Christmas Schedule 2025
ADVENT INDIVIDUAL CONFESSION
Tuesday, December 16th from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
CHRISTMAS EVE, NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
Wednesday, December 24th
No 9:00 AM Mass
Office Open – 8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
6:00 PM Family Mass
8:00 PM Mass
12:00 AM Midnight Mass
CHRISTMAS DAY, NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
Thursday, December 25th
No 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM Mass
10:30 AM Mass
12:30 PM Mass
Office Open – 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM
BOXING DAY
Friday, December 26th
No 9:00 AM Mass
Office Closed
FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY
Sunday, December 28th
8:30 AM Mass
10:30 AM Mass
12:30 PM Mass
NEW YEAR’S EVE, FEAST OF MARY THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
Wednesday, December 31st
No 9:00 AM Mass
Office Open – 8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
5:00 PM Vigil Mass
NEW YEAR’S DAY, FEAST OF MARY THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
Thursday, January 1st
No 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM Mass
10:30 AM Mass
12:30 PM Mass
Office Closed
ANNOUNCED MASSES
November 24th to November 30th
MONDAY – FR. DENNIS JOSEPH CP – Requested by Leonor Dytoc
TUESDAY – SHELLEY & BABY CHUNG PINT – Requested by Jean Castelino
WEDNESDAY – GUIDO CONVERTINI ✞ – Requested by Angela Convertini
THURSDAY – DANNY DEGUZMAN – Requested by Karen Crichton
FRIDAY – JOYCE & CATHY DRAB ✞ – Requested by their Family
SATURDAY – GIUSEPPINA & ORESTO SMERIGLIO ✞ – Requested by Lina Giannotta
SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – CLIFTON & JOAN POWER ✞ – Requested by Richard Power
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – DARIO ARDILA – Requested by Dario Ardilo
ADVENT RETREAT
Saturday, December 20th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
This year, the parish’s Advent Retreat will take place on Saturday, December 20th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.
Our speaker will be Fr. Rick Frechette, CP.
Fr Rick has worked in Haiti for the past forty years, with an extraordinary ministry among the people there who have been living in extreme poverty through the country’s numerous challenges. From the AIDS epidemic, to social unrest, to the devastating earthquake in 2010, then the outbreak of cholera and Covid, Fr Rick’s heart has been with the people and responded to their various needs in the most ingenious ways.
Unfortunately for the past few years, Haiti has further spiralled into extreme lawlessness, with street violence and kidnappings a common occurrence.
In the retreat, from his lived experience in Haiti, Fr Rick will talk about how to remain steadfast in the face of difficulties and unimaginable atrocities. As we prepare for Christmas, it is good to remind ourselves that when darkness seems to envelop us, the light of Christ continues to shine and give us hope, if only we would learn to see it.
This is a rare opportunity to hear from someone who has lived his faith under very challenging circumstances. Please mark your calendars and join us for the Retreat on Dec 20!
If you are not yet familiar with Fr Rick’s life and work, you can find out more about him in the brochure available at the back of the church and in the Gathering Space.
PSALM MEDITATION
Psalm 122
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
“Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.”
At the end of the liturgical year, we stand at the gates of heaven. Psalm 122, a Psalm of Ascent, is about a pilgrimage to the holy city, Jerusalem. Jerusalem, place of peace, prosperity, a place to praise the name of the Lord. Our prayer leads to the house of God.
Our year of prayer and grace concludes with the tender sovereignty of Christ speaking through the horrors of crucifixion: “This day you will be with me in Paradise.”
“I was glad when they said to me,
Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
HUMANITARIAN RELIEF Jamaica, Haiti, Philippines
In the past few weeks, Jamaica, Haiti and the Philippines have been hit with extreme weather storms with many people dead and thousands homeless.
For those interested in supporting humanitarian relief efforts to help those in need, please note the following:
The Archdiocese of Toronto will accept donations and channel funds through our Catholic partners in the Caribbean and Asia to support relief efforts underway in both regions.
Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways:
- Online through the Archdiocese of Toronto website www.archtoronto.org
- By phone through the Development Office – 416-934-3411
- Through the parish, making cheques payable to: St Gabriel’s Parish – Hurricane Melissa or St. Gabriel’s Parish – Typhoon Kalmaegi
Please continue to pray for all those affected by these natural disasters. Thank you for your continued co-operation.
THE GIVING TREE
Sunday, December 7th to Friday, December 19th
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, Uniqlo 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 Giving 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 Friday, December 19th. 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.
URGENTLY NEEDED
The Beacons of Hope are seeking gently used Women’s winter outer wear: coats, jackets, scarves, mitts, hats, gloves and boots. Please place these in our donation boxes in the Gathering Space. Many thanks for all your support.
EGG CARTON COLLECTION
Thanks to all who supported the egg carton collection. The Food Bank currently does not need any more. If this should change, they will let us know.
SHARELIFE
Make your gift to ShareLife and DOUBLE your impact!
NEW: Your gift will double in value! From November 3rd 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.
Our goal this year is $169,000. To date we have raised $141,590. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
THE GARDEN MINISTRY
The Garden Ministry wishes to thank all its many volunteers, supporters, donors, and contributors who have helped in any way over the course of this last growing season, summer, and harvest season.
If you would like to join us, we always welcome new hands. Secondary students can also earn community service hours by volunteering with us on Saturday mornings from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.
Connect with us by email: garden@stgabrielsparish.ca
FREE CATHOLIC ESTATE PLANNING WEBINAR
Saturday, November 29th, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Learn:
- How to avoid problems: in your Will, in the Powers of Attorney, and through proper Estate Trustee selection
- How to create your own legacy
- About our Catholic traditions around cremation, burials and funerals
Ways to Register:
Follow this QR link: qrco.de/WebNov29
Send an email to: Development@ArchToronto.org and write “webinar November 29” in the title line + your name(s) in the body of the message.
ST. BERNARD’S CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
November 29th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
November 30th from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Blessed Trinity Parish Hall
St. Bernard’s Residence is holding a Christmas Bazaar at Blessed Trinity Parish Hall on November 29th from 2:00 to 6:00 PM and November 30th from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Items include collectibles, white elephant items, crafts, ornaments, baked goods books, knitting & crochet and raffles.
All proceeds will go to support retired priests, nuns and laity living at St. Bernard’s Residence. Admission is free! Cash only!
THE SERAPHIM & CHERUBIM CHORUS PRESENTS: MAGIC IN THE AIR!
Saturday December 6th at 7:30 PM
St. Gabriel’s Parish
The first snow of the season has fallen, and it’s time to get festive! Come and celebrate the spirit of Christmas with the Seraphim & Cherubim Chorus, as we celebrate 15 years of music, joy and community this year. Our 15th annual Christmas concert series features beloved carols, choral masterpieces, Broadway hits and contemporary favourites.
We hope you’ll join us at one of our festive concerts, perfect for young, old and everyone in between. We promise you a concert that captures the wonder of Christmas in every note!
Kick off your holiday season with us on Saturday December 6 at St. Gabriel’s Parish, North York at 7:30 PM! Advance tickets are available at seraphimandcherubim.ca.
Founded by St. Paul of the Cross, every Passionist takes a special vow to spend his or her energies in promoting remembrance of the sufferings of Jesus, the memory of the Cross, and reflection of the meaning of the Cross for the world.
