Bulletin – April 23, 2023

PASSIONIST MISSION

April 29th, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM

As previously announced, St. Gabriel’s Parish is moving forward with the process begun more than a year ago – discovering how we can further grow and live as a Passionist Parish. Sessions have been planned for parishioners. The first was March 25th.

If you were not able to attend the March 25th session, a second session is being held as follows:

You are invited to join fellow parishioners in a gathering on Saturday, April 29th at 10:00 AM in the Gabriel Room to further reflect on what it means to be a Passionist Parish.

If you are interested in joining this session, or have questions, please reach out to either Rick Coles (richardcoleslaw@gmail.com) or Leanne Kloppenborg (kloppen@sympatico.ca), the Passionist Mission Co-Directors for this initiative appointed by the Passionist Provincial, Fr. Jim O’Shea.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

April 24th to April 30th, 2023

MONDAY – ANTHONY YOUNG ✞ – Requested by Agnes Wong
TUESDAY – B.J. IGNATIUS ✞ – Requested by Fridy
WEDNESDAY – LUZ CASTILLO ✞ – Requested by her Family
THURSDAY –
FRIDAY – TED COLLINS ✞ – Requested by Jackie & Marilyn
SATURDAY – ALLAN PERSAUD – Requested by the Persaud & Goldenberg Families
SUNDAY, 10:30 –
SUNDAY, 12:30 – LEAH FERNANDES ✞ – Requested by Tony Fernandes & Family

ARCHDIOCESAN DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

Friday, May 5th

The Archdiocesan Day of Prayer for Vocations is on Friday, May 5th, 2023. On this day, parishes throughout the archdiocese hold prayer initiatives dedicated to vocations.

This year we are inviting you to take a moment on this day to pray for two intentions: for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and religious life and for endurance in vocations already committed.

SHARELIFE

A ShareLife Campaign Update

Next week, we will be holding the second collection in our parish’s ShareLife campaign. We ask for your kind generosity and support once again.

Thus far we have raised $59,804 toward our goal of $192,000 Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.

Thank you for “living the Gospel” through our parish ShareLife campaign.

CARING FOR THE HOMELESS IN OUR CITY

Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre. They are very grateful.

Rosalie Hall, assists young parents and their children, offering prenatal supports including prenatal classes, nutrition and can help find a child care provider.

They can provide parenting classes, staff to help the transition to parenthood and a school program where young parents can finish high school and be close to their babies in the Early Learning Child Care Centre. The food we donate from our parish often replenishes their empty food bank.

Good Shepherd provides more than 800 hot meals each day. As housing costs soar, they provide affordable housing and assisted living supports to help seniors and other homeless to find their way back to secure housing and for some, a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs.

Your food donations are very important as numbers of people in need continue to increase. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired.

GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE CASSEROLES

Next Weekend, April 29th/30th

Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 48 casseroles for March. This was our highest number yet! For April your frozen casseroles will be collected after all the Masses next weekend, April 29th/30th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre. Let’s see if we can increase that number!

The casseroles are easy to make and we have the recipes and casserole pans right here in the Parish Office. The recipes are also available on the Parish website.

If you require more information, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.

PROJECT RACHEL RETREAT

April 28th to April 30th
St. Mary of Egypt Refuge

Hurt by abortion? Project Rachel is a ministry for women who have suffered the loss of a child from abortion. The hiddenness, the aloneness, and the grief are met by volunteers and God’s healing power. Our next weekend retreat is being offered at St. Mary of Egypt Refuge, April 28-30 – “Come away.”

For information about Project Rachel, visit stmarysrefuge.org/Rachel, call 289-691-6840 or e-mail projectrachel@stmarysrefuge.org.

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE FAITH COMMUNITIES AWARENESS SUNDAY

Sunday, May 7th, 2023

On Sunday, May 7th, 2023, Catholics throughout the Archdiocese are encouraged to participate in Mental Health in the Faith Communities Awareness Sunday. The special focus for this day to raise awareness in our parish communities of the importance of mental health, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to get help if we are struggling. In our faith communities, people often report experiencing shame or stigma attached to mental health and mental health illness. Having open conversations about mental health issues, listening, and sharing information, opens doors to seeking help, and healing. So, on Sunday, May 7th, 2023, let’s talk about mental health and help stop the silence, stigma and shame.

THE GIFT OF FAITH AND MENTAL HEALTH

Friday, May 12, 2023 From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Nativity of Our Lord Parish Hall
480 Rathburn Road, Etobicoke

Join us for a day of insightful, educational, and practical talks to promote mental health, spirituality, and wellness, designed specifically for the Catholic community of faith on Friday May 12th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Nativity of Our Lord Parish Hall.

This is a free event, and registration is required to attend. For further information and to register for this free event please visit southdown.on.ca

PRAYER VIGIL

Friday, May 12th, 2023 from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica

A Prayer Vigil for our soon-to-be priests is being held at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica on Friday, May 12th, 2023 from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM.

There will be praise and worship, interspersed throughout the evening, communal prayers, such as the Rosary and a sung version of the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

For more information, please contact the Office of Vocations via email – vocations@archtoronto.org. Please note, this event is open to the public

A DAY WITH MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS

Saturday, May 13th Registration begins at 8:30 AM
Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre
1617 Blythe Road, Mississauga

Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre invites both men and women to spend a day with Mary, Mother of Jesus. The Retreat will be facilitated by Fr. Daniel Janulewicz OMI and Anne Hales.

The fee of $45 includes coffee or tea and muffins as well as a hot lunch. The Retreat will close with Mass.

To Register or for more information, please email office@qoa.ca or call 905-278-5229.

THE GARDEN SHED

HOW TO PLAN YOUR GARDEN” WORKSHOP with Robert Cordy hosted by the Garden Ministry
April 30th, 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

Join us on April 30th from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM in the Gabriel room for a workshop on how to plan your garden! We will discuss crop planning, seed selection, starting seedlings, pest and diseases management, soil health, compost, and much more! Learn how to bring heaven to earth with your own garden of Eden. We welcome all levels of gardening, and will happily help you if you have specific questions about your home garden!

FINANCE CORNER

One of the most financially sound ways to support the Archdiocese of Toronto is with the gift of securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds). When you donate securities to a registered charity, you pay no capital gains tax and receive a tax receipt for the full amount of the gift. It means a great tax break for you and an increased support of various archdiocesan charities such as your Parish, ShareLife, St. Augustine’s Seminary and many others.

For further information, send an email to the Development Office at development@archtoronto.org or call 416-934-3400 Ext. 519.