Bulletin – May 17, 2026

PARISH NEWS

Monday, May 18th is Victoria Day. The Parish Office will be closed and there will be no 9:00 AM Mass that day.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in our parish on Sunday May 24th, 2026 at 3:00 PM.

In preparation for this Sacrament, a Confirmation retreat will be held here on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Candidates are reminded to bring a signed letter from their service Ministry Coordinator or a parent stating the completion or anticipated completion of volunteer service hours.

THE VIGIL OF PENTECOST

Saturday, May 23rd, 2026

The ‘Feast of Feasts’, Pentecost, brings our 50 days of Easter celebration to its conclusion.

The 4:30 vigil mass on Saturday, May 23rd, will begin with 3 Old Testament readings echoing themes of Pentecost.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

May 17th to May 24th, 2026

MONDAY − VICTORIA DAY − No 9:00 AM Mass
TUESDAY − JOHN JOE HIGGINS − Requested by Agnes Gaughan
WEDNESDAY − MARY MARGARET HIGGINS ✞ − Requested by Agnes Gaughan
THURSDAY − JASON CRICHTON − Requested by Karen Crichton
FRIDAY − PAWEL THOMMEE ✞ − Requested by Danuta Thommee
SATURDAY – FRANK COLANTONIO ✞ − Requested by Angela Colantonio
SUNDAY − 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – ANGELO DI FLUMERI AND FAMILY ✞ − Requested by Grace Di Flumeri
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM − LEONARDO BRUNTON ✞ − Requested by his Family

PSALM MEDITATION

Seventh Sunday of Easter – Ascension Sunday, Psalm 47

Psalm 47 is a royal psalm proclaiming the Lord as king over all the earth, over all creation.

Today’s first reading is the opening verses of the Acts of the Apostles as written for us by Saint Luke. Psalm 47 reacts to this account of the Ascension by calling us to praise because the Lord is so awesome. We are invited to sing songs of joy, to clap our hands, and advised several times to sing the praises of the Lord.

Catholic tradition sees a reference to the Ascension of the Lord in this line:
“God has gone up with a shout,
the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.”

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL BUNDLE UP SUNDAY – SPRING CLEANING TIME

Weekend of May 30th / 31st

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul will be collecting gently used clothing, shoes and linens to support our neighbours in need on the weekend of May 30th / 31st. Please bring your donation and help others in your community.

Please note that they cannot accept furniture, mattresses, books, dishes, construction material or video tapes.

The truck will be open Saturday from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM and Sunday from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Volunteers will assist with the loading before and after each Saturday and Sunday Mass. Thank you!

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. Your donations are very much appreciated.

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

SHARELIFE

Through ShareLife, you support human connection

On the 60th World Day of Social Communication, we are invited to pause and connect with each other—for the Church, for the world, and for the future we are helping to shape together. In this moment, one truth remains clear: the Church endures because of the strength and love of parishioners like you. Your support of ShareLife supports human connection across the world, making a difference in the lives of thousands of people in our community and beyond—funding more than 40 agencies, which help children and youth, families in crisis, seniors, immigrants and refugees, people with special needs, international development and missions, and vocations.

The third ShareLife Sunday is May 31st Thus far we have raised $87,828 toward our goal of $185,000. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.

SPECIAL COLLECTION: POPE’S PASTORAL WORKS

Today, there will be a second collection for the Pope’s Pastoral Works. These funds are passed on to the Holy Father forimmediate response in countries stricken by war, famine and natural disasters. The Pope’s Pastoral Works displays Christ’s love and compassion for people in desperate need.

Please give generously.

HELP NOT HARM: Take Action to Support Bill C-218 Write your Member of Parliament Today!

You’re invited to visit HelpNotHarmCanada.ca where you can e-mail your Member of Parliament (MP), asking for their support of Bill C-218 (The Right to Recover Act), which would amend the Criminal Code to prevent Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) from being provided when mental illness is the sole underlying condition. Without this change, MAiD will be available for those suffering from mental illness alone beginning in March 2027.

Chances are you know someone struggling with mental illness — a family member, friend, or colleague. As Catholics and Canadians, we are called to offer care, hope, and protection – not death – to those who are suffering and most vulnerable. Visit HelpNotHarmCanada.ca today and ask your MP to support Bill C-218.

“FUNDAMENTALS TO WORKING AS A STAFF PARISH YOUTH MINISTER” WORKSHOP

May 23 – 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Location TBD

This workshop is being offered in response to the interest arising from people across the Archdiocese of Toronto who are discerning or wanting more information about the fundamental expectations and responsibilities of a parish youth minister staff member.

The workshop will feature content focusing or various role descriptions, principle expectations and responsibilities, forming the various skill sets and basic abilities needed to manage a youth ministry position, and understanding the fundamental needs of an active faith life in potential candidates. The location will ultimately be determined based on the general geography of interested attendees.

To register, contact John MacMullen at the Office of Catholic Youth at jmacmullen@archtoronto.org or by phone at 416-599-7676.

AI, FAITH, AND THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY: INTERRELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVES

Thursday, May 21st from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

AN ONLINE WEBINAR RECOMMENDED BY THE OFFICE FOR ECUMENICAL AND INTERFAITH RELATIONS

AI is rapidly transforming our world. While holding great promise for innovation and progress, it also raises profound questions about human dignity, moral responsibility, truth, and the values that guide our societies. At this pivotal moment, the wisdom of faith traditions can help ensure that technological advancement remains grounded in compassion, accountability, and the common good. Join us for a meaningful discussion on how faith communities can contribute to shaping a future in which AI serves humanity and strengthens our shared values.

For more information and to register, visit https://forms.gle/RzB59VW7FsqReDD59

THE GARDEN SHED

Learn more about the life, growth, and spiritual reflections of St. Gabriel’s Garden in our Growing News newsletters.

Discover how the garden nourishes both creation and community through reflective garden walks and food donations to Good Shepherd Ministries.

All issues of the newsletters can be found on the Parish website under the Ministries/Garden Ministry tab, by scrolling down to the bottom of the page.

For details or to get involved, contact garden@stgabrielsparish.ca

FINANCE CORNER

A bequest in your Will to our Church is an acknowledgment of your returning to God a portion of the gifts He has bestowed on you during your lifetime. Charitable bequests can have a favourable impact on your overall estate plan. Bequests are NOT just for the wealthy! Consider including your parish in your Will. Let your Will reflect your Catholic values.

Please see the estate planning guide available at www.archtoronto.org to help you make your plan and remember about the importance of using the correct legal names when arranging bequests or other legacy gifts. You may call the parish office for more information.

FREE CATHOLIC ESTATE PLANNING WEBINAR

Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Online webinar on Zoom

All are welcome to join this free webinar hosted by the Archdiocese of Toronto. Participants will learn about:

  • How to avoid problems in your Will, Powers of Attorney, and Estate Trustee selection
  • How to create your own Catholic legacy
  • Catholic traditions around cremation, burials, and funerals

To register:

Visit qrco.de/WebJun6

You may also register by email by contacting Development@ArchToronto.org. Please write “Webinar June 6” in the subject line and include your name in the body of the message.

What do you call a flower that runs on electricity?

A power plant