bulletin – June 14

ANNOUNCED MASSES

Date Time Intentions
June 15 9:00AM SPECIAL INTENTIONS Requested by Isabelle D’Silva
June 16 9:00AM NADIA GOUDA Requested by the Family
June 17 9:00AM MARGARET HARBER Requested by the Harber Family
June 18 9:00AM LEONARD MARCHIE Requested by Teresa Marchie and Family
June 19 9:00AM AMPARO VILLAFRANCA Requested by The Family
June 20 4:30PM SAM BADAME Requested by the Family

SUNDAY COLLECTION: May 31st, 2009

Total: $9545

–>

4:30 8:30 10:30 12:30
Loose
Env. $
Total $2862 $1306 $2850 $2527
# of Env. 122 79 148 99

Number of Envelopes Used: 488

ST. GABRIEL’S INTRODUCES THE “PRE-AUTHORIZED GIVING” OPTION

Our parish has decided to participate in the “Pre-Authorized Giving” plan that allows parishioners to make their regular offertory donations by automatic monthly bank withdrawal. This system is widely used in the Archdiocese of Toronto and is a safe and convenient method of giving for those interested. Please read the brochure included with today’s bulletin and complete the authorization form if you would like to participate. Forms, in a sealed envelope, may be placed in the collection basket or dropped off at the Parish Office.

ARE YOU MOVING?

Have you moved into the Parish recently? Have you changed your mailing address?

Please contact the Parish office at 416-221-8866 so that we may update our records. Thank you.

FATHER THOMAS BERRY C.P. (1914 – 2009)

Father Thomas Berry was the inspiration for the concept of St. Gabriel’s Parish. He was an internationally recognized historian of cultures. His writing and lectures on the relationship of humans with the cosmos and the earth had a great impact on the modern development of creation spirituality. Father Thomas held a symposium on different aspects of this spirituality at Holy Cross Centre for Creation and Spirituality in Port Burwell, Ontario. It was his teachings on the importance of connecting worship with creation that inspired many of the aspects of our present church. Father Thomas died June 1st. A funeral Mass was celebrated June 6th at our monastery in Jamaica, New York. Father Steve Dunn preached the homily.

“May he rest after his works for his good deeds go with him.”

CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF FATHER PAUL’S ORDINATION

On June 19th, 2009, Father Paul will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of his ordination. We are so fortunate in having Father Paul with us for most of those years. His love and service have touched so many of our lives.

On Sunday, June 21st from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM in the Gathering Space the parish will come together in thanksgiving and celebration of this important occasion. So mark your calendars and join us on that day!

ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT

Our journey of life and journey of faith are meant to converge at an early age. For many of us, however, we tend to grow physically, mentally, psychologically etc., but remain at a childish level of understanding our faith. The following information is for those who wish to keep growing, to be able to enjoy the Good news of God’s love for us as members of God’s Church.

Monday Nights are R.C.I.A. Nights

R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) meetings begin on Monday, September 21st, 2009 at 8:00 PM. These evenings are for persons interested in learning about the Catholic Faith. Because the Parish Community itself is considered the official teacher and guide for potential new members, it is important that some parishioners participate by being present and by sharing their Faith in various ways. It is also an opportunity for “Born Catholics” to deepen their understanding of the faith. Adult Catholics who wish to celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist and/or Confirmation are welcome. For more information, please call Mary Landry at 416 – 221 – 8866.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to those children from the Children’s Faith Program, and those from Private and Public Schools who received their First Communion as a group on Sunday, June 7th.

It was a beautiful celebration. We promise to support them with our prayers as they continue on their journey of faith.

SHARELIFE

2008 ShareLife Total: $174,507.20

2009 ShareLife To Date: $163,746.51

CHILDREN’S FAITH PROGRAM REGISTRATION

Registration forms for the Children’s Faith Program for next year are now available in the Parish Office. Please note that all registrations must be returned by June 30th.

Volunteers from the Parish to teach or to assist the teachers are always welcome. Please contact Lynette Fernandes at lynettefern@yahoo.com if interested.

GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS, CLOTHING

Volunteers

For many years, volunteers from St. Gabriel’s have served one of the daily meals provided to the homeless and disadvantaged that the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd offer as one of the services at the Good Shepherd Centre on Queen Street East in Toronto.

The kitchen and serving areas of the centre were recently renovated and when the meal service restarted, the serving times were changed. This change means that St. Gabriel’s will need more volunteers to continue to provide our contribution to this continuing and growing service.

St. Gabriel’s will now serve on the second Monday of the month from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. If you are interested in being a part of this volunteer service, please contact Lily D’Gama at 416-733-3949 for more details.

Clothing

The Centre also urgently needs groups of 4 to 20 individuals to make beds, weekdays only between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM until June 20th.

The Centre is in need of the following items:

  • men’s new or gently used clothing
  • men’s belts and shoes
  • men’s underwear and socks

For more information, please contact Rebecca Ferguson at 416-869- 3699, Ext. 262.

JUST COFFEE

Fair trade organic coffees will be on sale after all the Masses next weekend. This will be the last sale until September.

  • Regular ground Coffee: $5
  • Decaffeinated $6
  • Whole Beans $5
  • Chocolate Bars: $4 including taxes
  • Hot Chocolate and Cocoa; $4.50
  • Teas: $3.25 to $4.00 by variety

GAIA CENTRE PRESENTS BRIAN SWIMME

The Way of the Universe: Wisdom for the Ecozoic Era

O.I.S.E. Auditorium June 26, 27, 2009

252 Bloor St. W. Toronto

Brian Swimme will be in Toronto Friday evening and Saturday, June 26th and 27th at the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education (O.I.S.E.). Brian co-authored the Universe Story with Father Thomas Berry and collaborated with him and the Passionists over the years.

For more information on this event, please see the flyers available in the Parish Office.

BLESSED TRINITY C.W.L. MARATHON BRIDGE 2009 – 2010

Blessed Trinity C.W.L. is organizing an afternoon and evening bridge. If you wish to join and make new friends, please call Maureen Cullen at 416- 222-8755 before July 31st, 2009. Thank you.

COLLECTION FOR ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES IN NORTHERN ONTARIO

The synagogues of the Bayview Corridor, together with “Between Friends” are collecting some badly needed items for fourteen Aboriginal communities in Northern Ontario.

Most requested items are:

  • Clothing
  • Books – for children, teens and adults
  • (not text books, damaged or written in)

  • Skates, hockey sticks, toys, puzzles and games
  • Linens – towels, dish towels, sheets, pillow cases, blankets
  • All items should be in good condition.

Donations can be dropped off at “Kids Come First” Daycare, 40 Westminster Drive, Thornhill (Steeles between Bathurst and Dufferin) between 7:30 AM and 2:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

If you have any questions, please contact Fatima Lee at 416-221-8866.