Bulletin – February 22, 2026

ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT

If you have not already done so, now the time has come for you to respond. Two forms can be found at the back of the Annual Impact Report, awaiting your return. To those parishioners who have responded, thank you!

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION

Sunday February 22nd, 2026 at 2:30 PM

All parish volunteers are cordially invited to the volunteer appreciation event hosted by the parish on Sunday February 22nd, 2026 at 2:30 PM.

We look forward to acknowledging and thanking you for your contribution to the life of the parish.

See you on Feb. 22nd.

FEAST OF ST. GABRIEL

Friday, February 27th is the feast of St. Gabriel.

St. Gabriel, a member of the Passionist Community, was born Francis Possenti on March 1st, 1838 in Assisi. In September, 1856, he entered the Passionist novitiate but before his ordination, he contracted tuberculosis. He died February 27th, 1862 at the age of 24. Francis had a special devotion to Mary and chose as his religious name Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin.

He is remembered for his enthusiasm in life and his extraordinary generosity. Pope John XXIII proclaimed him as a special Patron of Youth. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 AM.

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Sunday, March 1st after 12:30 PM Mass

Tuesday, February 17th marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year for 2026. This year is the Year of the Horse. For many years, the Asian community in our parish has gifted our parish community with a wonderful Lunar New Year Party.

This year, the Lunar New Year Celebration will take place in the Gathering Space on Sunday, March 1st after the 12:30 PM Mass. There will be foods, candies, Chinese goodies, coffee and tea. All are welcome.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Stations of the Cross will take place each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 PM. You are also encouraged to attend our daily Mass as often as possible throughout Lent.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

February 23rd – March 1st, 2026

MONDAY − EDNA, GERRY & MIKE HATCH ✞ − Requested by their Family
TUESDAY − LINDA GATTI ✞ − Requested by Sandra & David Gatti
WEDNESDAY − RENATO PACHECO ✞ − Requested by his Family
THURSDAY − IRENE GALANG ✞ − Requested by Erlinda
FRIDAY − BORIS CELIS ✞ − Requested by Cai Celis
SATURDAY – DELFINO & SANDRA CANDIDO ✞ − Requested by Janet Candido
SUNDAY − 8:30 AM − FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
SUNDAY − 10:30 AM − PETER PEREIRA ✞ − Requested by Sophie & Candida Pereira
SUNDAY − 12:30 PM − JOSEPH SORBARA ✞ − Requested by Antoinette Sorbara

LENTEN RETREAT

The Church on the Street: Ministry of Presence
Saturday, February 28th, 2026 2:00 to 4:00 PM
At the church
Preacher: Deacon Robert Kinghorn

Our Lenten Retreat this year will be preached by Deacon Robert Kinghorn, a deacon of the Archdiocese of Toronto. Since 2005, Deacon Robert has ministered in a downtown Toronto neighbourhood known for drugs, prostitution, violence and homelessness. He sees the Church present not only in our beautiful church buildings, but also on these streets, and he felt called to minister there.

His encounters with the downtrodden on the darkest corners of these streets reveal not only the despair and disorder there but also compassion and even hope.

Deacon Robert’s experience will give us a living example of how he, in the footsteps of Jesus, also reaches out to those in the margins and brings the love of God to them. We hope you can join us!

Trivia

Did you know….

Catholics started the tradition of Lent around the year 325, during the Council of Nicaea. It lasts for 40 days, not including Sundays.

PSALM MEDITATION

First Sunday of Lent – Psalm 51

Our response in faith to the reading from Genesis is found in Psalm 51.

It reminds us that we are not perfect: God alone is perfect. It sings of the flawless and limitless kindness, compassion and mercy of God. Classic revelations about God which we can think on throughout Lent.

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and sustain in me a willing spirit.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.”

BEACONS OF HOPE

Lent is a time of giving and self-reflection in preparation for Easter. Can you make giving in support of marginalized women in the shelters we support part of your Lenten journey? Please check the list posted at our boxes in the Gathering Space. Thank you so much for your kind consideration of this request. Please remember we are not accepting clothing for the shelters other than those items on our list.

CARING FOR THE HOMELESS IN OUR CITY

Thank you for your continued support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.

Rosalie Hall is an accredited children’s mental health facility focusing on the needs of pregnant and parenting youth ages 12-25, their children, and their families.

Good Shepherd provides hot meals, clean clothes and shelter for the homeless in our city. They help find housing and provide follow up support.

Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired.

LENTEN REFLECTION WITH SACRED ART

Online Wednesday, February 25th from 7:00 to 8:30 PM

All are invited to attend an online Lenten reflection using works of sacred art and the Via Matris. Mr. Les Miller, author of Northern Lights, will lead the reflection. The event takes place on Wednesday, February 25 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. There is no cost, but registration is required.

To Register go to https://bit.ly/LRSA-RegisterFeb2026 or contact formation@archtoronto.org or 437-900-4287.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

March 7th to March 8th

Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, 1617 Blythe Road, Mississauga

You are invited to experience Worldwide Marriage Encounter, a Catholic movement led by married couples dedicated to helping spouses deepen their intimate relationship through love, communication and faith.

For more information contact
Bill and Linda Etzkorn,
416-510-0264 or 416-843-0264

VOICES OF FAITH: CONVERSATIONS ON PRAYER & SPIRITUALITY

Insights & Encounters Podcast

Catholic Charities’ first completed podcast series for 2026 is out! The Insights and Encounters podcast continues with its latest series, Voices of Faith: Conversations on Prayer & Spirituality, sharing meaningful stories of faith lived out in real life. This series brings together diverse voices, each offering a unique perspective on walking with God.

Through personal stories, reflection, and honest conversation, we invite listeners to listen deeply, grow in understanding and be encouraged by the many ways faith finds expression in our world today. Listen now:

https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/insights-and-encounters–6075902

ANNUAL MASS OF ST. PATRICK

Tuesday, March 17th, 2026 at 10:00 AM

St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, 65 Bond St., Toronto

The annual Mass of St. Patrick at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in Toronto will take place on Tuesday, March 17th at 10:00 AM. His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto, will be the presider and homilist. All are welcome. Those unable to attend can participate in the celebration via livestream at www.stmichaelscathedral.com/live

TEACHING SEDER

Monday, March 23, 2026, 7:00 PM

Holy Blossom Temple, 1950 Bathurst St., Toronto

A Teaching Seder is being organized for Christians to experience this Jewish ceremonial meal first-hand. This post-biblical tradition of a structured ritual meal tells the story of the Exodus through prayers, sacred readings, and ceremonial foods. The themes of freedom, redemption, and God’s saving grace create a profound experience for dialogue and fellowship between our faith communities.

Register before Monday, March 9th to attend by clicking bit.ly/3NIAscn. For more information, please email ecumenicalandinterfaith@archtoronto.org or call 437-529-1765.

FINANCE CORNER

Please pick your offertory envelopes up if you have not done so. To ensure the proper recording for tax receipt purposes, please. do not use any envelopes from 2025 or any prior year.