Bulletin – October 16, 2022

UPDATING OUR PARISH RECORDS

At this time, we would like to update our Parish records.

If you have changed your address, telephone number or email address, please let us know. Thank you for your cooperation.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE COUNTED!

Cardinal Collins has requested that a weekend Mass attendance count be conducted annually in all parishes and missions of the Archdiocese. This year the attendance count will continue on the weekends of October 15th/16th and 22nd/23rd.

The purpose of this very important count is to have a more accurate assessment of the number of people attending Mass on a weekend.

When you come in for Mass, you may notice a few “counters” clicking on tally counters at the doors of the church. The counters will be doing their jobs in a way as discreetly and non-intrusively as possible.

THE MILK BAG MAT WEAVING GROUP IS BACK!

Wednesday, October 19th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM

New members are welcome to join them as they weave sleeping mats for street friends in Toronto and needy in other nations. The group gathers in the gathering space the third Wed of the month from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. For those collecting milk bags please make sure the bags are dry and kept flat. For more details contact Sharon at sharongusz@gmail.com

PARENT MEETINGS FOR THE SACRAMENTS

The Parent Meeting for those parents whose children will be confirmed in the spring will be on October 19th at 7:30 PM.

The Parent Meeting for those parents whose children will receive their First Communion in the spring will be on October 27th at 7:30 PM. Both meetings will be held here at the Church.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

October 17th to October 23rd

MONDAY – ANDREW HUI ✞ – Requested by Howa Hui
TUESDAY – GIOVANNI, MARIN & FRANK PUGLIESE ✞ – Requested by the Family
WEDNESDAY – ELAIN, KITTY, EILEEN & MAY CHIU – Requested by May Chiu
THURSDAY – DUO PAO SHAN ✞ – Requested by Y.L. Kok
FRIDAY – KENG OWYONG ✞ – Requested by Helen Owyong
SATURDAY – LUCILLE YEUNG – Requested by the Yeung Family
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – JOACHIM CHUN & YUEN FUNG ✞ – Requested by the Fung Family
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – KOK SHING WING ✞ – Requested by Y.L. Kok

ALTAR SERVERS

The Altar Server Ministry invites children, 10 and above, who are interested in learning how to serve at Mass, to please email stgabrielsaltarservers@gmail.com with details of the Mass at which they would like to serve.

Ukrainian Crisis Update

Are you able to host a Ukrainian Family?

When hearing reports of the war in Ukraine, and the millions of Ukrainians that have been forced to flee their homeland, many have asked what they can do to help. Over 80,000 Ukrainians have already arrived to Canada through a special visa program created by Immigration Canada. An additional 500,000 have applied to the program and are expected to arrive in the coming months.

Many are arriving to Toronto and are without family here in Canada to help them. Among those will be some who are vulnerable to human trafficking, particularly seniors, single women, and women with children. There is an immediate need for families to host for a period of between one and six months some of those who have arrived. If you would like to learn more about hosting a Ukrainian family, please go to Archdiocese of Toronto – Ukrainian Crisis (archtoronto.org) and register for a virtual information session.

HUMANITARIAN RELIEF – PAKISTAN FLOODS

Devastating floods in Pakistan have displaced hundreds of thousands, at one point leaving a third of the country inundated with water. More than 1,500 people have died following record rainfall with 33 million throughout the country affected by this disaster.

Since June, Pakistan has experienced three times more rainfall than an average monsoon season. Flooding and landslides have destroyed homes, crops, health centres, roads and bridges.

There is an elevated risk of the spread of malaria, dengue fever and other diseases. Priorities include clean water, shelter and health care for those directly affected by this tragic situation.

The Archdiocese of Toronto will channel donations through Catholic partners (including Caritas Canada – Development and Peace as well as the Archdiocese of Karachi) to support relief efforts underway. Please note that these organizations are not subject to the government matching funds program.

Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways:

  • Online through the Archdiocese of Toronto website – www.archtoronto.org
  • By phone through the Development Office
  • Through the parish, making cheques payable to: St. Gabriel’s Parish – Pakistan Floods – Humanitarian Relief

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

For the Good Shepherd Centre and Rosalie Hall

Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre during our Thanksgiving Food Drive. Your response was overwhelming! Both these organizations are extremely appreciative.

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY

October 22ND/23RD

There will be a second collection on the weekend of October 22nd/23rd for World Mission Sunday.

This is a worldwide collection for the missionary Church and it is our opportunity to assist at-need Catholic communities around the globe. Our offerings are combined with those of other Catholics around the world and distributed to missions and dioceses.

We are called to share from our abundance with those who are less fortunate and lack the basic essentials to know, love and praise God. Thank you for your support of this important work.

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS 2022 – CAST YOUR VOTE!

October 24th, 2022

A municipal election will be held on Monday, October 24th, 2022. All Catholics are strongly encouraged to exercise their democratic right to vote. To help learn more about the candidates for Catholic School Board Trustee, Cardinal Collins has given permission for these candidates to distribute literature to parishioners departing Mass on weekends from October 11/12 through October 22/23. We hope you’ll take the time to get to know those seeking elected office for this important role.

To ensure your vote for Catholic School Board Trustee, at the polling booth, verify that you are registered as a separate school supporter. If your support status is incorrect ask for an Application to Amend Voters’ List. This form may be completed and submitted at the polling station. Thank you for your interest and involvement in this fall’s municipal election!

ESTATE PLANNING FOR THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY

October 29th from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM

St. Paul’s Basilica

Are you Caribbean or of Caribbean descent? If so, join us for this free special event at the historic St. Paul’s Basilica in Toronto, on Saturday, October 29th, 2022. Come and learn about the importance of a Will, Powers of Attorney & Estate Planning as well as Catholic teachings and traditions around burials and cremation. This day offers lots more!

A Light Breakfast

A musical interlude featuring members of Our Lady of Good Counsel Caribbean Music Ministry

A tour of the beautiful St. Paul’s Basilica; the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Toronto

To register or receive further information, send us an email to: development@archtoronto.org or call us at 416-934-3400 ext. 561/519 with the following information: Full Name and Parish.

*Space is limited so please register early!

WALKING TOGETHER: Highlights of the Papal Visit

October 25th from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Blessed Trinity Parish

Head over to Blessed Trinity Parish for an evening with Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann from Salt and Light Media, from 6:30pm-8:00pm on October 25th where he will walk us through the highlights of the papal visit and the road ahead for reconciliation between the Catholic Church and the indigenous people.

To register for this free event, please visit https://forms.gle/RYegiXXBw3pEyLUr6 or email btcatechesis@gmail.com. Visit https://slmedia.org/s/yrvNh5bq/walking-together to watch the original documentary – ‘Walking Together’.

THE GARDEN SHED

BLUEBERRY CRISP RAFFLE

Thank you to everyone who participated in this weekend’s blueberry crisp raffle to raise funds for the work of the Garden Ministry. Congratulations to the winners!

Extra hands would be welcome on Saturday, October 22nd from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon to help put the garden to bed: cutting back plants, mulching, covering boxes, stowing hoses and cages, etc.

For more information, please email sgpgardenministry@gmail.com.

MATURING ADULT MINISTRY

LIFE STORY WRITING PROGRAMME: REFLECTION ON EXPERIENCE Small Group: 6-12 persons

Dates: October 13th, 20th, 27th, November 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, December 1st from 1:30 to 3:30 PM

Participants will be guided in reflecting on each decade of life

The cost: $20:00 for workbook to be paid at first session

Facilitator: Sr. Mary Rose Marrin CSJ

Registration: contact Sr. Maria Lucia Serrano, RSM at StGabrielMMA@gmail.com

SMALL GROUP BOOK STUDY: 6-12 persons

Tuesdays – October 18th, 25th, November 1st, 22nd, 29th

From 1:30 to 3:00 P.M.

Book Title: Conscious Living, Conscious Aging by Ron Pevny.

Books will be available at the first session: Cost $20:00.

Facilitator: Sr. Mary Rose Marrin CSJ

Registration: contact Sr. Maria Lucia Serrano, RSM at StGabrielMMA@gmail.com