Bulletin – March 22, 2026

March 21st, 2026

It’s not too late. Please return your forms.

The Holy Week and the Passion of Christ remind us of what it means to give fully, generously and with love.

If you have not yet responded to our Annual Impact Report, there is still time. Please complete your forms and return them in the collection basket or the box in the Gathering Space. Copies are available at the back of the church.

FAQ of the Week – How much should I give?

Our current giving falls approximately 40% short of what we need to meet our annual expenses. We simply ask that you pray about it and give what you are able. Everyone’s situation is different, and we are deeply grateful for every gift, large or small.

We are so grateful for the generosity of this community.
90 parishioners and families have responded to date.
If you haven’t yet made your commitment, it’s not too late. Every gift makes a difference.

PASSIONIST LENTEN REFLECTIONS

The Passionist Province of St Paul of the Cross is offering a series of Lenten reflections through the lens of the Passionist charism.

The last one will take place on zoom on Wednesday, March 25th at 7:00 PM. — Anthony P. Mullen

To register, please e-mail ProvSecretary@cpprov.org and specify language (English or Spanish).

ANNOUNCED MASSES

March 23rd – March 29th, 2026

MONDAY −
TUESDAY − RENA OVI − Requested by Opeyemi Ndukwe
WEDNESDAY − MATT O’BRIEN ✞ − Requested by Vernon & Marie Swant
THURSDAY −
FRIDAY − HILDA AGNES NACCARATO ✞ − Requested by Liliana Romero
SATURDAY – FRANK & NELLA COLANTONIO & TERESA ESCOBAR ✞ − Requested by Angela Colantonio
SUNDAY − 8:30 AM − FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
SUNDAY − 10:30 AM − FR. TERRY GALLAGHER ✞ − Requested by Wai Chin & Paul Hwang
SUNDAY − 12:30 PM − LETICIA BERNARDO-AVERION ✞ − Requested by Mandi Bernardo

LENTEN AND EASTER SCHEDULE

Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross take place each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 PM.

You are also encouraged to attend our daily Mass as often as possible throughout Lent.

Individual Confessions – Wednesday, March 25th
from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Reconciliation Service – Thursday, March 26th
at 7:30 PM

Palm Sunday, March 29th, 2026
Masses – Sat. 4:30 PM,
Sun. 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM

Holy Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
No 9:00 AM Mass
7:30 PM – Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Followed by Adoration until 10:00 PM

Good Friday, April 3rd, 2026
No 9:00 AM Mass, Office Closed
3:00 PM – Solemn Passion of Our Lord
7:30 PM – Stations of the Cross

Holy Saturday, April 4th, 2026
No 4:30 PM Mass
8:00 PM – Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026
No 8:30 AM Mass
Masses – 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM

Easter Monday, April 6th, 2026
No 9:00 AM Mass, Office Closed

EXTRA PARKING AT ELKHORN PUBLIC SCHOOL

PSALM MEDITATION

Fifth Sunday of Lent, Psalm 130

One of the seven penitential psalms (Pss 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143), and sometimes known as the “De profundis” (out of the depths), Psalm 130 is a song of deep hope in the mercy, forgiveness, redemption given to all peoples by God.

The readings for today all emphasize that God conquers death.

The reading from Ezechiel contains the powerful voice of God claiming: “I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves. I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live.”

To this, the psalmist advises us to hope in the Lord:
“For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
and with him is great power to redeem.
It is he who will redeem Israel
from all its iniquities.”

Such teachings are the context for Jesus’ teachings and actions, including today’s reading of John’s most moving Gospel account of the raising of Lazarus.

Each Sunday of Lent prepares us for the passion, death, and resurrection of the Lord which we celebrate intensely next Sunday through Holy Week to Easter.

SHARELIFE SUNDAY – March 22nd, 2026

ShareLife Celebrates 50 Years!

Special collections will be taking place this weekend, marking 50 years since Archbishop Philip Pocock made a bold and compassionate decision that would shape our community for generations: the founding of ShareLife. Building on a legacy of charitable giving in the Archdiocese of Toronto that stretches back to 1927, Archbishop Pocock launched ShareLife in 1976—an appeal rooted in the belief that every life matters, at every stage. Today, his vision lives on through more than 40 ShareLife-funded agencies providing unconditional care to people in need—regardless of religion, background, or circumstance and through people like you who make their work happen. Our parish goal this year is $185,000.

Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.

GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE CASSEROLES

Next Weekend, March 28th – 29th

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

Fair Trade coffee will be sold after all the Masses next weekend, March 21st/22nd. The cost is $7.00 per bag.

THE GARDEN SHED

On April 12th, we will transplant the lettuce seedlings our young parishioners started into our parish garden.

With spring just around the corner, we are preparing for another beautiful harvest season and would love your help. If you are interested in tending the garden with us, please reach out to the Ministry at garden@stgabrielsparish.ca.

We look forward to growing together!

WHAT MAKES ST. GABRIEL’S A “GREEN” CHURCH?

Tuesday, March 24th, 2026 at 9:45 AM

The Maturing Adult Ministry invites you to a guided tour of our church followed by reflection, coffee and conversation.

Kindly RSVP to Sharon Gusz at sharongusz@gmail.com.

THE LIFE STORY PROGRAMME

Presented by the Ministry for Maturing Adults
St. Gabriel’s Passionist Parish
Thursday, April 16th to Thursday, June 4tth, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM

“The life story programme provides an opportunity to stop, take stock, and look back over the process of life in order to gain deeper understanding, clearer perspective and a more integrated view. Undertaken from a faith perspective, it is a search for evidence in your life that God has been with you and is still with you.”

Dr. Richard Johnson, author of The 12 Keys to Spiritual Vitality: Powerful Lessons on Living Agelessly

Members of the Ministry for Maturing Adults will facilitate the reflection on life experience in each decade of life. From these reflections, the participants will write stories that are significant to them. Later on, each person will choose what they wish to share from their personal reflection and writing.

We will meet for a total of 8 sessions on consecutive Thursdays, April 16th to June 4th from 2:00 to 3:30 PM.
The cost for the workbook is $20. Please register by April 9th, by sending an email to mam@stgabrielsparish.ca, and include your name and telephone number.

FINANCE CORNER

If you have changed your address or phone number, please let us know so we can update our records. Thank you.

I wanted to become a Gregorian monk but I never got the chants.

Bulletin – March 15, 2026

March 14th, 2026

We need your help. The time is now. Have you returned your forms?

Through our Lenten journey, we are called to examine how we are responding to God’s call in our daily lives.

For our parish community, part of that response is our stewardship campaign. Now is the time to complete the forms inside the Annual Impact Report and return them in the collection basket or the box in the Gathering Space. Copies are still available at the back of the church if you haven’t picked one up yet.

Do you have questions? There are Information Sessions after every Mass this weekend. Please join us for coffee and light refreshments. We’d love to see you there!

The response from our community has been truly heartening. 62 Parishioners and families have responded so far. We are grateful for every gift.

If you haven’t yet responded, there is still time.

PASSIONIST LENTEN REFLECTIONS

The Passionist Province of St Paul of the Cross is offering a series of Lenten reflections through the lens of the Passionist charism.

They take place on zoom every Wednesday beginning February 25th, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
March 18th — Fr. Jim O’Shea CP
March 25th — Anthony P. Mullen

To register, please e-mail ProvSecretary@cpprov.org and specify language (English or Spanish).

ANNOUNCED MASSES

March 16th – March 22nd, 2026

MONDAY − FR. COLLINS OKAFOR, SMMM ✞ − Requested by Jenny Lo
TUESDAY − TINA INTINI ✞ − Requested by the Annibale Family
WEDNESDAY − ARMAND OAKIE ✞ − Requested by his Family
THURSDAY − NELLA COLANTONIO ✞ − Requested by Angela Colantonio
FRIDAY − FR. PAUL RUTTLE CP − Requested by Leonor Dytoc
SATURDAY – DANTE YOUNG ✞ − Requested by Ana Bascom
SUNDAY − 8:30 AM − FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
SUNDAY − 10:30 AM − ROY JUSTIN RYAN ✞ − Requested by Nicole Meera & Felix
SUNDAY − 12:30 PM − SALVADOR SAN JUAN JR. ✞ − Requested by his Wife and Children

LENTEN AND EASTER SCHEDULE

Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross take place each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 PM.

You are also encouraged to attend our daily Mass as often as possible throughout Lent.

Individual Confessions – Wednesday, March 25th
from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Reconciliation Service – Thursday, March 26th
at 7:30 PM

Palm Sunday, March 29th, 2026
Masses – Sat. 4:30 PM,
Sun. 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM

Holy Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
No 9:00 AM Mass
7:30 PM – Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Followed by Adoration until 10:00 PM

Good Friday, April 3rd, 2026
No 9:00 AM Mass, Office Closed
3:00 PM – Solemn Passion of Our Lord
7:30 PM – Stations of the Cross

Holy Saturday, April 4th, 2026
No 4:30 PM Mass
8:00 PM – Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026
No 8:30 AM Mass
Masses – 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM

Easter Monday, April 6th, 2026
No 9:00 AM Mass, Office Closed

EXTRA PARKING AT ELKHORN PUBLIC SCHOOL

PSALM MEDITATION

Third Sunday of Lent – Psalm 23

The son of Jesse chosen by the Lord was David; the one no one thought about. He spent his time in the fields caring for the sheep. However, it was he whom the Lord directed Samuel to anoint as King in the presence of his brothers.

A central and key image of our faith is that God is our shepherd, caring for us as a good shepherd does for their sheep.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

This great Creator God is beyond all things, creates all things, is infinite. The universe we know, all past and future universes are as a speck of dust, nothing at all by comparison with God.

This God, Father, Son and Spirit, is our shepherd, loves us eternally, totally, infinitely, even became one of us, so strong is their love for us. Food for our faith.

SHARELIFE SUNDAY – March 22nd, 2026

You can help men answer God’s call to priesthood by supporting ShareLife

God planted the seed of a priestly vocation in Rev. Mr. Moonjun Alphonse Choi’s heart as a child. He later entered St. Augustine’s Seminary, where God led him through moments of joy, deep reflection, and a faith that continues to grow. His path has been one of both grace and challenge, yet he has walked forward without fear—because of you.

Your generous heart lifted the burden of financial worry, allowing Rev. Mr. Moonjun Alphonse Choi to embrace his calling fully and prepare for a life of service to the Church. God-willing, he will be ordained into priesthood this May. Because of your faithful generosity to ShareLife, many more young men will have the opportunity to answer God’s call.

The first ShareLife Sunday collection is on March 22nd. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.

GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE CASSEROLES

Good Shepherd provided 376,473 meals in 2025 to people who would otherwise go hungry as well as 128 shelter beds. Please think about volunteering to help feed our less fortunate sisters and brothers. Three different recipes are available in the Parish Office or online at the Parish website. Casserole pans are also available in the Parish Office. This might be an excellent way to share your talents for the Stewardship Program .

BEACONS OF HOPE – SAVE YOUR EGG CARTONS

The Food bank is once again in need of egg cartons. Please deposit your contributions in the box provided in the Gathering Space. Many thanks for your support of those facing food insecurity.

MATURING ADULTS MINISTRY – MILK BAGS

March 18th at 1:00 PM

Our March milk bag weaving session is Wednesday March 18th from 1:00-3:00 PM. Any interested youth who are on March Break are welcome to join us to assist or observe. Parents and Grandparents are also welcome.

THE GARDEN SHED

On April 12th, we will transplant the lettuce seedlings our young parishioners started into our parish garden.

With spring just around the corner, we are preparing for another beautiful harvest season and would love your help. If you are interested in tending the garden with us, please reach out to the Ministry at garden@stgabrielsparish.ca. We look forward to growing together!

ANNUAL MASS OF ST. PATRICK

Tuesday, March 17th, 2026 at 10:00 AM

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

The annual Mass of St. Patrick at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in Toronto will take place on Tuesday, March 17th at 10:00 AM. His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto, will be the presider and homilist. All are welcome. Those unable to attend can participate in the celebration via livestream at www.stmichaelscathedral.com/live

17th ANN. DYNAMIC WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE

Saturday March 21st, 2026

Le Treport Banquet Hall, Mississauga

Johnnette Benkovic Williams from EWTN – What does it Mean to be a Woman?
Sister John Mary SV – Learning to Listen in a Distracted World
April Smith from North Pole Alaska – Live Adventurously, Live Virtuously
Dorothy Pilarski – One Mother’s Heart – One Mother’s Fiat
Natalie Regnier – Brick by Brick: Building a Strong Family
Bishop Ivan Camilleri will be celebrating the closing Mass

Register at dwf2026.eventbrite.ca

WHAT MAKES ST. GABRIEL’S A “GREEN” CHURCH?

Tuesday, March 24th, 2026 at 9:45 AM

The Maturing Adult Ministry invites you to a guided tour of our church followed by reflection, coffee and conversation.

Kindly RSVP to Sharon Gusz at sharongusz@gmail.com

FINANCE CORNER

Please pick your offertory envelopes up if you have not done so. To ensure the proper recording for tax receipt purposes, please. do not use any envelopes from 2025 or any prior year.

Did you know?

If Wilson lent Tom Hanks $20 …
Then Tom Hanks would be Owen Wilson

Bulletin – March 8, 2026

March 7th, 2026

We need your help. The time is now. Bring in your forms.

  • Pick up the Annual Impact Report today at the back of the church
  • Fill the forms at the back of the Report
  • Completed forms go in the collection box in the gathering space, the collection baskets or to the office

Have questions? Join us March 14th & 15th after all Masses for a short Information Session. We’d love to see you there!

To those parishioners who have responded, thank you!

LENTEN RETREAT

Thank you Deacon Robert Kinghorn!

We are tremendously grateful to Deacon Robert Kinghorn who preached at our very well attended Lenten retreat on Feb 28th. Many who attended were deeply moved by his stories of the Church on the streets – his encounters with the homeless and the abandoned, including prostitutes and those who are affected by addiction.

If you would like to hear more of Deacon Robert’s reflection on his ministry on the streets, he is speaking as part of the Lenten series (Days 11-16) offered by the Daily TV Mass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shfIqI9I-JI

Some of you asked Deacon Robert to share the “Suggestions” of his community of the Transfiguration in Scotland.

If you would like a copy, please email Fatima: fatimalee@stgabrielsparish.ca

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATONS

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Thank you to all those who worked and those who donated generously to make this year’s Lunar New Year Party a wonderful celebration. This is one of the nicest events we have throughout the year and, as always, it was a huge success.

The decorations were amazing. The food was delicious. Everyone enjoyed the games. Thank you to those who planned and worked so hard in making this celebration a truly memorable event. All who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Thank you!

PASSIONIST LENTEN REFLECTIONS

The Passionist Province of St Paul of the Cross is offering a series of Lenten reflections through the lens of the Passionist charism.

They take place on zoom every Wednesday beginning February 25th, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

March 11th – Michael Nasello
March 18th — Fr. Jim O’Shea CP
March 25th — Anthony P. Mullen

To register, please e-mail ProvSecretary@cpprov.org and specify language (English or Spanish).

ANNOUNCED MASSES

March 9th – March 15th, 2026

MONDAY − PAT POLICICCHIO ✞ − Requested by Tony Coscorella
TUESDAY −
WEDNESDAY − ROY J. RYAN ✞ − Requested by Meera and Family
THURSDAY −
FRIDAY −
SATURDAY – GEORGE WROBEL ✞ − Requested by Jack & Wanda
SUNDAY − 8:30 AM − FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
SUNDAY − 10:30 AM − ANGELO DIFLUMERI ✞ − Requested by Grace Di Flumeri
SUNDAY − 12:30 PM − ANDREA BROLLEY & JONATHAN DANIGELIS ✞ − Requested by their Mother & Grandmother

PSALM MEDITATION

Third Sunday of Lent
Psalm 95

This psalm is a magnificent song of praise for God, loaded with joy. Its classic psalmic praise for God could easily become our daily prayer for the rest of our lives.

The Exodus story, part of which is our first reading today, can be seen as symbolic of the lives of each of us. In this episode, the people rebel and ask where God is in all this. Has God deserted us?

The answer: God is the rock who is ever with us and giving life.
“O come, let us sing to the Lord;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.”

LENTEN AND EASTER SCHEDULE

Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross take place each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 PM.

You are also encouraged to attend our daily Mass as often as possible throughout Lent.

Individual Confessions – Wednesday, March 25th
from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Reconciliation Service – Thursday, March 26th
at 7:30 PM

Palm Sunday, March 29th, 2026
Masses – Sat. 4:30 PM,
Sun. 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM

Holy Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
No 9:00 AM Mass
7:30 PM – Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Followed by Adoration until 10:00 PM

Good Friday, April 3rd, 2026
No 9:00 AM Mass, Office Closed
3:00 PM – Solemn Passion of Our Lord
7:30 PM – Stations of the Cross

Holy Saturday, April 4th, 2026
No 4:30 PM Mass
8:00 PM – Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026
No 8:30 AM Mass
Masses – 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM

Easter Monday, April 6th, 2026
No 9:00 AM Mass, Office Closed

EXTRA PARKING AT ELKHORN PUBLIC SCHOOL

SAVE YOUR EGG CARTONS

The Food bank is once again in need of egg cartons. Please deposit your contributions in the box provided in the Gathering Space. Many thanks for your support of those facing food insecurity.

MILK BAGS

Our March milk bag weaving session is Wed. March 18th from 1:00-3:00 PM. Any interested youth who are on March Break are welcome to join us to assist or observe. Parents and Grandparents are also welcome.

THE GARDEN SHED

On April 12th, we will transplant the lettuce seedlings our young parishioners started into
our parish garden.

With spring just around the corner, we are preparing for another beautiful harvest season and would love your help. If you are interested in tending the garden with us, please reach out to the Ministry at garden@stgabrielsparish.ca.

We look forward to growing together!

ANNUAL MASS OF ST. PATRICK

Tuesday, March 17th, 2026 at 10:00 AM

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

The annual Mass of St. Patrick at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in Toronto will take place on Tuesday, March 17th at 10:00 AM. His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto, will be the presider and homilist. All are welcome. Those unable to attend can participate in the celebration via livestream at www.stmichaelscathedral.com/live

17th ANN. DYNAMIC WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE

Saturday March 21st, 2026

Le Treport Banquet Hall, Mississauga

Johnnette Benkovic Williams from EWTN – What does it Mean to be a Woman?
Sister John Mary SV – Learning to Listen in a Distracted World
April Smith from North Pole Alaska – Live Adventurously, Live Virtuously
Dorothy Pilarski – One Mother’s Heart – One Mother’s Fiat
Natalie Regnier – Brick by Brick: Building a Strong Family
Bishop Ivan Camilleri will be celebrating the closing Mass

Register at dwf2026.eventbrite.ca

TEACHING SEDER

Monday, March 23rd, 2026, 7:00 PM

Holy Blossom Temple, 1950 Bathurst St., Toronto

A Teaching Seder is being organized for Christians to experience this Jewish ceremonial meal first-hand. This post-biblical tradition of a structured ritual meal tells the story of the Exodus through prayers, sacred readings, and ceremonial foods. The themes of freedom, redemption, and God’s saving grace create a profound experience for dialogue and fellowship between our faith communities.

Register before Monday, March 9th to attend by clicking bit.ly/3NIAscn. For more information, please email ecumenicalandinterfaith@archtoronto.org or call 437-529-1765.

FINANCE CORNER

Please pick your offertory envelopes up if you have not done so. To ensure the proper recording for tax receipt purposes, please do not use any envelopes from 2025 or any prior year.

I can’t think of any clever Lent jokes. I give up.

Bulletin – March 1, 2026

February 28th, 2026

We need your help. The time is now. Bring in your forms.

  • Pick up the Annual Impact Report today at the back of the church
  • Fill the forms at the back of the Report
  • Completed forms go in the collection box in the gathering space, the collection baskets or to the office

To those parishioners who have responded, thank you!

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

This Sunday, March 1st after 12:30 PM Mass

Tuesday, February 17th marked the beginning of the Lunar New Year for 2026. This year is the Year of the Horse. For many years, the Asian community in our parish has gifted our parish community with a wonderful Lunar New Year Party.

This year, the Lunar New Year Celebration will take place in the Gathering Space this Sunday, March 1st after the 12:30 PM Mass. There will be foods, candies, Chinese goodies, coffee and tea. All are welcome.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Stations of the Cross will take place each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 PM. You are also encouraged to attend our daily Mass as often as possible throughout Lent.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

March 2nd – March 8th, 2026

MONDAY −
TUESDAY −
WEDNESDAY −
THURSDAY −
FRIDAY −
SATURDAY – GARRY & KATHERINE MANNING ✞ – Requested by Barb & John Scollard
SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM − BRUNO CORTESE ✞ – Requested by his Family
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM − CORAZON MALUNAS ✞ – Requested by her Family

TRIVIA

Did you know?
March is the equivalent of September in the Southern Hemisphere

PSALM MEDITATION

Second Sunday of Lent

“Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.”

Psalm 33 is our response to the reading from Genesis about the call of Abram. Could God’s call to Abram also be a call to each one of us? As Abram was called, does God call us all? Each individually, and all of humanity collectively?

As the second reading says: ”God saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace.”

The psalm reminds us to answer with trust, with total confidence in God’s steadfast love. Our hope in God can be limitless because…

“The word of the Lord is upright,
and all his work is done in faithfulness.
He loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.”

BEACONS OF HOPE

The Food bank is once again in need of egg cartons. Please deposit your contributions in the box provided in the Gathering Space. Many thanks for your support of those facing food insecurity.

SHARELIFE

Through ShareLife, you bring hope to those who need it most.

David is a senior who faced overwhelming loss and uncertainty. His wife passed away, his health declined, and he felt forgotten. But in his deepest sorrow, he found hope. When he turned to his pastor, he was guided to Catholic Family Services of Toronto, a Catholic Charities agency you support through ShareLife where he was welcomed with open arms. Because of your kindness, David found the support he needed to heal, regain stability, and rediscover his sense of purpose.

But unfortunately, there are many more like him—seniors facing isolation, families struggling to put food on the table, refugees trying to rebuild their lives, and young parents fighting for a brighter future. Through ShareLife, you help over 40 Catholic agencies bring hope to those who need it most.

The first ShareLife Sunday collection is on March 22nd. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.

GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE CASSEROLES

Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 45 casseroles for February. For March, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the Palm Sunday weekend of March 28th/29th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.

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

THE GARDEN SHED

Thank you to the parents and the Children’s Liturgy Ministry for helping us share the joy of gardening with our young Parishioners! On April 12th, we will transplant the lettuce seedlings they started into our parish garden.

With spring just around the corner, we are preparing for another beautiful harvest season and would love your help. If you are interested in tending the garden with us, please reach out to the Ministry at garden@stgabrielsparish.ca.

We look forward to growing together!

PASSIONIST LENTEN REFLECTIONS

The Passionist Province of St Paul of the Cross is offering a series of Lenten reflections through the lens of the Passionist charism.

It will take place on zoom every Wednesday beginning February 25th, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

February 25th – Fr. Jim Strommer, CP
March 4th – Sr. Mary Ann Strain, CP
March 11th – Michael Nasello
March 18th – Fr. Jim O’Shea CP
March 25th – Anthony P. Mullen

To register, please e-mail ProvSecretary@cpprov.org and specify language (English or Spanish)

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

March 7th to March 8th

Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, 1617 Blythe Road, Mississauga

You are invited to experience Worldwide Marriage Encounter, a Catholic movement led by married couples dedicated to helping spouses deepen their intimate relationship through love, communication and faith.

For more information contact
Bill and Linda Etzkorn,
416-510-0264 or 416-843-0264

ANNUAL MASS OF ST. PATRICK

Tuesday, March 17th, 2026 at 10:00 AM

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

The annual Mass of St. Patrick at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in Toronto will take place on Tuesday, March 17th at 10:00 AM. His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto, will be the presider and homilist. All are welcome. Those unable to attend can participate in the celebration via livestream at www.stmichaelscathedral.com/live

17th ANNUAL DYNAMIC WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE

Saturday March 21st, 2026

Le Treport Banquet Hall, Mississauga

Johnnette Benkovic Williams from EWTN – What does it Mean to be a Woman?
Sister John Mary SV – Learning to Listen in a Distracted World
April Smith from North Pole Alaska – Live Adventurously, Live Virtuously
Dorothy Pilarski – One Mother’s Heart – One Mother’s Fiat
Natalie Regnier – Brick by Brick: Building a Strong Family
Bishop Ivan Camilleri will be celebrating the closing Mass

Register at dwf2026.eventbrite.ca

TEACHING SEDER

Monday, March 23rd, 2026, 7:00 PM

Holy Blossom Temple, 1950 Bathurst St., Toronto

A Teaching Seder is being organized for Christians to experience this Jewish ceremonial meal first-hand. This post-biblical tradition of a structured ritual meal tells the story of the Exodus through prayers, sacred readings, and ceremonial foods. The themes of freedom, redemption, and God’s saving grace create a profound experience for dialogue and fellowship between our faith communities.

Register before Monday, March 9th to attend by clicking bit.ly/3NIAscn. For more information, please email ecumenicalandinterfaith@archtoronto.org or call 437-529-1765.

PARISH OUTREACH FACILITATOR FROM MARY CENTRE

Mary Centre has hired a Parish Outreach Facilitator who is available to support adult individuals with a developmental disability and their families as they consider their future. The Centre has been offering support services for adults with developmental disabilities for over 35 years, including providing respite care and creating personalized programs to help them with Building a Good Life.

For more information, visit https://www.marycentre.com/” or contact Dolly Ducepec at dducepec@marycentre.com or 416-630-5533.

Mary Centre is a member agency of Catholic Charities and supported by ShareLife.

FINANCE CORNER

Please pick your offertory envelopes up if you have not done so. To ensure the proper recording for tax receipt purposes, please. do not use any envelopes from 2025 or any prior year.

Bulletin – February 22, 2026

February 21st, 2026

ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT

If you have not already done so, now the time has come for you to respond. Two forms can be found at the back of the Annual Impact Report, awaiting your return. To those parishioners who have responded, thank you!

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION

Sunday February 22nd, 2026 at 2:30 PM

All parish volunteers are cordially invited to the volunteer appreciation event hosted by the parish on Sunday February 22nd, 2026 at 2:30 PM.

We look forward to acknowledging and thanking you for your contribution to the life of the parish.

See you on Feb. 22nd.

FEAST OF ST. GABRIEL

Friday, February 27th is the feast of St. Gabriel.

St. Gabriel, a member of the Passionist Community, was born Francis Possenti on March 1st, 1838 in Assisi. In September, 1856, he entered the Passionist novitiate but before his ordination, he contracted tuberculosis. He died February 27th, 1862 at the age of 24. Francis had a special devotion to Mary and chose as his religious name Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin.

He is remembered for his enthusiasm in life and his extraordinary generosity. Pope John XXIII proclaimed him as a special Patron of Youth. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 AM.

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Sunday, March 1st after 12:30 PM Mass

Tuesday, February 17th marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year for 2026. This year is the Year of the Horse. For many years, the Asian community in our parish has gifted our parish community with a wonderful Lunar New Year Party.

This year, the Lunar New Year Celebration will take place in the Gathering Space on Sunday, March 1st after the 12:30 PM Mass. There will be foods, candies, Chinese goodies, coffee and tea. All are welcome.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Stations of the Cross will take place each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 PM. You are also encouraged to attend our daily Mass as often as possible throughout Lent.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

February 23rd – March 1st, 2026

MONDAY − EDNA, GERRY & MIKE HATCH ✞ − Requested by their Family
TUESDAY − LINDA GATTI ✞ − Requested by Sandra & David Gatti
WEDNESDAY − RENATO PACHECO ✞ − Requested by his Family
THURSDAY − IRENE GALANG ✞ − Requested by Erlinda
FRIDAY − BORIS CELIS ✞ − Requested by Cai Celis
SATURDAY – DELFINO & SANDRA CANDIDO ✞ − Requested by Janet Candido
SUNDAY − 8:30 AM − FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
SUNDAY − 10:30 AM − PETER PEREIRA ✞ − Requested by Sophie & Candida Pereira
SUNDAY − 12:30 PM − JOSEPH SORBARA ✞ − Requested by Antoinette Sorbara

LENTEN RETREAT

The Church on the Street: Ministry of Presence
Saturday, February 28th, 2026 2:00 to 4:00 PM
At the church
Preacher: Deacon Robert Kinghorn

Our Lenten Retreat this year will be preached by Deacon Robert Kinghorn, a deacon of the Archdiocese of Toronto. Since 2005, Deacon Robert has ministered in a downtown Toronto neighbourhood known for drugs, prostitution, violence and homelessness. He sees the Church present not only in our beautiful church buildings, but also on these streets, and he felt called to minister there.

His encounters with the downtrodden on the darkest corners of these streets reveal not only the despair and disorder there but also compassion and even hope.

Deacon Robert’s experience will give us a living example of how he, in the footsteps of Jesus, also reaches out to those in the margins and brings the love of God to them. We hope you can join us!

Trivia

Did you know….

Catholics started the tradition of Lent around the year 325, during the Council of Nicaea. It lasts for 40 days, not including Sundays.

PSALM MEDITATION

First Sunday of Lent – Psalm 51

Our response in faith to the reading from Genesis is found in Psalm 51.

It reminds us that we are not perfect: God alone is perfect. It sings of the flawless and limitless kindness, compassion and mercy of God. Classic revelations about God which we can think on throughout Lent.

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and sustain in me a willing spirit.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.”

BEACONS OF HOPE

Lent is a time of giving and self-reflection in preparation for Easter. Can you make giving in support of marginalized women in the shelters we support part of your Lenten journey? Please check the list posted at our boxes in the Gathering Space. Thank you so much for your kind consideration of this request. Please remember we are not accepting clothing for the shelters other than those items on our list.

CARING FOR THE HOMELESS IN OUR CITY

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

Rosalie Hall is an accredited children’s mental health facility focusing on the needs of pregnant and parenting youth ages 12-25, their children, and their families.

Good Shepherd provides hot meals, clean clothes and shelter for the homeless in our city. They help find housing and provide follow up support.

Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired.

LENTEN REFLECTION WITH SACRED ART

Online Wednesday, February 25th from 7:00 to 8:30 PM

All are invited to attend an online Lenten reflection using works of sacred art and the Via Matris. Mr. Les Miller, author of Northern Lights, will lead the reflection. The event takes place on Wednesday, February 25 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. There is no cost, but registration is required.

To Register go to https://bit.ly/LRSA-RegisterFeb2026 or contact formation@archtoronto.org or 437-900-4287.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

March 7th to March 8th

Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, 1617 Blythe Road, Mississauga

You are invited to experience Worldwide Marriage Encounter, a Catholic movement led by married couples dedicated to helping spouses deepen their intimate relationship through love, communication and faith.

For more information contact
Bill and Linda Etzkorn,
416-510-0264 or 416-843-0264

VOICES OF FAITH: CONVERSATIONS ON PRAYER & SPIRITUALITY

Insights & Encounters Podcast

Catholic Charities’ first completed podcast series for 2026 is out! The Insights and Encounters podcast continues with its latest series, Voices of Faith: Conversations on Prayer & Spirituality, sharing meaningful stories of faith lived out in real life. This series brings together diverse voices, each offering a unique perspective on walking with God.

Through personal stories, reflection, and honest conversation, we invite listeners to listen deeply, grow in understanding and be encouraged by the many ways faith finds expression in our world today. Listen now:

https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/insights-and-encounters–6075902

ANNUAL MASS OF ST. PATRICK

Tuesday, March 17th, 2026 at 10:00 AM

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

The annual Mass of St. Patrick at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in Toronto will take place on Tuesday, March 17th at 10:00 AM. His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto, will be the presider and homilist. All are welcome. Those unable to attend can participate in the celebration via livestream at www.stmichaelscathedral.com/live

TEACHING SEDER

Monday, March 23, 2026, 7:00 PM

Holy Blossom Temple, 1950 Bathurst St., Toronto

A Teaching Seder is being organized for Christians to experience this Jewish ceremonial meal first-hand. This post-biblical tradition of a structured ritual meal tells the story of the Exodus through prayers, sacred readings, and ceremonial foods. The themes of freedom, redemption, and God’s saving grace create a profound experience for dialogue and fellowship between our faith communities.

Register before Monday, March 9th to attend by clicking bit.ly/3NIAscn. For more information, please email ecumenicalandinterfaith@archtoronto.org or call 437-529-1765.

FINANCE CORNER

Please pick your offertory envelopes up if you have not done so. To ensure the proper recording for tax receipt purposes, please. do not use any envelopes from 2025 or any prior year.