and our insignia »
Companion for the Walk of the Stations of the Cosmic Earth
St. Gabriel’s Garden – Guided Sensory Reflective Walk
