Season of Creation 2024

September 12th, 2024

The annual event of the Season of Creation begins on September 1 (the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) and ends on October 4 (the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology).

This year’s theme is “To hope and act with Creation” and the symbol is “The first fruits of hope,” inspired by Romans 8:19-25.

An introductory video and resources to observe this season at home, church and school may be found at the following links: https://seasonofcreation.org/resources/

Passionist Solidarity Network:
https://www.passionistsolidaritynetwork.org/season-of-creation

EMAIL SCAM ALERT

July 19th, 2024

In recent weeks there has been a sharp increase in the amount of fake/scam emails being received by parishioners throughout the archdiocese. These emails – usually sent from Gmail accounts operated by scammers – appear to be from a priest and often request the purchase of gift cards or electronic payments. Please exercise caution should you receive an email like this and contact the parish via telephone to validate its authenticity.

Bulletin – September 15, 2024

September 14th, 2024

SACRAMENTAL REGISTRATION

September 24th & September 26th from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

There will be registration for the Sacraments of First Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation on September 24th and September 26th from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM in the gathering space of the church.

Please Note:
A copy of the child’s Baptismal Certificate is required if registering for First Communion or Confirmation. Registration forms will not be accepted without it.

A Baptism certificate is not required for Reconciliation.

A fee of $30 is required at registration for Confirmation to defray related costs.

CHILDREN’S FAITH PROGRAM – 2024/2025

Registration forms for the Children’s Faith Program are now available in the parish office. This program is for children of the Parish who attend other Catholic schools, public or private schools. Classes are held on Sundays at St. Gabriel’s School from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The next class will be held on September 22nd.

Please note that a separate Sacramental registration form is required if your child will receive the sacraments of First Communion, Reconciliation or Confirmation during the 2024/2025 school year. These forms are also available in the Parish Office. Baptismal Certificates are required for First Communion and Confirmation.

ALTAR SERVERS NEEDED

Serving at the Lord’s table is a great honour and responsibility. The Altar Server Ministry Team would like to invite children who are 10 years or older (boys and girls), who are interested in committing and dedicating time and effort to serve Mass. Any adults who think they may desire to serve are encouraged to volunteer as well. All that is required is a desire to serve at the Altar of Our Lord. If you are interested, contact the parish office or email: altarserversstgabe@gmail.com

ADULT CHOIR

The Adult choir has returned for the 2024-2025 year. The choir rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 PM, and sings at the 10:30 AM Mass. New members are most welcome.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

At the 10:30 AM Mass from mid-September to June each year, children ages 4 to 10 have the opportunity to gather as a group for the Liturgy of the Word led by adults who have volunteered. We are in need of more volunteers to assist this program. For more information or to volunteer, please call Dawn Burke at 416 671-0561 or leave a message at the Parish Office.

THE PASSION OF THE EARTH AT ST. GABRIELS’S – A PARISH BLOG

No doubt you will have noticed the painting The Passion of the Earth by Br. Michael Moran, CP in the gathering space of our church. Perhaps you have stopped to ponder the image and what it conveys to you, or you have engaged with others in conversation about it.

We have created a blog space – a place where you can write your thoughts, and comment on the ideas of others – an online parish conversation. It is being hosted on the Passionist Solidarity Network website at https://www.passionistsolidaritynetwork.org/st-gabriels-parish-blog-on-the-passion-of-the-earth/artistic-insight-into-the-crisis-of-earth#comments

We welcome you to join in this conversation in respectful dialogue. Just click on the link and start typing. Let’s share our thoughts and learn with and from each other.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

September 16th to September 22nd

MONDAY – BINX COOPER ✞ – Requested by Karen Crichton
TUESDAY – SIMON JAVIER – Requested by Betty Kee
WEDNESDAY – MARIA GOJAO ✞ – Requested by Celeste Costa & Family
THURSDAY – SAVANNAH CRICHTON – Requested by Karen Crichton
FRIDAY – ORESTE & MARIA GIANNOTTA ✞ – Requested by Lina Giannotta
SATURDAY – NADINE CORNELIO – Requested by Mark DesRoches
SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – NORMA FERNANDES ✞ – Requested by Sophie & Candida Pereira
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – REVALEE HOLLY DAVIS ✞ – Requested by Marcy Principio & Family

SEASON OF CREATION 2024

The annual event of the Season of Creation began on September 1st (the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) and ends on October 4th (the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology). This year’s theme is “To hope and act with Creation” and the symbol is “The first fruits of hope,” inspired by Romans 8:19-25. An introductory video and resources to observe this season at home, church and school may be found at the following link: https://seasonofcreation.org/2024/02/02/soc-2024-to-hope-and-act-with-creation/

BULLETIN TRIVIA

Why do we say “Amen” instead of “A Woman” at the end of the songs at Church?

Because they are hymns not hers.

SPRING CLEANING – YEAR- ROUND!

This Weekend, September 14th/15th

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is collecting gently used clothing, shoes and linens to support our neighbours in need this weekend, September 14th/15th. Please bring your donation and help others in your community. The truck/bin 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!

MILK BAG WEAVING CONTINUES

The milk bag weavers will be back on Wed. September 18th. They are friendly and light hearted and encourage new parishioners to join them. No skills are needed. Simply come from 1:00 – 2:30 PM. Contact Sharon at sharongusz@gmail.com for further information.

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

For the Good Shepherd Centre and Rosalie Hall

We are preparing for our Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Thanks to community partners like you, individuals facing hunger are welcomed and served daily at Good Shepherd. In 2023, 330,020 meals were served. Currently, upward of 950 meals are served each day.

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.

Urgently needed items include:
Tuna and canned meats
Soups, stews
Chick peas, beans
Canned tomatoes
Corn & vegetables
Pasta sauce
Tea bags & coffee
Granola bars
Pancake mixes
Peanut butter, jams
Bagged rice
Dried Meals
Condiments (e.g. soy sauce, barbecue sauce, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard etc.)

Please check the expiry date as we cannot pass on expired foods. We thank you for your generous support!

SHARELIFE

“We see and feel the pain of those struggling to feed their families, and it moves us deeply,” says Archbishop Francis Leo. “Proverbs 22:9 reminds us, ‘The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.’ Our faith calls and challenges us to be the beating heart and outstretched hands of Christ himself, extending his love and compassion to those in need. Together, we will continue to bring hope and dignity to our community, to those who suffer thus making a concrete difference in the lives of our neighbours.”

Please share your blessings by making a contribution at sharelife.org/donate or our parish using a ShareLife envelope. Thank you for living the Gospel.

CROCHETING FOR A CAUSE

Interested in crocheting or want to learn how? Join a new crochet group that is open to all ages – no experience is needed! We will be crocheting scarves for individuals in need, which will be distributed by our youth group during their next downtown Street Patrol event this winter.

Our first session is on Sunday October 6th after the 12:30 Mass in the Gabriel Room. Donations of yarn and crochet hooks are also most welcome.

Contact our Youth Minister at 416-221-8866 ext.227 for more details or to sign up.

MOVIE NIGHT

Wednesday September 18th at 7:30 PM – Gabriel Room

Join us for St. Gabriel’s Social Justice Movie Club and Discussion

Reel Injun:A documentary about the evolution of the depiction of First Nations people in film, from the silent era to today. Featuring clips from hundreds of films, candid interviews with famous Native and non-Native directors, writers and actors, Reel Injun traces how the image of First Nations people in cinema have influenced the understanding and misunderstanding of their culture and history.

Choose your level of participation, from simply watching the movie at home to having a thoughtful and illuminating discussion with other parishioners at the following date, time and place. This film is available on Tubi TV, CBC Gem, and YouTube.

Please contact the office if you have any questions regarding the Movie Club.

UNDERSTANDING SACRED SPACES

Led by Roberto Chiotti, Founding Principal of Larkin Architects

If you would like to learn more about the history of church design throughout the ages and the criteria that distinguish sacred space from every day, then this course is for you. Come and learn about the history of Christian Church architecture from its early days to current theological influences on contemporary church architecture including the role that eco-theology had on the design of our own St. Gabriel’s church. The course is being offered both in person at Regis college and online for those who prefer to learn from home. For more information or to register, see the poster on the bulletin board or scan the QR code.

Pre-Authorized Giving

Please consider giving your offertory by picking up Envelopes, enrolling in Pre-Authorized Giving (PAG), or Donate Now (through the Archdiocese of Toronto website). Please come by the parish office if you have any questions.

Bulletin – September 8, 2024

September 8th, 2024

YELLOWKNIFE BAKE SALE

A small group of St. Gabriel’s parishioners will be going to Yellowknife from September 27th to October 1st to visit the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith where Fr. Brando and Fatima Lee currently work.

We would like to take a monetary gift from our Parish to the Diocese. Many of their priests have to be responsible for the pastoral care of multiple communities as there is a shortage of priests there. These remote communities are often fly-in communities, transportation costs are extremely high. Our contribution will help support the travel costs of these priests.

To raise funds for this, we are holding a bake sale after all the masses next weekend, September 14th and 15th. Any baked goods donated to this sale is very much appreciated. Baked goods can be dropped off before the Masses to the kitchen.

Please support our efforts to support our brothers and sisters in the North by donating and purchasing the baked goods.

SACRAMENTAL REGISTRATION

Registration forms for children who wish to receive the Sacraments of First Communion, Reconciliation or Confirmation during the 2024/2025 school year are available in the Parish Office. Baptismal Certificates are required for First Communion and Confirmation.

CHILDREN’S FAITH PROGRAM – 2024/2025

Registration forms for the Children’s Faith Program are now available in the parish office. This program is for children of the Parish who attend other Catholic schools, public or private schools. Classes will be held at St. Gabriel’s School. The next class will be held on September 22nd.

Please note that a separate Sacramental registration form is required if your child will receive the sacraments of First Communion, Reconciliation or Confirmation during the 2024/2025 school year. These forms are also available in the Parish Office. Baptismal Certificates are required for First Communion and Confirmation.

ALTAR SERVERS NEEDED

Serving at the Lord’s table is a great honour and responsibility. The Altar Server Ministry Team would like to invite children who are 10 years or older (boys and girls), who are interested in committing and dedicating time and effort to serve Mass. Any adults who think they may desire to serve are encouraged to volunteer as well. All that is required is a desire to serve at the Altar of Our Lord. If you are interested, contact the parish office or email: altarserversstgabe@gmail.com

ADULT CHOIR

The Adult choir has returned for the 2024-2025 year. The choir rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 PM, and sings at the 10:30 AM Mass. New members are most welcome.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

At the 10:30 AM Mass from mid-September to June each year, children ages 4 to 10 have the opportunity to gather as a group for the Liturgy of the Word led by adults who have volunteered. We are in need of more volunteers to assist this program. For more information or to volunteer, please call Dawn Burke at 416 671-0561 or leave a message at the Parish Office.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

September 9th to September 15th

MONDAY – GEORGE & BARBARA BAIN – 65th Wedding Anniversary – Requested by Carolyn Cook
TUESDAY – DESTITUTE, SICK & THE DYING – Requested by Lydia McGrann
WEDNESDAY – RENATO BELLISARI ✞ – Requested by the Intini Family
THURSDAY – ARMAND OAKIE ✞ – Requested by the Family
FRIDAY – TINA INTINI ✞ – Requested by the Intini Family
SATURDAY – HEUNG WAH & HANNAH LAM ✞ – Requested by the Fung & Lam Families
SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – LUKE VUKOVIC ✞ – Requested by his Family
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – PLACIDO DOMOPOY ✞ & PELAGIO AGRAVIADOR ✞ – Requested by Aileen

LOOKING FOR A CATHOLIC CONNECTION ON CAMPUS

Are you a university or college student? This school year, open your heart to an exciting journey of spiritual growth and community. Join campus ministry to grow deeper in your faith, form lasting friendships and experience university/college life in a more meaningful way. Connect with campus ministry anywhere in Canada and find your Catholic home on campus! Visit chaplaincyconnect.ca.

SHARELIFE

ShareLife, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto, and a generous anonymous donor are once again stepping forward with a pledge of $750,000 for Food Security Grants this year.

Your compassion is critical in combatting food insecurity.You can make a difference by supporting your parish’s ShareLife Campaign.

CARING FOR THE HOMELESS IN OUR CITY

Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre over the summer. They are very appreciative.

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.

In addition to our casseroles and food donations, our Garden Ministry has been growing fresh food for 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.

SPRING CLEANING – YEAR- ROUND!

Weekend of September 14th/15th

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 September 14th/15th. Please bring your donation and help others in your community. Thank you! The truck/bin 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.

MILK BAG WEAVING CONTINUES

The milk bag weavers will be back on Wed. September 18th. They are friendly and light hearted and encourage new parishioners to join them. No skills are needed. Simply come from 1:00 – 2:30 PM.

Contact Sharon at sharongusz@gmail.com for further information.

MOVIE NIGHT

Wednesday September 18 at 7:30 PM
Gabriel Room

Join us for St. Gabriel’s Social Justice Movie Club and Discussion Group

Reel Injun. A documentary about the evolution of the depiction of First Nations people in film, from the silent era to today. Featuring clips from hundreds of films, candid interviews with famous Native and non-Native directors, writers and actors, Reel Injun traces how the image of First Nations people in cinema have influenced the understanding and misunderstanding of their culture and history.

Choose your level of participation, from simply watching the movie at home to having a thoughtful and illuminating discussion with other parishioners at the following date, time and place.

This film is available on Tubi TV, CBC Gem, and YouTube.

Please contact the office if you have any questions regarding the Movie Club.

CROCHETING FOR A CAUSE

Interested in crocheting or want to learn how? Join a new crochet group that is open to all ages – no experience is needed! We will be crocheting scarves for individuals in need, which will be distributed by our youth group during their next downtown Street Patrol event this winter.

Our first session is on Sunday October 6th after the 12:30 Mass in the Gabriel Room. Donations of yarn and crochet hooks are also most welcome.

Contact our Youth Minister at 416-221-8866 ext.227 for more details or to sign up.

REGIS COLLEGE WINDOWS ON THEOLOGY

Continuous Learning Courses

Commencing in September, Regis College will offer three new, dual delivery (in-person and online) non-credit courses: Music and Christian Spirituality (led by Dr. Christina Labriola), Understanding Sacred Spaces (led by Roberto Chiotti, Founding Principal of Larkin Architects), and Science, Climate Change, and Theology: A Dialogue (led by professors and subject experts from the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology, the University of Toronto, and the American Academy for the Advancement of Science). For more information and registration.

visit https://regiscollege.ca/academics/windows-on-theology/

UNDERSTANDING SACRED SPACES

Led by Roberto Chiotti, Founding Principal of Larkin Architects

If you would like to learn more about the history of church design throughout the ages and the criteria that distinguish sacred space from every day, then this course is for you. Come and learn about the history of Christian Church architecture from its early days to current theological influences on contemporary church architecture including the role that eco-theology had on the design of our own St. Gabriel’s church. The course is being offered both in person at Regis college and online for those who prefer to learn from home. For more information or to register, see the poster on the bulletin board.

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). Please come by the parish office if you have any questions.

Bulletin – September 1, 2024

August 31st, 2024

PARISH NEWS

Welcome back to all our parishioners who have been away. We hope you had an enjoyable summer.

For those young people who are off to university, we wish you every success as you begin a new stage in your life. For those students and teachers returning to elementary or secondary school, we wish you a very positive year.

LABOUR DAY

Monday, September 2nd is Labour Day, a civic holiday.

The Parish Office will be closed and there will be no 9:00 AM Mass.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

September 2nd to September 8th

MONDAY – LABOUR DAY – No 9:00 AM Mass
TUESDAY – LORENZO & VINCENZA GRECH ✞ – Requested by the Grech-Padova Family
WEDNESDAY – JEANNE BRISTOL-CLARKE ✞ – Requested by Karen Crichton
THURSDAY – LYDIA McGRANN – Requested by Ron & Anne Ackber
FRIDAY – MANUEL COSTA ✞ – Requested by Celeste Costa & Family
SATURDAY – RAYMOND MARTE ✞ – Requested by Michelle Alonzo
SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – GEORGE EGERTON HALE ✞ – Requested by his Family
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – ELEUTERIA SORIASO ✞ – Requested by Elsa Soriaso

MAINTENANCE COLLECTION

There will be a second collection next weekend, September 7th/8th for the Maintenance Fund of the Parish. Envelopes are in the pews. Please be as generous as your means allow.

BULLETIN TRIVIA

Why are clocks never in a hurry?

Because they always have time on their hands.

WELCOME! OUR NEWEST MEMBERS

The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome these little ones: who were baptised over the summer.

Gianluca Barrera-Pizzuti
Riley Trish Calay
Rory Trewt Calay
Oliver Diaz Ruiz
Caleb Hosein-Elefano
Caerwyn Enjambre
Taleisha Sky Mamuric
Alexander Eli Mayrina
Noriko Mew
Emilia Wynn

Blessings and congratulations to these little ones and their families.

CHILDREN’S FAITH PROGRAM – 2024/2025

Registration forms for the Children’s Faith Program are now available in the parish office. This program is for children of the Parish who attend other Catholic schools, public or private schools. Classes will be held at St. Gabriel’s School. The first class is on September 8th.

Please note that a separate Sacramental registration form is required if your child will receive the sacraments of First Communion, Reconciliation or Confirmation during the 2024/2025 school year. These forms are also available in the Parish Office. Baptismal Certificates are required for First Communion and Confirmation.

CARING FOR THE HOMELESS IN OUR CITY

Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre over the summer. They are very appreciative.

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. In addition to our casseroles and food donations, our Garden Ministry has been growing fresh food for 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.

SHARELIFE

ShareLife, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto, and a generous anonymous donor are once again stepping forward with a pledge of $750,000 for Food Security Grants this year.

The compassion of your parishioners is critical in combatting food insecurity. They can make a difference by supporting your parish’s ShareLife Campaign.

GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE CASSEROLES

Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 68 casseroles this summer. For September, your prepared frozen casseroles will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of September 28th/29th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.

You may pick up a copy of a casserole recipes and a pan from the Parish Office. Three recipes are also available on St. Gabriel’s web site. 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.

SPRING CLEANING – YEAR- ROUND!

Weekend of September 14th/15th

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 September 14th/15th. Please bring your donation and help others in your community. Thank you! The truck/bin 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.

YELLOWKNIFE BAKE SALE

A small group of St. Gabriel’s parishioners will be going to Yellowknife from September 27th to October 1st to visit the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith where Fr. Brando and Fatima Lee currently work.

We would like to take a monetary gift from our Parish to the Diocese. Many of their priests have to be responsible for the pastoral care of multiple communities as there is a shortage of priests there. These remote communities are often fly-in communities, transportation costs are extremely high. Our contribution will help support the travel costs of these priests.

To raise funds for this, we are holding a bake sale after all the masses on September 14th and 15th. Any bake goods donated to this sale is very much appreciated. Baked goods can be dropped off before the Masses to the kitchen.

Please support our efforts to support our brothers and sisters in the North by donating and purchasing the baked goods.

Looking for a Catholic Connection on Campus

Are you a university or college student? This school year, open your heart to an exciting journey of spiritual growth and community. Join campus ministry to grow deeper in your faith, form lasting friendships and experience university/college life in a more meaningful way. Connect with campus ministry anywhere in Canada and find your Catholic home on campus! Visit chaplaincyconnect.ca.

REGIS COLLEGE WINDOWS ON THEOLOGY

Continuous Learning Courses

Commencing in September, Regis College will offer three new, dual delivery (in-person and online) non-credit courses: Music and Christian Spirituality (led by Dr. Christina Labriola), Understanding Sacred Spaces (led by Roberto Chiotti, Founding Principal of Larkin Architects), and Science, Climate Change, and Theology: A Dialogue (led by professors and subject experts from the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology, the University of Toronto, and the American Academy for the Advancement of Science).

For more information and registration. visit https://regiscollege.ca/academics/windows-on-theology/

Understanding Sacred Spaces (led by Roberto Chiotti, Founding Principal of Larkin Architects).
If you would like to learn more about the history of church design throughout the ages and the criteria that distinguish sacred space from every day, then this course is for you. Come and learn about the history of Christian Church architecture from its early days to current theological influences on contemporary church architecture including the role that eco-theology had on the design of our own St. Gabriel’s church. The course is being offered both in person at Regis college and online for those who prefer to learn from home. For more information or to register, see the poster on the bulletin board or scan the QR code.

Offertory

Please consider giving your offertory by picking up Envelopes, enrolling in Pre-Authorized Giving (PAG), or Donate Now (through the Archdiocese of Toronto website). Please come by the parish office if you have any questions.

World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

July 23rd, 2024

In 2021, Pope Francis established World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, celebrated this year on July 28th.

The theme chosen by the Holy Father this year is “Do not cast me off in my old age.”

Read Archbishop Leo’s message for this special day.