In this week’s bulletin, the Feast of St. Gabriel, Stations of the Cross, and the Eco-sabbath.
Wednesday, February 27th is 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 Wednesday. There will also be a School Mass at 1:30 PM here at the Church.
February 25th – March 2nd, 2013
MONDAY – DAVID KASCHALK Requested by Bill Markle, Arthur Dean & Marc Cipperone TUESDAY – HAN CHONG Requested by the St. Francis Prayer Group WEDNESDAY – THURSDAY – JOHN GRANT Requested by Mary Ann & Fergus O’Connell FRIDAY – THOMAS EDWARD WALSH Requested by Mary, Brad, Jason & Ryna Walsh SATURDAY – DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE FOTY FAMILY Requested by the Foty Family
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome:
These children received the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, February 17th, 2013. Congratulations!
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.
Sunday, March 3rd 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.
Friday, March 1st at 1:30 PM Blessed Trinity Church, 3220 Bayview Avenue
World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year. The theme for 2013, written by the women of France, is “I was a stranger and you welcomed me”, based on the Gospel of St. Matthew 25. This year World Day of Prayer will be hosted by Blessed Trinity Church. All are welcome to attend.
Monday, March 4th at 7:30 PM or Thursday, March 7th at 10:30 AM
Topic: An Overview of the Old Testament – now known as the ‘Hebrew Scriptures’. For information please call Mary at 416-293-3760.
Laws and Treaties – How they may impact the lives of Canada’s First Nations people today Saturday, March 9th, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Gabriel Room
Recently there has been a growing clamor from First Nations people — among them the Idle No More Movement, the hunger strike of Chief Theresa Spence, and the meeting of some Aboriginal leaders with our Prime Minister. There seem to be grievances which are crying out to be addressed.
As Christians we are committed to follow the example of Jesus, to love our neighbours — especially those who are poor and marginalized. We continually hear in the media the plight of First Nations people. We must have often wondered how they ended up in their present situation. As it turns out, laws and treaties of our country may play a significant role.
On Saturday, March 9th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, our parish will be holding a workshop entitled A Conversation on Native Issues. This workshop will focus on laws and treaties that affect the everyday lives of Canada’s native peoples. The speaker will be Senwung Luk, a young lawyer who grew up at St. Gabriel’s. Senwung is an Associate at Olthuis, Kleer and Townshend – LLP. His practice focuses on Aboriginal title litigation and treaty claims.
The workshop aims mainly at information – for participants to become better acquainted with the possible root causes of the situation of Canada’s First Nations people. A light lunch will be provided. To register, please call (416) 221-8866, or email fatimalee@bellnet.ca Admission is free. However, donations will be gratefully accepted to help defray the cost of the event.
We will be collecting Canadian Tire money during the month of February in support of Matercare International which is an association of Catholic Obstetricians and Gynecologists working in developing countries. This organization is dedicated to improving the lives and health of mothers and their children, both unborn and born, through initiatives of service, training, research and advocacy. Please support this worthwhile campaign by dropping your Canadian Tire money in the collection basket.
Working wonders for youth in crisis…
Susan was crying at school the day her father punched her. Her teacher called CCAS and she was removed from home and went to live in a foster home. The CCAS worker contacted her mother in Jamaica and advised her to present a plan for Susan. Her mother did not want her to return to Jamaica so her paternal aunt in Cleveland came forward and agreed to have Susan live with her. She did enjoy living in Cleveland and wanted to stay there but her aunt reported having major problems with Susan and sent her back to CCAS in Toronto where she became a crown ward. When Susan turned 16 she moved into Sancta Maria House. At first, Susan was not happy because she hated the rules and was very rude to the staff. Susan thought they were a bunch of phonies, but they never gave up on her. They were always kind; even though she cursed at them they never cursed back. She stayed at Sancta Maria House for over a year, went to school and got eight credits that year. She made some lifelong friends and reconnected with her mother. For Susan, that Christmas was the best Christmas ever! More than 29,000 children and youth in the GTA were involved in the programs and services offered by ShareLife agencies last year.
First ShareLife Sunday – March 17, 2013 Together, we can work wonders!
Sunday, February 24th after 12:30 PM Mass
All are welcome to attend our Lunar New Year party, this weekend, Sunday February 24th after the 12:30 Mass in the Gathering Space This event, sponsored by the Asian Community is always a wonderful celebration! This year is the Year of the Snake. Volunteers and donations are also welcome. Please contact Linda Law at 416-918-8029.
Weekend of March 16th/17th
To raise funds for FertilityCare Toronto formerly known as the Marguerite Bourgeoys Family Centre, the St. Gabriel’s Youth Group will once again be selling hand-made dark chocolate Easter eggs for $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00 before and after all the Masses on March 16th/17th. Your support will help the Centre promote and maintain their service in the Diocese.
The Final Days in the Life of Jesus Scarboro Missions, 2685 Kingston Rd., Scarborough March 5th, 12th, 19th , 26th – 10:30 AM. to 12:00 PM
“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem” Luke ( 9: 51 ). This Lenten Season, re-live the final days of Jesus through the eyes of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The speaker will be Fr. Dave Warren, SFM.
Widow/Widowers Support Group. Beginning Friday, March 15th at 7:30 PM St. Louis-de-France Church, 1415 Don Mills Road
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 East side of Don Mills, south of York Mills) beginning Friday, March 15 at 7:30 and going to May 3. The facilitator is Ms. Mary Muir.
To register call Deacon James Shaughnessy MSW., RSW., Psyn.D. at 416-921-1163 ext. 2227 or email jshaughn@cfstoronto.com
Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
Collection for February 17th, 2013
Envelopes (369) – $6,833 Loose Change – $1,087 Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving (184) – $3,474 Total – $11,394
We would like to remind you not to use envelopes from previous years as this number may have been reassigned to another family.
Please continue to put your name on your Offertory envelopes. This will assist our office staff in making sure your donation is properly credited.
Tax receipts for donations made in 2012 have been mailed to you. If you have changed your address or are moving out of the Parish, please notify the Parish Office at 416-221-8866.
This Bulletin entry was posted on Sunday, February 24th, 2013.
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