Christmas Schedule 2023
ADVENT RECONCILIATION SERVICE
Wednesday, December 13th from 7:30 PM
ADVENT INDIVIDUAL CONFESSION
Thursday, December 14th from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Friday, December 22nd – Office Open 8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Saturday, December 23rd – 4:30 Mass
Sunday, December 24th – 8:30 AM Mass, 10:30 AM Mass, There is no 12:30 PM Mass, Office Open – 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM
CHRISTMAS EVE, NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
Sunday, December 24th – 6:00 PM Family Mass, 9:00 PM Mass, 12:00 AM Midnight Mass
CHRISTMAS DAY, NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
Monday, December 25th – 10:30 AM Mass, 12:30 PM Mass, Office Open – 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM
BOXING DAY
Tuesday, December 26th – There is no 9:00 AM Mass, Office Closed
Friday, December 29th – Office Open 8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY
Saturday December 30th – 4:30 PM Mass
Sunday, December 31st – 8:30 AM Mass, 10:30 AM Mass, 12:30 PM Mass, Office Open – 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM
NEW YEAR’S EVE, Feast of Mary the Holy Mother of God
Sunday, December 31st – There is no Vigil Mass
NEW YEAR’S DAY, Feast of Mary the Holy Mother of God
Monday, January 1st – 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, Office Open – 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM
PARKING
While parking at ground level is limited to 51 spaces, there is plenty of space in the underground parking lot. Please follow the instructions of the attendants. Do not park in front of the Church since this is a fire route and must be kept clear. Additional parking is available on the east side of Elkhorn Public School and in the bus loop. Again, please follow the instructions of the attendant. The school requests that we do not park on the grass. Many thanks to the Principal of Elkhorn Public School for allowing us the use of the school property.
ARCHDIOCESAN CONSULTATION UNDERWAY
Your assistance is requested!
Our archbishop, the Most Rev. Francis Leo, is inviting Catholics throughout the archdiocese to share their key priorities to help inform and guide an updated Pastoral Plan. To participate in the consultation, visit: www.archtoronto.org/consultation to complete a brief survey by December 15, 2023, where you can offer your suggestions and insights.
The process should take just a few minutes and we ask that you complete the short survey as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from the Catholic community throughout the archdiocese. Thank you in advance for sharing your insights, ideas and discernment.
ANNOUNCED MASSES
December 4th to December 10th, 2023
MONDAY – KRISTOPHER TA – Requested by Veronica Do
TUESDAY – MARIA DIDIODATO ✞ – Requested by her Family
WEDNESDAY – JOHN MENDES ✞ – Requested by his Family
THURSDAY – PAT BRISTOL-CLARKE – Requested by Karen Crichton
FRIDAY – QUEENIE PINTO ✞ – Requested by Bernard Pinto
SATURDAY – NICKOLAS ANTONIOU – Requested by the Ruff Family
SUNDAY – 8:30 – MASS FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – BRUNO CORTESE ✞ – Requested by his Family
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – CRISTINA BELLO ✞ – Requested by Tullio Marra
SHARELIFE UPDATE
Archbishop Leo invites you to join ShareLife’s fight against hunger
Your gift will double in value! From November 1st until year end, your contribution to our parish’s ShareLife campaign will be matched by an anonymous donor up to a total of $500,000.
“It is heart-wrenching and unacceptable that anyone today lacks access to food which is a most basic human right,” shares Archbishop Francis Leo. “Our parishioners are taking action in response to the Lord’s call to feed the hungry. Since the earliest days of the Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Toronto, the faithful have cared for those in need, on the margins of society and we continue this life-giving legacy.”
Please support the fight against hunger at sharelife.org/donate or by giving at our parish using a ShareLife envelope.
Thank you for reaching out with the hands of Christ to feed the hungry.
THE GIVING TREE
until Sunday, December 10th
St. Vincent de Paul
During Advent, the Society of St Vincent de Paul, St. Gabriel Conference, will have a Giving Tree in the Gathering Space. The tree will be decorated with gift stars.
We invite you to take a star, buy a Walmart or Canadian Tire gift card for about $50 and bring it with the star attached to the Parish Office.
Rosalie Hall
At this time of the year, we are also thinking of the young mothers and babies of Rosalie Hall. If you wish to help, you may choose a “Christmas Stocking” from the tree to purchase pyjamas or undershirts for little ones, age 6 months to 5 years.
Sweaters or hoodies would also be very welcome. Unwrapped Items with the original stocking tag attached can be left in the box provided near the giving tree no later than Sunday, December 10th. Toys or books for these little ones would also be appreciated.
For the Moms, we are suggesting gift cards from Tim Horton’s, Walmart or MacDonald’s. These can be placed in the cards provided and brought to the Office. Thank you for your continued generosity.
GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE CASSEROLES
Thank you to those parishioners who prepared casseroles for November. For December, your prepared frozen casseroles may be dropped off at the Parish Office by December 30th/31st for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
Let’s see if we can increase that number!
The need is very great especially as the colder weather approaches. 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.
ADVENT DAY OF REFLECTION
December 9th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
St. Gabriel’s Church
The theme of this reflection, led by Fr. Paul, is Compassion: The Journey from Loneliness to Solitude.
This day is for all who find Christmas to be a difficult time. It can be a lonely time when we are supposed to be having ourselves a Merry Little Christmas. Please join us on Saturday, December 9th at 2:00 PM.
‘WHEN YOU BELIEVE’
Saturday, December 9th at 7:30 PM
St. Gabriel’s Church
‘When You Believe’ – A heartwarming Christmas concert series by the Seraphim & Cherubim Chorus, unfolds like a holiday story told in song.
Join us on an uplifting voyage through the most beloved melodies of Christmas past, present, and future with a few magical surprises along the way. Let’s ring in the season together December 9th, 7:30 pm at St. Gabriel’s Parish. Advanced tickets available online at www.seraphimandcherubim.ca
CAROLS, COFFEE, TEA, AND FUN
Friday, December 15th from 1:30 to 3:00 PM
Enjoy an afternoon of singing your favourite Christmas carols and while having some afternoon libation and cookies on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM.
To register please contact stgabrielmma@gmail.com or call the Parish Office.
ADVENT PRAYER AND WORSHIP NIGHT
Saturday December 16th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM
St. Gabriel’s church
Our parish youth group will be hosting an Advent Prayer & Worship Night on Saturday December 16th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. All are welcome to spend an hour in prayer, reflection, and contemporary worship music as we prepare for the birth of Jesus. Refreshments will be available after the service.