MARCH 25th/26th
As was highlighted in the last Parish Bulletin, the parish will be collecting various gently used items on the weekend of March 25th/26th. This is to assist the ministry of Sister Janis, FMM.
Sister Janis Gbiel is a Ghanaian Sister of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM). When she was young, her father did not want to send her to school because she was a girl. She later found her way to school, and eventually graduated with degrees in Education as well as Biblical Theology. Because of her own experience, Sister Janis has made the education of the needy and the disadvantaged in Ghana, especially women, her mission. She would like to empower them through education.
Sister Janis has just completed her training in spiritual direction here at Guelph. When she returns to Ghana in May, she would like to set up another Senior high school for girls as well as ten basic schools in the poorest region in Ghana.
She is now asking for our help – she is seeking the donation of gently used items to help set up these schools: computers, preferably laptops, but can take about 10 desktops as well. Photocopiers – desktop type (3) Printers (3) Television sets (5) Projector Scanner Digital cameras Sewing machines Math sets School bags Gently used summer footwear – crossed sandals, canvas shoes or sneakers.
Lent is a good time to think about sharing what we have with those in need. With spring in the air, perhaps it is also a good time to do some spring cleaning. Please check your basement or garage to see if there are electronics and other items that are still in good condition which could be put to use for a worthwhile cause.
You will be able to listen to and meet Sister Janis at all the masses this weekend. If you have any questions or need further information, you will be able to ask her directly. All items will be collected next weekend (March 25th /26th). Thank you for your support!
Fr. Bernard McEachern CP
Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 7:30 PM – St. Gabriel’s Church
Fr. Bernard just came back from his visit to Haiti and the Passionist mission there. Many of us who have met Fr. Rick from his 2014 Advent visit to St. Gabriel’s are touched by his work. He and Fr. Enzo continue to do wonderful work there, accompanying the Haitian people in their joy and sorrows.
Good news! Fr. Bernard will be sharing his experience of Haiti as Lenten reflections at the parish on Wednesday, April 5 at 7:30 PM. He will talk about what he saw and felt, as well as his reflections. Please join us on that evening if you can.
Saturday, April 1st at 10:30 AM
St. Gabriel’s Church First Reconciliation for children attending St. Gabriel’s School and those in the Children’s Faith Program and children attending Private Schools will be held at St. Gabriel’s Church on Saturday, April 1st at 10:30 AM.
Stations of the Cross Friday Evenings at 7:30 PM
Individual Confessions Wednesday, March 29th From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Reconciliation Service Wednesday, March 29th at 7:30 PM
Palm Sunday April 9th Masses Sat., 4:30 PM 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM
Holy Thursday April 13th No 9:00 AM Mass 7:30 PM Mass of the Lord’s Supper Followed by Adoration until 10:00 PM
Good Friday April 14th 10:00 AM Morning Prayer 3:00 PM Solemn Passion of Our Lord 7:30 PM Stations of the Cross
Holy Saturday April 15th No 4:30 PM Mass 8:00 PM Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday April 16th Masses 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM 12:30 PM
Easter Monday April 17th No 9:00 AM Mass Office Closed
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.
Interviews for children who are preparing to receive their First Communion are now being scheduled.
Those children attending the Children’s Faith Program, private schools or others are asked to choose one of the following dates: April 18th, 19th, 20th or 21st.
Children from St. Gabriel’s School are asked to choose one of the following dates: April 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, May 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th.
Please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866 to book your appointment with Fr. Brando or Fr. John.
Wednesday, March 29th at 7:30 PM
This is an opportunity to spend some time in peace and quiet, to reflect upon how we are responding to our call to be sons and daughters of God.
Recognizing the fact that we are “good people”, we also accept the fact that good people can sin.
Through an examination of conscience we face those sins, admit them and are reconciled to God. For those who wish, individual confessions will be celebrated after the service. We encourage you to take advantage of this celebration
February 6th – March 31, 2017
The Government of Canada passed legislation in June 2016, legalizing euthanasia/assisted suicide. Despite wording in the legislation intended to protect doctors and facilities, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario is forcing health care workers to participate in ending the lives of their patients. No other country does this. Provinces across Canada do not do this. Yet, Ontario refuses to protect doctors who object to assisted suicide/euthanasia.
Please visit www.CanadiansforConscience.ca to learn more, join the “Call for Conscience” and write directly to your elected Member of Provincial Parliament asking them to protect conscience rights.
Living the Gospel by providing for homeless youth
On a given night, 6,000 people across Canada between 16 and 24 have nowhere to call home. This represents 20 per cent of the total homeless population. In Toronto, estimates of homeless youth range from 900 to 2,000 nightly.
The ShareLife supported Rights of Passage program at Covenant House has been active in making a positive difference in the lives of homeless youth on the streets of Toronto. 75 % of these youth have been matched with mentors and have also made progress in strengthening their life skills and family relationships, getting them ready for life on their own. In addition, the ShareLife funded Youth In Transition programs helps youth in foster care to transition to independent living.
Sunday April 2nd, 2017 is ShareLife Sunday Please give generously.
Your prepared frozen casseroles will be collected at the Masses next weekend for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
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. 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.
Did you know that as pressure to privatize the natural resource of water increased, Development and Peace focused on water as a human right and campaigned for public control of water systems in areas where millions of people suffer from water scarcity? To find out more about the work of Development and Peace or to become a member or donor, visit the website at http://www.devp.org/en/get-involved
Each month food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall.
With everyone struggling during the winter months, 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.
Leprosy Mission of Canada Stamp Collection Program
Make a difference with your mail! You can get involved by collecting, trimming and sending your used postage stamps to Effect Hope, the Leprosy Mission of Canada. Please place stamps in the basket provided outside the Parish Office
Your kindness and compassion are felt by the friends and staff of Effect Hope and by the many people they serve.
Weekly Offertory Collection for last week: Envelopes 345 $ 5,955 Loose Change 847 Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 162 3,027 Total 507 $ 9,829 Maintenance Collection: $ 4,413
If you are contributing cash to the Offertory Collection without any identification, you will not receive credit for your contribution. You must provide your full name and address.
If you are not currently using parish envelopes and wish to have a set issued for 2017, please contact the Parish Office and we will prepare a box for you. This is the most effective way to keep track of your donations.
This Bulletin entry was posted on Saturday, March 18th, 2017.
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