May 30th, 2026
Congratulations to the following young people who were confirmed here on Sunday, May 24th. The Sacrament was administered by the Most Reverend Robert Kasun, CSB, Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto.
Landon Will George Assimakopoulos Stinson Caeli Sebastyn A. Cayunda Emma Preslyn Chiu Victor Andrés Martinez Cintra Samantha Bernadeth B. Dizon Sean Philip B. Dizon Daniel Fong Andrew Phillip A. Ganon Maya A. Gorda Bernardo Franco Gueraldi Nathaniel Lai Charles Edward Lynde Nicholas James Manera Madeleine Cecilia Meli Chelsea Mayrina Dylan Poon Tessa Angela Carmela Tatone Arianna Chiemezugo Ubah Alexandra Ella Varillas
Please keep them in your prayers as they continue their journey of faith.
June 1st to June 7th, 2026
MONDAY − SHELLEY PINTO − Requested by Jean Castelino TUESDAY − VALERIE GAUGHAN − Requested by Agnes Gaughan & Family WEDNESDAY − MARIA CONVERTINI ✞ − Requested by Angela Convertini THURSDAY − ANNE-MARIE N. − Requested by Opeyemi N. FRIDAY − LINDA GATTI ✞ − Requested by Sandra & David Gatti SATURDAY – MUYIWA N. − Requested by Opeyemi N. SUNDAY − 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – BRUNO CORTESE ✞ − Requested by his Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM − MANNY GONZALES ✞ − Requested by Josephine Sinlao
Daniel 3
Today’s Responsorial Psalm is unusual in that it is not a psalm. Taken from chapter 3 of the Book of Daniel, these are the first lines of the song of praise of the three young men in the fiery furnace. Despite being surrounded by the fiercest of flames, they remained untouched, cool and protected by God. A foreshadowing here of Jesus conquering death by his Resurrection? A hint of God’s grace protecting us through life and the fires that surround us?
The response today is the song of praise for God who protects the three just men, Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego in an intense destructive situation. For their refusal to worship the golden idol set up by King Abuchednezzar, they are cast into the intense flames of a furnace. Yet God’s agent, an angel, protects them. There they sing: God is blessed, holy and worthy of glory and exaltation.
God brings justice and truth.
June 6th & June 7th
The Chinese Rosary Group meeting is the first Sunday of every month at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room.
The English Rosary Group meets on the first Saturday of each month at 3:00 PM in the Gabriel Room. All are welcome.
We would like to remind parishioners not to park any vehicles on the fire route along the east entrances of the church. Please only park in the designated parking spots above and under ground. Emergency vehicles must be able to access the building at all times.
Thank you for your continued support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.
With your help, these agencies provide hope to young parents, the homeless and the marginalized people in our city showing them they are not forgotten.
Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired.
ShareLife Sunday collections take place this weekend, celebrating 50th anniversary
Today is our third weekend of special collections for ShareLife Sunday. Reverence for life at all stages has been a core principle of ShareLife since its founding in 1976. We recognize the sacredness of life from conception to natural death. ShareLife-funded agencies uphold this value in everything they do, bringing hope, healing, and compassion to those who need it most.
This mission of love is witnessed at Rose of Sharon, where Executive Director Deanne Kukulewich gratefully notes that “your commitment to ShareLife is an investment in young parents and their futures, fostering a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/.
Grief is part of the human experience. At different moments in our lives, we may face the pain of losing a loved one, changes in our health or relationships, separation, or transitions that alter the way we live. These experiences can deeply affect our hearts, minds, bodies, and spirits.
The death of someone we love is especially painful. After a significant loss, we may experience many emotions, including sadness, shock, anger, loneliness, or guilt. At times, the journey through grief can feel overwhelming. Yet, healing often begins when we are able to share our sorrow with others who understand and walk alongside us with compassion and hope.
Last September, our Palliative Care and Bereavement Ministry Team (PCBM) launched the first Small Bereavement Support Groups. These groups offer a safe, caring, and confidential space for individuals to explore their grief journey in the company of others who have experienced a similar loss. The groups are small, closed-membership groups of approximately 5–8 participants and are guided by trained PCBM facilitators. Participants are grouped according to similar experiences of loss, such as the death of a spouse, parent, child, and sibling.
The Small Bereavement Support Groups are scheduled to begin during the week of October 5, 2026, and will run for 7 weeks.
If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Louise Galego and Nadine Altay via the email address: bereavement@stgabrielsparish.ca
Alternatively, you may also contact the parish office at 416-221-8866 to leave your name and telephone number.
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
You’re invited to visit HelpNotHarmCanada.ca where you can e-mail your Member of Parliament (MP), asking for their support of Bill C-218 (The Right to Recover Act), which would amend the Criminal Code to prevent Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) from being provided when mental illness is the sole underlying condition. Without this change, MAiD will be available for those suffering from mental illness alone beginning in March 2027.
Chances are you know someone struggling with mental illness — a family member, friend, or colleague. As Catholics and Canadians, we are called to offer care, hope, and protection – not death – to those who are suffering and most vulnerable. Visit HelpNotHarmCanada.ca today and ask your MP to support Bill C-218.
One of the most enduring shows of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and the coat of many colors.
Performance Dates
June 12, 2026 (Friday) at 7:30 PM Jun 13, 2026 (Saturday) at 2:00 PM (Matinee) June 18, 2026 (Thursday) at 7:30 PM June 19, 2026 (Friday) at 7:30 PM June 20, 2026 (Saturday) at 7:30 PM
Tickets Adults: $36 Students: $20 (Valid ID At the Door)
Saturday, June 6th, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Online webinar on Zoom
All are welcome to join this free webinar hosted by the Archdiocese of Toronto.
Participants will learn about:
Please see the estate planning guide available at www.archtoronto.org to help you make your plan and remember about the importance of using the correct legal names when arranging bequests or other legacy gifts. You may call the parish office for more information.
To register visit qrco.de/WebJun6.
You may also register by email by contacting Development@ArchToronto.org.
Please write “Webinar June 6” in the subject line and include your name in the body of the message.
Learn more about the life, growth, and spiritual reflections of St. Gabriel’s Garden in our Growing News newsletters.
Discover how the garden nourishes both creation and community through reflective garden walks and food donations to Good Shepherd Ministries.
All issues of the newsletters can be found on the Parish website under the Ministries/Garden Ministry tab, by scrolling down to the bottom of the page.
For details or to get involved contact garden@stgabrielsparish.ca
A bequest in your Will to our Church is an acknowledgment of your returning to God a portion of the gifts He has bestowed on you during your lifetime. Charitable bequests can have a favourable impact on your overall estate plan.
Bequests are NOT just for the wealthy! Consider including your parish in your Will. Let your Will reflect your Catholic values.
Please see the estate planning guide available at www.archtoronto.org to help you make your plan, and remember about the importance of using the correct legal names when arranging bequests or other legacy gifts. You may call the parish office for more information.
Who were Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah?
The Psalm Meditation should help you.
| Posted in Bulletin |
May 23rd, 2026
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in our parish this Sunday May 24th at 3:00 PM.
All are welcome. Please remember the Confirmation candidates in your prayers.
May 25th to May 31st, 2026
MONDAY − PETER & NORAH HIGGINS − Requested by Agnes Gaughan TUESDAY − IN THANKSGIVING − Requested by Raymond Chow & Family WEDNESDAY − CATHY & JOYCE DRAB ✞ − Requested by Joe Drab & Family THURSDAY − DUANE CRICHTON − Requested by Karen Crichton FRIDAY − TOM & MARGARET GAUGHAN − Requested by Agnes Gaughan SATURDAY – OLGA FERRER DE MOLERO ✞ − Requested by Olga Molero SUNDAY − 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – JOSEPH BAK − Requested by Irene Swiderski & Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM − CHRISTOPHER CIULLA ✞ − Requested by Cheryle & Joe Ciulla
Psalm 104
Today’s psalm of response praises God for the awesome marvels of God’s creation.
The first reading, from Acts, describes the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. We celebrate this in the sacrament of Confirmation: that the Holy Spirit comes to us at all times and in all places and all situations. God is with us. This is the Advocate that Jesus promised to send us. “I will not leave you orphans.”
“When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth.”
Psalms 103 and 104, well-loved psalms, belong together.
One celebrates God the merciful Saviour; the second celebrates the amazing wonders of Creation and our God who sustains the earth and all life.
Worth reading and praying in the quiet of our hearts, both feature these words of encouragement to prayer at the beginning and conclusion:
“Praise the Lord, my soul.”
The English Rosary Group meets on the first Saturday of each month at 3:00 PM in the Gabriel Room.
All are welcome.
Weekend of May 30th / 31st
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul will be collecting gently used clothing, shoes and linens to support our neighbours in need on the weekend of May 30th / 31st. Please bring your donation and help others in your community.
Please note that they cannot accept furniture, mattresses, books, dishes, construction material or video tapes. The truck will be open Saturday from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM and Sunday from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Volunteers will assist with the loading before and after each Saturday and Sunday Mass.
Your gift to ShareLife invests in the future of our Church
Your support of ShareLife helps form future priests— men who will listen, accompany, comfort, and offer Christ to the world. Rev. James Cyfko spent a decade in formation at St. Augustine’s Seminary, preparing to lay down his life for the people of God.
“I deeply appreciate the ongoing charity of ShareLife,” says Rev. James Cyfko. “I am eager to give back to the community which has helped me focus on faithfully following my vocational calling.” Your devotion lifts the burden of financial worry, enabling men to embrace God’s call fully in preparation for a life of service.
Next Sunday, May 31st is the third ShareLife Sunday collection of the year. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
Next Weekend, May 30th, 31st
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 website. 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.
Fair Trade coffee will be sold after all the Masses next weekend, May 30th/31st. The cost is $7.00 per bag.
Chances are you know someone struggling with mental illness — a family member, friend, or colleague. As Catholics and Canadians, we are called to offer care, hope, and protection – not death – to those who are suffering and most vulnerable. HelpNotHarmCanada.ca today and ask your MP to support Bill C-218.
Monday, May 25th, 2026: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Manresa Jesuit Spiritual Renewal Centre, 2325 Liverpool Rd., Pickering Topic: Receive the Holy Spirit Facilitator: Mary Bastedo.
A suggested offering of $70 per person. Includes break, lunch and mass along with the program.
Register: http://manresa-canada.ca Contact: registration@manresa.ca or phone: 905-839-2864
Despite centuries of cataloging, scientific estimates suggest that 80% to 90% of the roughly 8.7 million species on Earth remain undiscovered – call it our unseen planet!
One fairly well-known species is bees.
Did you know that bees don’t use maps or GPS. Instead, they communicate the exact distance and direction of food sources to their hive-mates using an intricate figure-eight movement called the waggle dance.
World Bee Day highlights the crucial role these pollinators play in our global food supply and ecosystem. Look out for the display in the Gathering Space on Sun, May 31st between 10 AM and 2 PM.
Performance Dates June 12, 2026 (Friday) at 7:30 PM Jun 13, 2026 (Saturday) at 2:00 PM (Matinee) June 18, 2026 (Thursday) at 7:30 PM June 19, 2026 (Friday) at 7:30 PM June 20, 2026 (Saturday) at 7:30 PM
For details or to get involved, contact garden@stgabrielsparish.ca
May 16th, 2026
Monday, May 18th is Victoria Day. The Parish Office will be closed and there will be no 9:00 AM Mass that day.
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in our parish on Sunday May 24th, 2026 at 3:00 PM.
In preparation for this Sacrament, a Confirmation retreat will be held here on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Candidates are reminded to bring a signed letter from their service Ministry Coordinator or a parent stating the completion or anticipated completion of volunteer service hours.
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
The ‘Feast of Feasts’, Pentecost, brings our 50 days of Easter celebration to its conclusion.
The 4:30 vigil mass on Saturday, May 23rd, will begin with 3 Old Testament readings echoing themes of Pentecost.
May 17th to May 24th, 2026
MONDAY − VICTORIA DAY − No 9:00 AM Mass TUESDAY − JOHN JOE HIGGINS − Requested by Agnes Gaughan WEDNESDAY − MARY MARGARET HIGGINS ✞ − Requested by Agnes Gaughan THURSDAY − JASON CRICHTON − Requested by Karen Crichton FRIDAY − PAWEL THOMMEE ✞ − Requested by Danuta Thommee SATURDAY – FRANK COLANTONIO ✞ − Requested by Angela Colantonio SUNDAY − 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – ANGELO DI FLUMERI AND FAMILY ✞ − Requested by Grace Di Flumeri SUNDAY – 12:30 PM − LEONARDO BRUNTON ✞ − Requested by his Family
Seventh Sunday of Easter – Ascension Sunday, Psalm 47
Psalm 47 is a royal psalm proclaiming the Lord as king over all the earth, over all creation.
Today’s first reading is the opening verses of the Acts of the Apostles as written for us by Saint Luke. Psalm 47 reacts to this account of the Ascension by calling us to praise because the Lord is so awesome. We are invited to sing songs of joy, to clap our hands, and advised several times to sing the praises of the Lord.
Catholic tradition sees a reference to the Ascension of the Lord in this line: “God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.”
Please note that they cannot accept furniture, mattresses, books, dishes, construction material or video tapes.
The truck will be open Saturday from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM and Sunday from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Volunteers will assist with the loading before and after each Saturday and Sunday Mass. Thank you!
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.
Good Shepherd provides hot meals, clean clothes and shelter for the homeless in our city. They help find housing and provide follow up support. Your donations are very much appreciated.
Through ShareLife, you support human connection
On the 60th World Day of Social Communication, we are invited to pause and connect with each other—for the Church, for the world, and for the future we are helping to shape together. In this moment, one truth remains clear: the Church endures because of the strength and love of parishioners like you. Your support of ShareLife supports human connection across the world, making a difference in the lives of thousands of people in our community and beyond—funding more than 40 agencies, which help children and youth, families in crisis, seniors, immigrants and refugees, people with special needs, international development and missions, and vocations.
The third ShareLife Sunday is May 31st Thus far we have raised $87,828 toward our goal of $185,000. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
Today, there will be a second collection for the Pope’s Pastoral Works. These funds are passed on to the Holy Father forimmediate response in countries stricken by war, famine and natural disasters. The Pope’s Pastoral Works displays Christ’s love and compassion for people in desperate need.
Please give generously.
May 23 – 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location TBD
This workshop is being offered in response to the interest arising from people across the Archdiocese of Toronto who are discerning or wanting more information about the fundamental expectations and responsibilities of a parish youth minister staff member.
The workshop will feature content focusing or various role descriptions, principle expectations and responsibilities, forming the various skill sets and basic abilities needed to manage a youth ministry position, and understanding the fundamental needs of an active faith life in potential candidates. The location will ultimately be determined based on the general geography of interested attendees.
To register, contact John MacMullen at the Office of Catholic Youth at jmacmullen@archtoronto.org or by phone at 416-599-7676.
Thursday, May 21st from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
AN ONLINE WEBINAR RECOMMENDED BY THE OFFICE FOR ECUMENICAL AND INTERFAITH RELATIONS
AI is rapidly transforming our world. While holding great promise for innovation and progress, it also raises profound questions about human dignity, moral responsibility, truth, and the values that guide our societies. At this pivotal moment, the wisdom of faith traditions can help ensure that technological advancement remains grounded in compassion, accountability, and the common good. Join us for a meaningful discussion on how faith communities can contribute to shaping a future in which AI serves humanity and strengthens our shared values.
For more information and to register, visit https://forms.gle/RzB59VW7FsqReDD59
A bequest in your Will to our Church is an acknowledgment of your returning to God a portion of the gifts He has bestowed on you during your lifetime. Charitable bequests can have a favourable impact on your overall estate plan. Bequests are NOT just for the wealthy! Consider including your parish in your Will. Let your Will reflect your Catholic values.
Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Online webinar on Zoom
All are welcome to join this free webinar hosted by the Archdiocese of Toronto. Participants will learn about:
To register:
Visit qrco.de/WebJun6
You may also register by email by contacting Development@ArchToronto.org. Please write “Webinar June 6” in the subject line and include your name in the body of the message.
A power plant
May 9th, 2026
This community has done something remarkable.
Through this stewardship journey, our community has generously committed gifts and many people have confirmed or newly offered their time and talents — and because of that, our liturgy will continue to gather us as one Body, our ministries will keep reaching the sick and homebound, and faith formation will keep nurturing disciples of every age.
“Together, and by God’s grace, we will continue to proclaim Christ crucified and risen in our parish and beyond.”
Fr. Paul Ruttle, CP.
With your sustained support we will build on this sure foundation — keeping the memory of the Passion alive in everything we do.
Wishing all mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, single mothers, foster mothers and mothers-in-law a very happy and wonderful Mother’s Day.
Heavenly Father, I lift up to you today all mothers. Bless them with strength to continue to care for their children, with the same bold, selflessness Mary showed Jesus. Help all mothers feel our gratitude and truly know their impact.
The Holy Spirit is also known by some other names, and some symbols. Can you think of any?
Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, The “Advocate” (Jesus uses the term Paraclete, meaning “one who offers defense for another”).
Water, Anointing, Breath/Air/Wind, Fire, Dove. All perhaps reflect the vastness of the Spirit’s mystery, presence and power.
May 11th to May 17th, 2026
MONDAY − TUESDAY − DANILO RAMOS ✞ − Requested by Margarita Ramos & Family WEDNESDAY − GABRIELLE N. − Requested by Opeyemi N. THURSDAY − TERRY CLARKE − Requested by Karen Crichton FRIDAY − MARIA DIDIODATO ✞ − Requested by her Family SATURDAY – RONALD FORBES − Requested in Thanksgiving for a long life SUNDAY − 8:30 AM − FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – TINA INTINI ✞ − Requested by the Annibale Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM − SOFIA MALDONADO − Requested by her Family on her 11th Birthday
Sixth Sunday of Easter, Psalm 66
Today’s psalm replies to the reading from Acts which describes many residents of Samaria coming to faith through the teaching of Philip, and being confirmed by the laying on of hands by Peter and John. We sing:
“Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds among the children of Adam.”
Psalm 66 is a thanksgiving psalm. We are invited to show gratitude to God, to sing of God’s greatness, and to celebrate God’s gifts and miracles.
“Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his merciful love from me!”
No matter what we have done, God never removes his love from us, God always hears our prayer. Psalm 66 offers us this marvelous eternal consolation: God never abandons us, always hears us, always loves us.
On behalf of the two women’s shelters supported by the Beacons of Hope thanks to all who were able to assist us during the Lenten and Easter season. Your generous contributions of personal care as well as other specific items listed in the Gathering Space are constantly needed as both shelters provide transitional housing for these women. May you be abundantly blessed for your kind concern and care for these women at the margins.
Through ShareLife, you are the light in someone’s darkest moment.
Sarah arrived at the doors of one of the Catholic Family Services agencies you support through ShareLife on a desperate afternoon with her baby cradled tightly against her chest. Fleeing an abusive home, she had nothing but the clothes on her back and a fragile hope that someone might help. Because of your generous spirit, Sarah and her baby found the safety they so desperately needed when shelters were overwhelmed. Your kindness provided the essentials to care for her baby, the counselling to begin healing, and the support to rebuild their lives. Now she and her baby are safe, cared for, and starting to look toward a brighter future.
Yet, domestic violence is on the rise and countless others like Sarah are still in need. Your compassion has the power to change many more lives. It is because of people like you that their stories do not end in fear but begin again with love. Thus far we have raised $88,318 toward our goal of $185,000. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
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 letter of reference from your pastor as part of your application.
The letter 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.
Chances are you know someone struggling with mental illness — a family member, friend, or colleague. As Catholics and Canadians, we are called to offer care, hope, and protection — not death — to those who are suffering and most vulnerable. Visit HelpNotHarmCanada.ca today and ask your MP to support Bill C-218.
Saturday, May 30th at Villanova College, King City
You are invited to “A Day With Mary” taking place on Saturday, May 30th, 2026 at Villanova College in King City.
This family-friendly day will consist of Holy Mass with His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, praying of the Rosary, Confessions, a keynote address for adults, and children’s catechesis for the little ones. There will be music, fellowship and more.
There is no fee to register – this is a free event open to all. Register online today at https://bit.ly/DWMRegistration.
Complete information can be found at https://archtoronto.org/Mary.
May 2nd, 2026
Fr. Paul Ruttle, CP
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in our parish on Sunday May 24th, 2026 at 3:00 PM. In preparation for this Sacrament, a Confirmation retreat will be held here on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
St. Gabriel’s Parish has received a Canada Summer Jobs grant from the federal government for a Youth Gardening Helper, to assist with gardening tasks 30 hours per week for 13 weeks, beginning at the end of May. Work can include, but is not be limited to, watering, weeding, planting, transplanting, soil preparation, pruning, harvesting, mulching, cleaning up debris and care of garden tools. Applications will be accepted until May 3, 2026
To apply, please send your resume to apply@stgabrielsparish.ca
May 4th to May 10th, 2026
MONDAY − GODFREY PARAISO − Requested by Godfrey Paraiso TUESDAY − WEDNESDAY − FRANK & ROSIE SULATICKI − Requested by Agnes Gaughan & Family THURSDAY − LAU KOON TING ✞ − Requested by Linda Law FRIDAY − PRISCA HUI & THOMAS CHUNG ✞ − Requested by Catherine Chung & Family SATURDAY – EMILIO MANARIN ✞ − Requested by Karen Manarin SUNDAY − 8:30 AM − FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – MARIAN GALLIGAN ✞ − Requested by Mary Kay Boase SUNDAY – 12:30 PM − MARVIN WAYNE THOMAS ✞ − Requested by Mary Cris Narisma
Fifth Sunday of Easter – Psalm 33
We last sang this psalm on the Second Sunday of Lent. Then, we focussed on God’s call to each of us. Today this psalm is sung in response to the call to serve given to Stephen and some six others, all selected to dedicated service to the community. We sing of hope in the Lord because God loves us, of rejoicing and praising God, for God is faithful and God’s love is steadfast.
The ‘Feast of Feasts’, Pentecost, brings our 50 days of Easter celebration to its conclusion. The 4:30 vigil mass on Saturday, May 23rd, will begin with 3 Old Testament readings echoing themes of Pentecost. Our vigil is really a brief evening prayer adding to the solemnity of this great feast. To conclude the glimpse of Pentecost’s history, we heard the description of its celebration by a pilgrim in Jerusalem in 383 when both Ascension and Pentecost were one celebration. 50 years later Pope Leo the Great establishes the celebration of the Ascension according to the Gospel of Luke, 40 days following Jesus Resurrection, and Pentecost on the 50th day. Pope Leo the Great made Pentecost the second major day for Baptism, aware that some people miss Baptism because of illness. Like Easter a similar vigil and an octave, an 8 day celebration, was given to feast. The octave is now eliminated because the feast itself is the ending of Easter season.
There is an important ’pre-history’ to our Christian Pentecost. In the Jewish religion, Pentecost celebrates the giving of the Law to Moses on Mt. Sinai. It also ended 50 days of bringing first fruit offerings to the temple, and the work of a new harvest.
Pentecost was a sort of a hinge – ending a celebration and back to work for a new harvest. That is the pattern for our celebration also: the Easter celebration ends, we receive the Holy Spirit who accompanies us in our work. Indeed ’the harvest is great’. Besides the 3 readings for the vigil mentioned earlier, the lectionary offers other readings: Genesis, the 2nd story of creation; Exodus, God’s descent on Mt. Sinai; Proverbs, Wisdom rejoicing before God always; Joel, the Spirit poured out on all flesh.
Your gift to ShareLife can build the path to hope.
Bradley’s life was in ruins, shattered by addiction and a pain so deep, he couldn’t escape. At just 14, drugs became his refuge, a desperate attempt to numb the emptiness that consumed him. He fought to build something—a job, a home, a family—but addiction tore it all apart. For Bradley, the road to healing seemed impossible—until you stepped in. Through your kindness, he found the Good Shepherd’s DARE Program, made possible by your support of ShareLife. Without this opportunity, Bradley’s story would have been one of loss and despair, but because of you, he found a second chance. With the alarming increases in mental health and addictions, there are so many more people waiting for someone like you to help turn their broken road into a path of hope. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
May 3rd to May 8th, 2026
Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness
During Catholic Education Week, May 3rd to May 8th, 2026, we give thanks for the gift of publicly funded Catholic Education in our province. Catholic schools foster supportive communities where children can experience the joy of God’s love and understand the Christian mission in the world.
Let us journey with our parishes, educators and families to sow and nurture the seeds of faith with the next generation of Catholics, encouraging them to embrace lives of holiness and Christian witness as one body in Christ. To indicate your support of Catholic education and sign-up for email updates, visit: www.togetherinfaith.ca
Visit HelpNotHarmCanada.ca
The batter
Friday, May 15th at 6:00 PM to Sunday, May 17th at 3:00 PM
St. Augustine’s Seminary, 2661 Kingston Rd.,
The Life-Giving Wounds retreat invites participants to move through the broken image of love that appeared to them in their parents’ relationship to their deepest origin and identity as God’s beloved, capable of great love. The next retreat will be from Friday, May 15 at 6 p.m. to Sunday, May 17 at 3:30 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Seminary (2661 Kingston Rd., Scarborough).
Must be 18 or older to attend. Cost: $325 per person ($225 for students), which includes meals, lodging and retreat material. Limited subsidies are available if cost is a concern.
Please contact lgwtoronto@proton.me. For university/college students, contact your campus minister for more information. Space is limited. To register, visit: bit.ly/LGW-TO-Retreat-Register2026.
You are invited to “A Day With Mary” taking place on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Villanova College in King City. This family-friendly day will consist of Holy Mass with His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, praying of the Rosary, Confessions, a keynote address for adults, and children’s catechesis for the little ones. There will be music, fellowship and more.
Calling all Students! Community service hours are available for volunteers.
Contact garden@stgabrielsparish.ca
A bequest in your Will to our Church is an acknowledgment of your returning to God a portion of the gifts He has bestowed on you during your lifetime. Charitable bequests can have a favourable impact on your overall estate plan. Bequests are NOT just for the wealthy! Consider including your parish or any of the archdiocesan charities or departments in your Will. Let your Will reflect your Catholic values.
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
