November 11th is Remembrance Day, a day to remember all who have served, and continue serving in our armed forces, especially those who have died and those wounded in battle. We pray for healing and peace; that one day, all peoples will lay down their arms and embrace one another as brothers and sisters in one human family.
As previously reported, our Parish has decided to sponsor another refugee family in addition to the prior commitment to sponsor an Iraqi Christian family. The anticipated costs for these two sponsorships are $35,000 and $11,000 respectively, a total of $46,000.
We have been advised that our new refugee family, a mother, father and two young children, has been identified and is expected to arrive in Toronto in the next six months.
Prior to last weekend, you good people had already contributed $21,425 to the refugee sponsorship fund. Last weekend, an additional $27,221 was received, bringing the total sponsorship fund received to date to $48,646. This result should be no surprise – St. Gabriel’s parishioners have always responded when a genuine need is apparent.
I thank you very much! Fr. Brando
Wednesday, November 11 from 7:30 to 9:00 PM
In preparation for the Advent Evening of Reflection led by Bishop Mark MacDonald, for parishioners who are interested to learn more about the history of the Native peoples, the treaty relationship, the residential schools, we’ll have a film and video evening on Wednesday, November 11 at 7:30 PM in the Gabriel Room.
The Study Group on Laudato Si continues on the following dates: Mondays, November 16th, 30th, and December 7th. Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
For further enquiries, please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866 or email Fatima Lee at fatimalee@bellnet.ca.
“Truth and Reconciliation: An Opportunity for All Canada”
November 25, 2015 (Wednesday), 7:30 pm, at St Gabriel’s
Bishop Mark MacDonald, the first National Indigenous Bishop of the Anglican Church of Canada, will be the speaker for the evening. As we prepare for Christmas, the season of Advent asks us to focus on how Jesus, the God who dwelled among us, brings light and hope in darkness and suffering. Last May, the Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada brought to light the suffering and pain of our Aboriginal brothers and sisters in Canada, and suggested paths for moving forward towards reconciliation. Advent seems to be the right season to reflect on how we can move towards reconciliation in our own lives, as well as on how we, as a country, can work towards reconciliation, especially with our First Nations peoples.
Educated in both Canada and the U.S., Bishop MacDonald has had a long and varied ministry in different dioceses in both countries. He has published widely in areas of faith and environment, and inter-cultural ministry, including ministries to Native American youth. He is also a Third Order Franciscan.
We are most privileged to have Bishop MacDonald coming to our parish to speak about the suffering and pain that the indigenous peoples have experienced, and to shed light on a path of reconciliation on which all Canadians can embrace together in solidarity, equality, and mutual respect. It is an opportunity not to be missed, please mark your calendar and join us for the evening.
To facilitate our planning, please let us know if you plan to attend. You can call the Parish Office (416) 221-8866 or email Fatima Lee at fatimalee@bellnet.ca.
Christmas cards will be available after all the Masses this weekend, November 7th/8th.
The suggested cost is $1.50 per card.
All donations will go directly to support the Passionist Missions in Haiti, Honduras and Jamaica. Your support is invaluable in caring for the needy in some of the poorest communities of North America.
St. Gabriel’s Church This Sunday, November 8th at 3:00 PM
Many of you know Alex Seredenko, our pianist/organist for the 4:30 Saturday and the 12:30 Sunday Masses. This Sunday, November 8th at 3:00 PM, Alex is holding a concert in the main space of St. Gabriel parish.
The concert will feature a piano quartet by W.A. Mozart. Joining him are members of the Nova piano trio, and Laurence Schaufele. . Admission is free. Any donations will be forwarded to the St. Gabriel Youth Group.
Thank you to all parishioners who participated in our Create a Climate of Change Campaign. For more information on the work of Development and Peace, please visit our website at www.devp.org
November 9th to November 14th, 2015
MONDAY – RUBIN DIMOSKI & FAMILY – Requested by Ludmila TUESDAY – CATHERINE O’MOORE – Requested by Gerry, Judy, Helen & Kathi WEDNESDAY – ELIZABETH METHERALL – Requested by Margaret Anne Leckie THURSDAY – LIVING & DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE CZORINAK FAMILY – Requested by Ludmila FRIDAY – ALL SOULS – Requested by Edna Manlangit SATURDAY – DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE INTINI & BELLISARI FAMILIES – Requested by Chiara & Tina Intini
There will be a Book of Remembrance placed on the altar for the month of November. You are invited to write the names of your deceased relatives and friends in the book. They will be remembered at all the Masses celebrated in November.
Wednesday, November 18th at 7:30 PM St. Gabriel’s Church, Gabriel Room
On Wednesday, November 18th at 7:30 PM there will be a meeting in the Gabriel Room for parents of children who will be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time.
Sunday, November 22nd at the 12:30 PM Mass
The Confirmation Enrollment Ceremony for all Confirmation candidates will be held on Sunday, November 22nd at the 12:30 PM Mass. All Confirmation candidates must attend.
Candidates are reminded to submit their letters requesting Confirmation to Fr. Brando through the Parish Office by Sunday, November 15th.
Each month food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.
With everyone struggling at this time, your food donations are more important than ever. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired. Thank you for your generous support.
November 14th/15th
The Shepherds’ Trust has a mission to provide, comfort and care for those who have steadfastly cared for us – our retired priests. As parishioners, we have our own memories of a Catholic priest who made a positive, meaningful and lasting impact in our lives.
Each year, thousands of people contribute to the Shepherds’ Trust. The collection will take place in all parishes in the Archdiocese on the weekend of November 14th/15th
Envelopes are in the pews. We want our priests to retire safely and with dignity. The Shepherds’ Trust allows us to help achieve this goal. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.
Blessed Trinity Parish Hall Tuesday, November 10th at 2:00 PM
The next meeting of the North York Retiree’s will be feature guest speaker Richard Fennes Clinton. He will speak about “Toronto Based Inventions that Changed the World”.
All retirees are cordially invited to attend.
St. Gabriel’s Parish Weekend of February 12th to 14th, 2016
A Marriage Preparation course will be offered here at St. Gabriel’s the weekend of February 12th to 14th, 2016.
For a registration package please email Marie Deans at deansm@sympatico.ca. Note that this course usually fills up quickly and spaces are limited.
Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
Offertory Collection for last weekend: Envelopes 424 $ 9,017 Loose Change 1,223 Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 163 3,057 Total 587 $ 13,297
The 2016 Offertory Boxed Envelopes will be available in the Gathering Space at the end of November. Please inform the Parish Office if you are new to the Parish so that we may update our records and label your box correctly.
If you are on the Pre- Authorized Giving Plan, you will not receive offertory envelopes. You may contact the Parish Office if you do not have envelopes but would like a box for 2016.
If you are moving out of the Parish or have a change of address, please contact the Parish Office at 416-221-8866 so that we can update our records. Thank you.
This Bulletin entry was posted on Saturday, November 7th, 2015.
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.
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Companion for the Walk of the Stations of the Cosmic Earth
St. Gabriel’s Garden – Guided Sensory Reflective Walk