Bulletin – February 26

In this week’s bulletin: celebrating Cardinal Thomas Collins, the Eco-sabbath, and the World Day of Prayer.

FEAST OF ST. GABRIEL

On Monday we celebrate the feast of St. Gabriel. St. Gabriel, a member of the Passionist Community, was born Francis Possenti on March 1, 1838 in Assisi. In September, 1856 he entered the Passionist novitiate but before his ordination, he contracted tuberculosis. He died February 27, 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 as usual at 9:00 AM on Monday. There will also be a School Mass at 1:30 PM.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

February 27th – March 2nd, 2012

MONDAY – MARIA WONG Requested by Teresa Marchie
TUESDAY – MA LAU HO Requested by Teresa Marchie & Family
WEDNESDAY –
THURSDAY –
FRIDAY –
SATURDAY – MARY & MICHAEL McCLOSKEY Requested by Marie Calderone

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Stations of the Cross will take place each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 PM. We also encourage your attendance at our daily Mass throughout Lent.

CELEBRATING CARDINAL THOMAS COLLINS

Thursday, March 1st at 7:30 PM
Blessed Trinity Church, 3220 Bayview Avenue

Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto will have a chance to pray and celebrate with Canada’s newest cardinal, Thomas Collins, through a series of regional celebrations. In this area, Mass will be celebrated at Blessed Trinity Church on Thursday, March 1st at 7:30 PM. A reception will follow. All are welcome to attend.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Friday, March 2nd from 9:30 AM – 12 Noon

ECO – SABBATH

Sunday, March 4th at 11:30 AM in the Gabriel Room

On the first Sunday of each month, the Passionist Centre for Ecology and Spirituality facilitates a 30 minute reflection and discussion prompted by the readings for that Sunday’s liturgy. All are welcome.

WELCOME! BAPTISM

The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome:

  • Dexter Morgan Cooper
  • Giana Lorraine Cooper
  • Mairead Anne Mcmahon Ferguson
  • Sebastian Mirko Harispuru
  • Audrey Julianne Villamil
  • Jack Bruno Zdienicki

These children received the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, February 19th, 2012. Congratulations!

AN INVITATION TO LEARN!

In past years, Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings have been devoted to religious topics decided on by those who wish to participate.

The Miracles of Jesus (Continued)
Tuesday, February 28th at 7:30 PM
Wednesday, February 29th at 10:30 AM

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

Church of the Incarnation
15 Clairtrell Road
Friday, March 2nd, 2012 at 2:00 PM

The theme for this year’s service is “Let Justice Prevail?” written by the women of Malaysia. This celebration which takes place throughout the world in Christian Churches, will be hosted by the Church of the Incarnation, 15 Clairtrell Road, on Friday, March 2nd at 2:00 PM. All are welcome.

FINANCE CORNER

Our operating expenses average $14,000 per week.

Collection for February 19th, 2012
Loose Change – $973
Envelopes (429) – $8,057
Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving (176) – $3,316
Total – $12,346

PRE-AUTHORIZED GIVING OPTION

The “Pre-Authorized Giving” Plan (PAG), authorized and supported by the Archdiocese of Toronto, is a direct debit program. It allows parishioners to make their regular offertory donations by automatic monthly bank withdrawal on or about the 20th of each month. Participation in the PAG provides a regular dependable cash flow of contributions to the parish and enables us to better manage the Parish finances. PAG brochures and sign-up forms are available in the Parish Office and on the tables at the back of the Church.

THANK YOU FROM ROSALIE HALL

On behalf of everyone here at Rosalie Hall, our best wishes for a healthy and successful 2012! Your contribution to Rosalie Hall’s Christmas campaign meant that each mother and child felt the support of their community. While your help provided food, warm clothing, toys, toiletries and food vouchers, it also very importantly provided the knowledge that no young woman and child are alone. It is this knowledge of a caring community that has a lasting impact.
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the young mothers and children we serve. Together we are shattering the cycles of poverty, abuse and instability. Thank you for valuing a young mother and child.

MARGUERITE BOURGEOYS FAMILY CENTRE

Weekend of March 17th/18th

To raise funds for the Marguerite Bourgeoys Family Centre, the Youth Group of St. Gabriel’s will once again be selling hand-made chocolate Easter eggs for $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00 before and after the Masses on March 17th/18th. Your support will help the Centre promote and maintain their service in the Diocese.

THEOLOGY ON TAP – OUR LENTEN JOURNEY

Engaging the World from an Ecological Perspective
Monday, February 27th, 2012 7:00PM – 9:00PM
Duke of York Pub
39 Prince Arthur Ave (near Bloor St. W. & Avenue Rd.)

Special Guest: Sr. Noreen Allossery-Walsh, osu, Doctoral Studies, Ecological Responsibility

We’ll reflect on the importance of understanding the “world” within a contemporary cosmological framework in order to live our Christian vocation – to alleviate suffering in a more integrated way.
Join us for an evening of thought-provoking conversation on theological topics! Munchies provided, cash bar available – come and bring a friend!
For more information: visit Toronto Theology on Tap web page, or contact Vanessa Nicholas-Schmidt by e-mail faithconnections@csj-to.ca or phone
416-467-2645.

SCARBORO MISSIONS – UNDERSTANDING ISLAM

Islam as a Way of Life
Sacrboro Missions, 2685 Kingston Road
Tuesday February 28th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

This is the last in a series of presentations about Islam.

By Shaykh Yusuf Badat, Imam of the Islamic Foundation of Toronto (Scarborough); Professor of Islamic & Arabic Studies

MEAGAN’S WALK GALA
CELEBRATING A CIRCLE OF HOPE

The Fermenting Cellar, Distillery District
Friday, March 2nd, 2012

The 11th Annual Meagan’s Walk Gala will be held on Friday, March 2nd, 2012 at the Fermenting Cellar, Distillery District. A cocktail reception will begin at 6:00 PM followed by dinner at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $150 per person. Proceeds from this event will be split between the Meagan Bebenek Endowment Fund and awareness, research and treatment of paediatric brain tumours at SickKids. For more information, please visit www.meaganswalk.com or phone 416-239-7843.

QUEEN OF APOSTLES RETREAT CENTRE

Weekend Retreat March 9th to 12th

FATHER RON ROLHEISER, OMI preaches on the theme “Living the ups and downs of our faith: dark nights and doubt – a failure of faith or a failure of the imagination”. This weekend retreat, for men and women, will be held at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga March 9th to 12th, 2012.

For further information or reservation please call 905-278-5229.

SUPPORT FOR RECENTLY SEPARATED OR DIVORCED CATHOLICS

Catholic Family Services Central Office,
Thursday Evenings beginning April 12, 2012
6:30 to 8:30 PM

Catholic Family Services of Toronto is offering a ten-week group program for adult men and women who are dealing with the many struggles involved in the process of separation and divorce. Participants will receive support and guidance as they move through this difficult period of transition. The group will run on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 PM beginning April 12th, 2012 at the Central Office, 1155 Yonge Street (Summerhill Subway Station). For further information, please contact Ian Singer at 416-921-1163.

NEW BEGINNINGS: WIDOW / WIDOWERS SUPPORT GROUP

St. Louis de France Church
March 16th – April 27th at 7:30 PM

Looking for hope and guidance after the death of a spouse? In an informal setting we meet for seven weeks, where we share and learn from each other. You are most welcome to join us as we seek answers to help prepare us for our new journey.

We will meet at St. Louis de France Church, 1415 Don Mills Road North York, On. (Don Mills South of York Mills on East side of Don Mills) Beginning Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 7:30 and going to April 27, 2012. The facilitator is Mary Muir. To register call Deacon James Shaughnessy MSW., RSW., Psyn.D. at 416-921-1163 ext. 2227 or email jshaughn@cfstoronto.com