Bulletin – June 1, 2025

CONGRATULATIONS! CONFIRMATION

Congratulations to the following young people who were confirmed here on Sunday 25th, 2025.

The Sacrament was administered by Fr. Paul Ruttle CP.

Matteo Caruana
Rafael Chen
Ana Luisa Corro Monogreda
Luke D’Angelo
Fernanda David de Paiva
Adrian Ha
William Krause
Nicolas Riveros-Hristov
Santino Riveros-Hristov
Caitlin So
Rodric Yabut

Please keep them in your prayers as they continue their journey of faith.

BEACONS OF HOPE

Beacons of Hope is a parish group formed nearly a year ago to support marginalized women both within St. Gabriel’s Parish and beyond. To date we are happy to have the opportunity to support two women’s shelters by providing personal care items, towels and winter coats.

First, we partnered with St. Joseph’s Morrow Park high school to provide pyjamas, robes, slippers and personal care items for one of the shelters downtown that serves senior women who were previously homeless in Toronto. For their Lenten Drive, the students and staff, led by their Liturgical Ministry, gathered two large carloads of items for these women.

In the past few weeks, our group provided “treats” and flowers for the women at a nearby shelter, for Mother’s Day.

All of these women came to live in these shelters due to unforeseen circumstances, and are among the marginalized of society. In the spirit of the Passionist charism, the late Pope Francis, as well as the newly elected Pope Leo, we will continue to serve these women extending to them hope, love and the light of Christ.

We look forward to continuing the work we started and will keep you posted.

ALTAR SERVERS NEEDED

Serving at the Lord’s table is a great honour and responsibility. The Altar Server Ministry Team would like to invite children who are 10 years or older (boys and girls), who are interested in committing and dedicating time and effort to serve Mass. Any adults who think they may desire to serve are encouraged to volunteer as well. All that is required is a desire to serve at the Altar of Our Lord. If you are interested, contact the parish office or email: altarserversstgabe@gmail.com

ANNOUNCED MASSES

June 2nd – June 8th, 2025

MONDAY – ZOSIMA AGUILA ✞ – Requested by Jennie, Eric & Keith
TUESDAY – THE LAVIÑA FAMILY – Requested by the Parish
WEDNESDAY – ANNE-MARIE NDUKWE – Requested by the Family
THURSDAY – LINDA GATTI ✞ – Requested by David & Sandra Gatti
FRIDAY – MUYIWA BABAYOMI – Requested by the Family
SATURDAY – FOR THE SICK AND THE DYING – Requested by Lydia McGrann
SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – BRUNO CORTESE ✞ – Requested by Antonietta Cortese & Family
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE PIRES FAMILY ✞ – Requested by Maria Saunders

PSALM MEDITATION

The Ascension of Our Lord, June 1st, 2025
Psalm 47

Today Luke writes for us two accounts of the Ascension of Jesus: in Acts and in the Gospel. Between these two, we sing Psalm 47 which invites us to shouts of joy, to the blast of a trumpet, to the singing of Psalms. If you’ve ever been close to a trumpet horn for a trumpet blast, you are in a position to appreciate this image more fully!

The words of this psalm, “God has gone up” are seen to describe the Ascension.

Some of us find this psalm’s royal image of God a problem.

However, this King is totally benevolent, never tyrant, always supportive lover. God never makes a mistake in knowing what is best for us humans and for all creation. This King is all compassion, bearing all of our sorrows and sharing all of our grief.

“For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome.
a great king over all the earth.”

SAVE THE DATE – SATURDAY, JUNE 28TH

Watch for more information about a Garden Retreat for Seniors hosted by the Garden Team and the Ministry for Maturing Adults.

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT A VOCATION?

The Lord said, “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” Pray for an increase in vocations to the ordained and consecrated life. If God is calling you to be a priest, religious or deacon, contact Fr. Matt McCarthy, Director of Vocations, Archdiocese of Toronto at 416-968-0997 or go to www.vocationstoronto.ca

ROSARY GROUP

The English Rosary Group will meet next Saturday at 3:00 PM in the Gabriel Room. All are welcome.

SHARELIFE

You’re creating an accessible future for all

Through your support of ShareLife, Silent Voice breaks barriers for families in a welcoming American Sign Language (ASL) environment. Despite the stigma that people with disabilities face, Silent Voice offers a haven of acceptance for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and their families. Here, their dignity and worth are affirmed, providing them with the confidence to thrive. And it’s all possible because of understanding supporters like you.

Thus far we have raised $40,798 at the parish level toward our goal of $169,000 Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL BUNDLE UP WEEKEND

June 7th & 8th

Bundle Up for Saint Vincent de Paul!

Bring your gently used textiles, shoes, clothing, bedding, draperies, and small household goods (no dishes please) to share with others on June 7th /8th. A Saint Vincent de Paul truck/bin will be in the church parking lot so please share what you can with those less fortunate. Your donations will be used/sold to support outreach efforts.

The truck/bin will be open Saturday from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Volunteers will assist with the loading before and after each Mass.

Please note: Donations can only be accepted when the truck is open. We will not be accepting any donations before or after the Bundle Up Weekend.

The Society cannot accept baby items, building materials, dishes, furniture or books. A list of items that can or cannot be accepted is available by the Poor Box in the Gathering Space, or by calling the office.

A heartfelt thank you to all our parishioners for your donations and support during the month of April. Here are some updates from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP), St. Gabriel Conference:

2 families, including 8 adults and 7 children, were visited and helped with your donations.

The Marygrove and Ozanam youth camps are now open for registration. These camps offer subsidized camp opportunities for children from families facing financial challenges. For more information, email stgabriel@ssvptoronto.ca.

New members are always welcome! Please email stgabriel@ssvptoronto.ca for more information.

Thank you for your continued support!

ROSALIE HALL & THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Each weekend, we collect food items for Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre. Thank you for your generous support of both of the worthwhile organizations.

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

SEEING WITH HEART – A DAY OF REFLECTION FOR PARENTS OF LGBTQ YOUNG ADULTS

Saturday, June 7th, 2025 from 9:00 AM TO 4:00 PM

Manresa Jesuit Spiritual Renewal Centre, 2325 Liverpool Rd.,
Jesuit Spiritual Renewal Centre, 2325 Liverpool Rd., Pickering

This day of reflection will provide parents with an opportunity to share their stories, listen to presentations, reflect on the gifts and talents of their children, and participate in group discussions. The day ends with Mass.

We hope to provide a relaxed and supportive environment for parents to meet and interact with other parents, reflect and discuss concerns, learn about resources, strengthen their love, and grow closer to God. Fr. Bernie Carroll, S.J. – Superior of the Pickering Jesuit Community will facilitate.

A suggested offering of $65 per person. Includes lunch. For more information or to Register: Call Mike Hyland – 647-296-2499.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER EXPERIENCE

June 27-29, 2025

Fall in Love Again!

Are you ready for more growth and happiness in your marriage or priesthood?

Join us on June 27-29 at Queen of Apostles for a weekend that could change your life. Discover the Secrets to a Lasting, Supportive, and Transformational Marriage!

This weekend is for couples, whether you are newlyweds or have been married for decades. It’s also perfect for priests looking to deepen their relationship with their communities.

Call us NOW: Christian & Elizabeth Arroba, 416-554-4439 or 416-554-7062 – christian.elizabeth.arroba@wwme.org

Day of Reflection and Prayer for the Bereaved

Saturday, May 10th, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 5:00PM

FINANCE CORNER

Weekly Offertory
Please consider giving your offertory by picking up Envelopes, enrolling in Pre-Authorized Giving (PAG), or Donate Now (through the Archdiocese of Toronto website).

Offertory envelopes for 2025 are still available by the Gabriel Room. Boxes are usually not assigned to parishioners who are donating via Pre-Authorized Giving or Donate Now through the Archdiocese. Please contact the parish office at 416-221-8866 with any questions.

TRIVIA

When a cardinal complained that a rise in Vatican salaries meant a particular usher earned as much as the cardinal, Pope John XXIII remarked: “That usher has 10 children; I hope the cardinal doesn’t.”