Bulletin – January 19, 2020

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS FOR THE HOMEBOUND NEEDED

There has been an influx of request to bring the Eucharist to the homebound members of our parish community. As such, we are requesting anyone who would be interested in assisting us in this ministry of Extra-Ordinary Eucharistic Minister of the Eucharist for the Homebound, to contact Sr. Maria Lucia at (416)221-8866. There is mandatory training for all those who are interested in visiting those who are homebound and giving them the Eucharist.

MAKING OUR CHURCH “SCENT FREE”

Many people suffer from intense allergies today. Chemicals used in scented products can make some people sick, especially those with fragrance sensitivities, asthma, allergies and other medical conditions. Help us make the air we share healthy and fragrance free. We appreciate your help with making our Church comfortable for all.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

January 20th– January 26th 2020

MONDAY – PAULINE FONG – Requested by Meiyung Fong
TUESDAY – DOREEN YOUNG – Requested by Noreen Chen
WEDNESDAY – DELPHINE OAKIE – Requested by the Family
THURSDAY – JOSEPH D’GAMA – Requested by The Yeung Family
FRIDAY – THANKSGIVING – Requested by John Chan
SATURDAY – DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE SICINSKI FAMILY – Requested by Jack & Wanda
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – THANKSGIVING TO DIVINE MERCY – Requested by Steven & Simone Rozario
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – JOHN MCDONOUGH – Requested by Vivian Mulhall McDonough

ECUMENICAL PRAYER SERVICE TO CELEBRATE THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

Sunday, January 26th at 7:00 PM

Yorkminster Park Baptist Church,
1585 Yonge Street, Toronto

“They showed us unusual kindness” cf. Acts 28:2

His Eminence Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, will reflect on the Word of God with other Christian leaders. For more information, please contact ecumenical@archtoronto.org or 416-934-3400, Ext. 527. All are welcome.

A CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE

Sunday, February 9th at 3:00 PM Mass

St. Isaac Jogues Parish, 1148 Finch Avenue, Pickering

Marriage Sunday highlights the importance of the sacrament of marriage and complements World Marriage Sunday celebrations that take place across North America.

The Celebration of Marriage Mass in the Archdiocese of Toronto will take place on Sunday, February 9th at St Isaac Jogues Church, Pickering. Cardinal Thomas Collins will preside over this special Mass with special recognition for couples celebrating their milestone 25th, 40th, 50th and 60+ wedding anniversaries.

A reception will follow Mass. All are welcome to attend. Everyone is required to register as seating is limited. Designated seating is available for milestone couples only. Register online at www.archtoronto.org/marriage or call 416 934 3400, Ext. 523.

HUMANITARIAN RELIEF FOR AUSTRALIA

As you are aware, in recent weeks, hundreds of forest fires in Australia have killed dozens, destroyed thousands of homes and threatened many local species with extinction. At present, more than 10 million hectares of bush, forest and parks in the country have been impacted.

100 percent of donations are used to support those who have been affected. Funds channeled through our Australian St. Vincent de Paul partners will provide:

  • Emergency financial packages to families who have lost their homes or been impacted in other ways by the fires.
  • Food, clothing, generators, household items, furniture, vouchers and other essential items.
  • Direct support with crisis accommodation through our own services or making referrals onto a range of other organizations and specialized services.
  • Much-needed emotional support and counselling.

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 at416-934-3411

By cheque made payable to St. Gabriel’s Parish – Australia Fires – Relief

CASSEROLES FOR THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Next Weekend, January 25th/26th

Your prepared frozen casseroles will be collected at the Masses next weekend for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.

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. 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.

FOOD FOR ROSALIE HALL & GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Each month the food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.

Rosalie Hall assists young parents and their children to realize their potential through the provision of a wide range of child development, community, residential and educational services.

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.

Your food donations are more important than ever as the winter begins and numbers of needy people continue to increase. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired. Thank you for your generous support.

WORLD LEPROSY DAY

Sunday, January 26th – Used Stamp Collection

Effect:Hope is a Christian organization, focused on achieving lasting, positive change among people living with the effects of leprosy and similar diseases – conditions long forgotten by much of the world. They continue to go into the slums and poverty-stricken communities of the world to bring healing and hope. They provide ulcer care, food and sanitary conditions, a safe home, help with mobility, job training and small business loans Your donation is a gift that will change their lives forever.

Please bring us your used postage stamps. These are passed on to Effect Hope helping them work towards the day when leprosy is eradicated. They are happy to accept any and all trimmed stamps, leaving no less than ¼ inch and no more than ½ inch paper border. Stamps may be deposited in the basket on the cabinet just outside the Parish Office. For more information please go to www.worldleprosyday.ca.

TORONTO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

The Toronto Catholic District School Board welcomes families with junior kindergarten-aged children (born in 2016) to register for the September 2020 school year.

The Elementary Student Online Application for Registration (S.O.A.R.) for enrolment September 2020 is now available. Parents should complete an application at http://soar.tcdsb.org.

The TCDSB is proud to provide a wide range of programs and services to students in 201 publicly-funded Catholic schools from kindergarten to Grade 12.

For registration information, please call (416) 222-8282, ext. 5314 or visit www.tcdsb.org

THEOLOGY ON TAP – DISCERNMENT

Listening to God’s Voice When Facing a Decision

Monday, January 27th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
The Duke of York Pub, 39 Prince Arthur Drive

Fontbonne Ministries invite you to join Kevin Kelly SJ, a Deacon of the Society of Jesus, as he shares his insights into listening to God’s voice when facing a decision. All young adults, ages 19 to 39 are invited for an evening of faith, food, fun and fellowship.

AN EVENING IN THE SEMINARY

Monday, January 27th at 4:45 PM

St. Augustine’s Seminary, 2661 Kingston Road,

Have you ever thought about becoming a priest? Spending an evening at the seminary offers discerners a glimpse into the place where priestly formation begins. The evening includes Holy Mass in the beautiful seminary chapel, dinner, a talk by Director of Vocations Fr. Chris Lemieux, and a tour of the seminary. Please contact the Office of Vocations at (416) 968-0997 or email vocations@archtoronto.org for more information.

WEB: https://www.vocationstoronto.ca/

RETROUVAILLE WEEKEND

Help for Troubled Marriages, January 24th at 6:00 PM, Niagara Falls

If you are thinking of separation or divorce — or you are already separated but want to try again — then Retrouvaille can help. This program will give you the tools to help get your marriage back on track. It will also give you the opportunity to rediscover one another and examine your lives together in a new and positive way.

For more information please call 416-281-6007, email info@torontoretrouvaille.com or go to www.torontoretrouvaille.com

THE CWL OF BLESSED TRINITY PARISH PRESENT

Taking Care of Our Common Home

Saturday February 1st from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Blessed Trinity Parish Hall, 3220 Bayview Avenue

Almost 5 years after Pope Francis called on us in his encyclical Laudato Si to care for our common home, the ecological signs have grown more urgent. How can we live hopefully today? Karen Van Loon will explore what is happening to the world we share, how the Church is responding and what are ways for people of faith to protect and care for our common home.

Contact Kay Booker at 416 357 5378 or Maria Luz Manalo at 416 459 9586.