Author Archive

Homily – February 4, 2018

Sunday, February 4th, 2018

We all know the story of Job – a man who was so blessed by God. He was wealthy beyond imagining, he owned thousands of sheep and goats. He had vineyards and plentiful crops. Job and his wife were blessed with beautiful daughters and hard workings sons. God said of Job,’ There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil.’ But Satan had other ideas about Job. He’s good because God is good to him but let him know hard times and see how upright and faithful he his. To prove Job would be faithful and true in any circumstance in his life God brought Job low – his sons and daughters died, his crops failed, his cattle and sheep died – Job was totally reduced, he was covered with open sores, his friends avoided him. They tried to convince Job he was being punished by God. Job believed God was testing him and he would not speak against God.

How often have felt like Job felt? Life can seem so unfair. Maybe you feel life is nothing but hard service, you get no positive feedback for all you hard work. You have your sleepless nights as you worry about job security, unpaid bills. You may be facing health issues and the possibility of having to give up your independence and go a retirement home.

You can understand Job’s discouragement, his depression. If there is a light at the end of the tunnel, it’s probably a train heading right for you. Each one of us at this Mass is struggling with one or another issue, be it a health or financial issue, or an inter-personal problem, or a personal struggle. None of us is worry free. And hopefully none of us is alone, though some may be.

In today’s short gospel we hear of Jesus, at the end of a long day is besieged by people burdened by with various diseases and demons. At dawn Jesus slipped away for some peace and quiet and prayer. The apostles found him and wanted him to get back to work, maybe not so much preaching but certainly healing the wounds of the people. But Jesus insisted he had to move on to other towns and villages preaching the good news of God’s special love for the downtrodden and healing the sick.

This is the same Jesus who is with us at the Mass, the same Jesus who is one with us as we receive his body at communion time. Like the men and women and probably children who crowded around the house of Peter at Capernaum bringing Jesus their wounds and worries, in faith, trust, we bring Jesus our wounds and our worries trusting he will give us the grace and strength to face and cope with our issues never doubting the love and the care he has for each one of us.

Bulletin – February 4, 2018

Saturday, February 3rd, 2018

PARISH LENTEN RETREAT

Saturday, March 3rd from 12:30 to 4:00 PM

This year’s Parish Lenten Retreat will take place on Saturday March 3rd from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM. The preacher will be Father Jim O’Shea, Passionist priest from New York, who has been ministering to low-income families and youth for the past two decades. Father Jim is inspiring, but at the same time, very down-to-earth. More details about the Retreat to come.

This is an opportunity not to be missed.
Please mark your calendar!

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Sunday, February 25th after 12:30 PM Mass

Friday, February 16th marks the beginning of Lunar New Year. This year is the Year of the Dog. For many years, the Asian community in our parish has gifted our parish community with a wonderful Lunar New Year Party.

Our Lunar New Year Celebration will take place on Sunday, February 25th after the 12:30 PM Mass in the Gathering Space. All are welcome.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

February 5th – February 10th, 2018

MONDAY – HARRY MURPHY
TUESDAY – FRIENDS & RELATIVES OF THE CHIU FAMILY – Requested by the Chui Family
WEDNESDAY – MARIAN & PAT GALLIGAN – Requested by Jacqui Doran
THURSDAY – PAUL SAI BUN CHAN – Requested by Helen Chan
FRIDAY – RODOLFO ROSALES SR. – Requested by the Family
SATURDAY – ANTHONY & AGATHA PAUL – Requested by Sophie & Candida Pereira

FIRST RECONCILIATION PARENTS FAITH RENEWAL MEETING

Thursday, February 15th from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Gabriel Room

On Thursday, February 15th at 7:30 PM. there will be Faith Renewal meeting for all parents of those children receiving the sacrament of First Reconciliation this year.

GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE CASSEROLES

Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 61 casseroles for January. For February, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of February 24th/25th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.

More volunteers are encouraged to become active in helping to feed our less fortunate sisters and brothers. Three different recipes are available in the Parish Office or online at the Church website. You may pick up casserole pans at the Parish Office. If you require more information, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.

WALK-IN COUNSELING SERVICES

Catholic Family Services of Toronto offers walk-In counseling services aimed at helping individuals, couples, or family clients address their concerns. No appointment is required. Counseling is available at Central office, 1155 Yonge St. Suite 100, Toronto every Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. To contact, phone 416 921-1163. Counseling is also available at North office, 5799 Yonge Street, Suite 300, North York every Thursday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Contact 416 222-0048 or email: info@cfstoronto.com for more information.

FOOD FOR ROSALIE HALL & GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre. Your food donations are very much appreciated.

Rosalie Hall assists young parents and their children to realize their potential through the provision of a wide range of child development, community, residential and educational services.

Good Shepherd provides hot meals and shelter for the homeless in our city as well as a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs

With everyone struggling at this time, your food donations are more important than ever. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired.

ORGANIC GARDEN WORKSHOPS

February 4th, February 18th
Gabriel Room

Our Organic Horticulturalist, Robert Cordy, will continue to hold workshops in the series entitled Organic Garden Design 1, 2 and 3, on the following dates: Sunday, February.4th and Sunday, February. 18th. All parishioners are welcome. Workshops will be held in the Gabriel Room after the 12:30 Mass.

LIVING OUR SPIRITUALITY IN THE SECOND HALF OF LIFE

Tuesdays – until April 24th
9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

St. Bonaventure’s Parish – Francis Room
St. Bonaventure’s Ministry with Maturing Adults is offering several programs on Tuesday Mornings from 9:30 to 11:30.

February 20th – Advanced Care Planning
February 27th – Understanding Islam – Being in Dialogue with your Neighbors
March 13th – Homeless in Toronto
March 20th -The Wisdom of Teresa of Avila
April 24th – Special Event with Luncheon

There is no cost for this program. For more information, please go to Maureen@st-bonaventure.ca or call her at 416 447 5571 Ext. 550 or check the flyer on the bulletin board.

PUBLIC LECTURE ON CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Mary Ward Centre, 70 St. Mary’s Street
Wednesday, February 7th from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Professor Heather Eaton, professor at St. Paul’s University in Ottawa, will hold a public lecture on Wednesday, February 7th from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the Mary Ward Centre. She will speak on “Flourishing of Life for All: How are we called to be a prophetic voice for action on climate change?” All are welcome.

MARRIAGE SUNDAY MASS

Sunday, February 11th at 3:00 PM
Blessed Trinity Church, 3220 Bayview Avenue

The Office of Formation for Discipleship at the Archdiocese of Toronto is happy to announce the Celebration of Marriage Mass at Blessed Trinity Church on Sunday, February 11th at 3:00 PM. Cardinal Thomas Collins will preside over this special Mass where couples celebrating their milestone 25th, 40th, 50th and 60+ wedding anniversary will be honoured.

LIVING WITH SEPARATION AND DIVORCE

February 13th to April 3rd from 4:30 to 6:30
Central Office, 1155 Yonge Street

Catholic Family Services of Toronto is offering a psycho-educational program for those dealing with the stress of the ending of a relationship.

The sessions facilitated by a clinical social worker will be held February 13th to April 3rd, 2018 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. at 1155 Yonge St. There is a $30 fee per session.

Please contact Alpana Das at 416-921-1163 x2232 or email adas@cfstoronto.com for more information.

WOMEN’S LENTEN RETREAT WEEKEND

Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga
Friday February 16th to Sunday February 18th

A Women’s Lenten Retreat will be held at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre on the weekend of February 16th to 18th. The retreat will be preached by the Centre team – Oblate Father Pawel Ratajczak and Mrs. Anne Hales. This is a beautiful way to begin the season of Lent.

For information or registration please call 905-278-5229.

CANADA SUMMER JOBS PROGRAM

Be Informed & Reach Out to Your MP

The federal government has introduced new requirements for employers applying for the Canada Summer Jobs grant. To be eligible for funding, employers must attest that both the job and the organization’s core mandate respect certain “values” as determined by the federal government including the government’s position on abortion, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. Organizations unable or unwilling to make this attestation in whole or in part will be deemed ineligible for the grant. This requirement is clearly unjust.

Many Catholic organizations throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto and many other faiths involved in charitable activity at soup kitchens, shelters, refugee welcome centres or summer camps are impacted by this decision. Please take a moment to visit www.archtoronto.org/summerjobs for more information and to find a template letter to send to your MP and the Minister responsible for this portfolio.

TAX RECEIPTS FOR 2017

Tax receipts for 2017 have been mailed out this past week.

Tax receipts for the Family of Faith Campaign or for any donations made by credit card through the Archdiocese will be receipted by the Archdiocese.

Bulletin – January 28, 2018

Saturday, January 27th, 2018

ANNOUNCED MASSES

January 29th – February 3rd, 2018

MONDAY –
TUESDAY – MOI BENG KOON – Requested by Wai Chin, Paul & Family
WEDNESDAY –
THURSDAY –
FRIDAY – BERTHA RICKETTS – Requested by her Family
SATURDAY – GUS CALDERONE – Requested by Marie Calderone

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2018 – ECUMENICAL PRAYER SERVICE

Sunday, January 28th at 3:00 P.M.

Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen Street

An ecumenical prayer service will be held at Metropolitan United Church this Sunday, January 28th at 3:00 PM with His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Anglican Archbishop Colin Johnson, and Coptic Orthodox Bishop Anba Mina, accompanied by other city-wide religious leaders. The homilist will be His Eminence Cardinal Thomas Collins. Refreshments will follow in the parish hall. Parking is available. For further information, please contact the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs at 416-934-3400, Ext. 344 or Ext. 527 or email vkwok@archtoronto.org.

WORLD DAY FOR CONSECRATED LIFE

Sunday, January 28th, at 3:00 PM.

St. Paul’s Basilica, 83 Power St., Toronto

On Friday, February 2nd, the Church celebrates the World Day for Consecrated Life. In the Archdiocese of Toronto we are blessed to have living and serving among us more than 900 religious men and women of 100 different religious congregations. This World Day for Consecrated Life is a wonderful opportunity for us to thank God for the gifts of these religious sisters, brothers and priests and to pray for God’s blessing upon them in their efforts to faithfully live the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience.

Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick will preside at a special Mass on Sunday, January 28th, at 3:00 PM. at St. Paul’s Basilica, 83 Power St., Toronto in celebration of the vocation and witness of these special men and women religious who are such a vital and important part of the life and ministry of the Church in our Archdiocese. All are welcome to attend.

WELCOME! BAPTISM

The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome
Nia Carmen Forbes and Aiden Alexander
Padua Limon.

These children received the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, January 21st. Congratulations!

ECO – SABBATH

Sunday, February 4th at 11:30 AM in the Gabriel Room

On the first Sunday of each month, the Passionist Centre for Ecology and Spirituality facilitates a 30 minute reflection and discussion prompted by the readings for that Sunday’s liturgy.

All are welcome to attend.

ROSARY GROUPS

English: Saturday, Feb 3rd at 3:15 PM in the Gabriel Room.
Chinese: Sunday, Feb. 4th at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room
For information, please contact Linda Law at 416-918-8029.

FOOD FOR ROSALIE HALL & GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Each month food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.

Rosalie Hall assists young parents and their children to realize their potential through the provision of a wide range of child development, community, residential and educational services.

Good Shepherd provides hot meals and shelter for the homeless in our city as well as a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs

With everyone struggling at this time, your food donations are more important than ever. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired. Thank you for your generous support.

WORLD LEPROSY DAY – SUNDAY, JANUARY 28th USED STAMP COLLECTION

This Sunday, January 28th is World Leprosy Day. When leprosy is diagnosed and treated early, the healing time is much faster and permanent disabilities are prevented. The average person can be diagnosed and cured for just $99.

Please bring us your used postage stamps. These are passed on to Effect Hope helping them work towards the day when leprosy is eradicated. They are happy to accept any and all trimmed stamps, leaving no less than ¼ inch and no more than ½ inch paper border. Stamps may be deposited in the basket on the cabinet just outside the Parish Office. For more information please see posters on the bulletin board or go to www.worldleprosyday.ca.

WALK-IN COUNSELING SERVICES

Catholic Family Services of Toronto offers walk-In counseling services aimed at helping individuals, couples, or family clients address their concerns. No appointment is required. Counseling is available at Central office, 1155 Yonge St. Suite 100, Toronto every Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. To contact, phone 416 921-1163. Counseling is also available at North office, 5799 Yonge Street, Suite 300, North York every Thursday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Contact 416 222-0048 or email: info@cfstoronto.com for more information.

ORGANIC GARDEN WORKSHOPS

February 4th, February 18th

Gabriel Room

Our Organic Horticulturalist, Robert Cordy, will be holding a series of workshops entitled Organic Garden Design 1, 2 and 3, on the following dates: Sunday, February.4th and Sunday, February. 18th. All parishioners are welcome. Workshops will be held in the Gabriel Room after the 12:30 Mass.

TORONTO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

The Toronto Catholic District School Board is now welcoming families with kindergarten-aged children to register for the September 2018 school year. Your local Catholic school will offer one evening of extended registration hours during the month of January. Please contact your local school for this date. Parents may also complete an application at http://soar.tcdsb.org. The TCDSB is proud to provide a wide range of programs and services to students in 201 publicly-funded Catholic schools from kindergarten to Grade 12. For registration information, please call 416-222-8282, ext. 5314.

THEOLOGY ON TAP: EXPERIENCES OF POVERTY IN THE THIRD WORLD

Monday, January 29th, 2018 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM

Duke of York Pub, 39 Prince Arthur Ave, Toronto

Faith Connections invites young adults (19-39) to join them for an evening of thought-provoking theological discussion in a comfortable and relaxed setting, with special guest: Joseph Marquez, CFP, Member, Board of Directors, VIDES International. Munchies will be provided and there is a cash bar. Come and bring a friend! For more information visit www.faithconnections.ca or call Kataryna Ryba at 416-467-2645- a ministry of Fontbonne Ministries, Sisters of St. Joseph, Toronto.

LIVING OUR SPIRITUALITY IN THE SECOND HALF OF LIFE

Tuesdays – January 30th to April 24th

9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

St. Bonaventure’s Parish – Francis Room

St. Bonaventure’s Ministry with Maturing Adults is offering several programs on Tuesday Mornings from 9:30 to 11:30.

January 30th – Creating Circles of Care
February 20th – Advanced Care Planning
February 27th – Understanding Islam – Being in Dialogue with your Neighbors
March 13th – Homeless in Toronto
March 20th – The Wisdom of Teresa of Avila
April 24th – Special Event with Luncheon

There is no cost for this program. For more information, please go to Maureen@st-bonaventure.ca or call her at 416 447 5571 Ext. 550 or check the flyer on the bulletin board.

PUBLIC LECTURE ON CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Mary Ward Centre, 70 St. Mary’s Street
Wednesday, February 7th from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Professor Heather Eaton, professor at St. Paul’s University in Ottawa, will hold a public lecture on Wednesday, February 7th from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the Mary Ward Centre. She will speak on “Flourishing of Life for All: How are we called to be a prophetic voice for action on climate change?” All are welcome.

MARRIAGE SUNDAY MASS

Sunday, February 11th at 3:00 PM

Blessed Trinity Church, 3220 Bayview Avenue

The Office of Formation for Discipleship at the Archdiocese of Toronto is happy to announce the Celebration of Marriage Mass at Blessed Trinity Church on Sunday, February 11th at 3:00 PM. Cardinal Thomas Collins will preside over this special Mass where couples celebrating their milestone 25th, 40th, 50th and 60+ wedding anniversary will be honoured.

LIVING WITH SEPARATION AND DIVORCE

February 13th to April 3rd from 4:30 to 6:30

Central Office, 1155 Yonge Street

Catholic Family Services of Toronto is offering a psycho-educational program for those dealing with the stress of the ending of a relationship.

The sessions facilitated by a clinical social worker will be held February 13th to April 3rd, 2018 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. at 1155 Yonge St. There is a $30 fee per session.

Please contact Alpana Das at 416-921-1163 x2232 or email adas@cfstoronto.com for more information.

WOMEN’S LENTEN RETREAT WEEKEND

Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga
Friday February 16th to Sunday February 18th

A Women’s Lenten Retreat will be held at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre on the weekend of February 16th to 18th. The retreat will be preached by the Centre team – Oblate Father Pawel Ratajczak and Mrs. Anne Hales. This is a beautiful way to begin the season of Lent. For information or registration please call 905-278-5229.

VISIT THE PASSIONIST COMMUNITIES IN EAST AFRICA

June, 2018

Are you interested in joining the group of parishioners from St Gabriel’s who are travelling to Kenya and Tanzania in June to witness the work of the Passionist Communities? There are two spots available! Please contact Steve Carey for more details at 416-278-9346 by January 30th!

MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE

St. Gabriel’s Parish
Weekend of September 21st, 22nd and 23rd, 2018

A Marriage Preparation course will be offered here at St. Gabriel’s the weekend of September 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, 2018. The course will be held Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. For a registration package please email Marie Deans at deansm@sympatico.ca.

TAX RECEIPTS FOR 2017

Tax receipts for 2017 are being mailed out this week. Tax receipts for the Family of Faith Campaign or for any donations made by credit card through the Archdiocese will be receipted by the Archdiocese.

Homily – January 21, 2018

Sunday, January 21st, 2018

In today’s gospel we hear of Jesus calling other people to join him in his work of proclaiming the good news of God’s love for all of us. He calls these men, Peter and Andrew, James and John while they were in the midst of their daily work, Peter and Andrew were casting out nets while James and John were mending their nets – they were all fishermen. Jesus offers them a greater challenge – from now on they would be fishers of people, they would be catching people for God. Jesus began the work of networking, organizing others to help him in his work of proclaiming the good news.

Jesus networked with each one of us when we were baptised. In baptism we became members of the body of Christ, the church. In his letter to the Corinthians Paul compares the union of the human body to the unity of the church. Each member of the body has its own role to play in the life of the body and no one part can do without the other. Each member of the body of the community of the church, of the community of this parish, has his or hers own gifts that are to be used for the good of the whole body, the church, this parish.

I’m sure you heard the words, ‘I have no hands but yours’. These words are meant for every member of the body of Christ, the church. And they are spoken to each of us as we go about the daily tasks of our lives just as they were spoken in a different way to Peter and Andrew, James and John in the midst of casting nets and mending lives.

Christ says to you and to me, as we go about our daily living our ordinary lives, I have no hands but yours, I have no voice but yours, I have no eyes but yours, I have no ears but yours, I have no heart but yours, no feet but yours to continue my work on earth. These words challenge each of us to live no longer for ourselves but for Christ, to complete his work on earth and bring us to the fullness of grace.

Pope Francis say we share our faith by the way we live our lives and you’ve heard that saying of St. Francis ‘ preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words.

So when we speak we say only the good things people need to hear, word that will really help them. So in our conversations, at home or at work, we speak words of encourage and support and avoid gossip and criticism.

We listen to other people’s problems, knowing they don’t expect us to solve their problems; they just want to be heard. We look at others and see in them their dignity and worth as human beings and as brothers and sisters in Christ. We reach out to others and help them in and through the different ways the parish outreach programs offer us.

Jesus called Peter and Andrew, James and John as they went about their daily work. He calls each of us to be attentive, aware of the possibilities offered in our daily contact with others, at work, at the supermarket, on the street – whenever and where ever we are in contact with other people – there is our chance to be the hands and the ears and eyes of Jesus. This is our opportunity to bring the life and love and healing of Jesus to others.

As baptized Christian Catholics we have to know that Christ’s work of bringing the people to the Father must truly be our own.

Bulletin – January 21, 2018

Saturday, January 20th, 2018

MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY NEEDED

We are looking for several individuals who may consider acting as Ministers of Hospitality at the Saturday and Sunday Masses. Duties would include greeting parishioners before Mass starts, taking the collections, taking our gifts to the priest at the altar and distributing our bulletin at the end of Mass. If interested, please leave your name and phone number with staff in the parish office. One of the hospitality ministers will contact you.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

January 22nd – January 27th, 2018

MONDAY – RODOLFO ROSALES SR. – Requested by Teresa Marchie
TUESDAY – SPECIAL INTENTION – Requested by the Burke Family
WEDNESDAY – ETHEL & MARLENE MAGEE – Requested by Janet Candido
THURSDAY – FILOMENA DA SILVA – Requested by Maria DaSilva
FRIDAY – BOB MACINTOSH – Requested by Mary Anne Barnes
SATURDAY – MARIA JULIA DACOSTA MARTINS – Requested by Helen, Mercedes & Nancy

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2018
ECUMENICAL PRAYER SERVICE

Sunday, January 28th at 3:00 P.M.

Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen Street

An ecumenical prayer service will be held at Metropolitan United Church on Sunday, January 28th at 3:00 PM with His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Anglican Archbishop Colin Johnson, and Coptic Orthodox Bishop Anba Mina, accompanied by other city-wide religious leaders. The homilist will be His Eminence Cardinal Thomas Collins. Refreshments will follow in the parish hall. Parking is available. For further information, please contact the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs at 416-934-3400, Ext. 344 or Ext. 527 or email vkwok@archtoronto.org.

WORLD DAY FOR CONSECRATED LIFE

Sunday, January 28th, at 3:00 PM.

St. Paul’s Basilica, 83 Power St., Toronto

On Friday, February 2nd, the Church celebrates the World Day for Consecrated Life.

In the Archdiocese of Toronto we are blessed to have living and serving among us more than 900 religious men and women of 100 different religious congregations. This World Day for Consecrated Life is a wonderful opportunity for us to thank God for the gifts of these religious sisters, brothers and priests and to pray for God’s blessing upon them in their efforts to faithfully live the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience.

Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick will preside at a special Mass on Sunday, January 28th, at 3:00 PM. at St. Paul’s Basilica, 83 Power St., Toronto in celebration of the vocation and witness of these special men and women religious who are such a vital and important part of the life and ministry of the Church in our Archdiocese. All are welcome to attend.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Your prepared frozen casseroles will be collected at the Masses next weekend for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.

More volunteers are needed to help feed the hungry in our city. Three recipes are available on St. Gabriel’s web site. Printed copies of the recipes are also available in the Parish Office. Please remember to mark the label on the pan lid with the name of the casserole. For more information, you may contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791.

FOOD FOR ROSALIE HALL & GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Each month food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.

Rosalie Hall assists young parents and their children to realize their potential through the provision of a wide range of child development, community, residential and educational services.

Good Shepherd provides hot meals and shelter for the homeless in our city as well as a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs

With everyone struggling at this time, your food donations are more important than ever. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired. Thank you for your generous support.

SHARELIFE

The ShareLife Office has released a Report to Donors sharing the results of the 2017 campaign and demonstrating how our support has made a difference. Copies of the report are available at the parish, or can be downloaded from the ShareLife website at www.sharelife.org.

WORLD LEPROSY DAY – SUNDAY, JANUARY 28th USED STAMP COLLECTION

Sunday, January 28th is World Leprosy Day. When leprosy is diagnosed and treated early, the healing time is much faster and permanent disabilities are prevented. The average person can be diagnosed and cured for just $99.

Please bring us your used postage stamps. These are passed on to Effect Hope helping them work towards the day when leprosy is eradicated. They are happy to accept any and all trimmed stamps, leaving no less than ¼ inch and no more than ½ inch paper border. Stamps may be deposited in the basket on the cabinet just outside the Parish Office. For more information please see posters on the bulletin board or go to www.worldleprosyday.ca.

WALK-IN COUNSELING SERVICES

Catholic Family Services of Toronto offers walk-In counseling services at two locations. The single-session consultation is aimed at helping individuals, couples, or family clients address their concerns. No appointment is required. Counseling is available at Central office, 1155 Yonge St. Suite 100, Toronto every Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. To contact, phone 416 921-1163. Counseling is also available at North office, 5799 Yonge Street, Suite 300, North York every Thursday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Contact 416 222-0048 or email: info@cfstoronto.com for more information.

HOPE FOR CHILDREN – THANK YOU

On behalf of the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, thank you so much for the generosity and support that you provided to our Hope For Children Christmas Program. . We’re overcome by the kindness of your church community to come together to support our clients the way you have, many of whom would not have had a gift to open without your generous support. Please know how much your efforts are appreciated. Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy and happy 2018.

Kara Spedding, Manager, Hope for Children

TORONTO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

The Toronto Catholic District School Board is now welcoming families with kindergarten-aged children to register for the September 2018 school year. Your local Catholic school will offer one evening of extended registration hours during the month of January. Please contact your local school for this date. Parents may also complete an application at http://soar.tcdsb.org. The TCDSB is proud to provide a wide range of programs and services to students in 201 publicly-funded Catholic schools from kindergarten to Grade 12. For registration information, please call 416-222-8282, ext. 5314.

ORGANIC GARDEN WORKSHOPS

January 21st, February 4th, February 18th

Gabriel Room

Our Organic Horticulturalist, Robert Cordy, will be holding a series of workshops entitled Organic Garden Design 1, 2 and 3, on the following dates: this Sunday, January 21st, Sunday, February.4th and Sunday, February. 18th.

All parishioners are welcome. Workshops will be held in the Gabriel Room after the 12:30 Mass.

LIVING OUR SPIRITUALITY IN THE SECOND HALF OF LIFE

Tuesdays – January 23rd & 30th, February 20th & 27th

9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
St. Bonaventure’s Parish – Francis Room

St. Bonaventure’s Ministry with Maturing Adults is offering several programs on Tuesday Mornings from 9:30 to 11:30.

January 23rd – Dementia & Alzheimer’s
January 30th – Creating Circles of Care
February 20th – Advanced Care Planning
February 27th – Understanding Islam – Being in Dialogue with your Neighbors

There is no cost for this program. For more information, please go to Maureen@st-bonaventure.ca or call her at 416 447 5571 Ext. 550 or check the flyer on the bulletin board.

PUBLIC LECTURE ON CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Mary Ward Centre, 70 St. Mary’s Street
Wednesday, February 7th from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Professor Heather Eaton, professor at St. Paul’s University in Ottawa, will hold a public lecture on Wednesday, February 7th from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the Mary Ward Centre. She will speak on “Flourishing of Life for All: How are we called to be a prophetic voice for action on climate change?” All are welcome.

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD SCHOOL LECTURE SERIES

Wednesday, February 7th at 7:00 PM

Charbonnel Lounge, Elmsley Hall, St. Michael’s College,
Can one write as a Catholic today? Does it matter? As part of its Seeing More… lecture series, Mary, Mother of God School, in collaboration with St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto, has invited: Prof. Randy Boyagoda, Prof. Janine Langan, Alexandra Newman, and Prof. Stephen Tardif to explore these questions. Please join the discussion! Donations welcome. Wednesday, February 7th at 7:00 PM, Charbonnel Lounge, Elmsley Hall, St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto, 81 St. Mary’s Street. Call 416-531-7897 for more information.

MARRIAGE SUNDAY MASS

Sunday, February 11th at 3:00 PM

Blessed Trinity Church, 3220 Bayview Avenue

The Office of Formation for Discipleship at the Archdiocese of Toronto is happy to announce the Celebration of Marriage Mass at Blessed Trinity Church on Sunday, February 11th at 3:00 PM. Cardinal Thomas Collins will preside over this special Mass where couples celebrating their milestone 25th, 40th, 50th and 60+ wedding anniversary will be honoured.

LIVING WITH SEPARATION AND DIVORCE

February 13th to April 3rd from 4:30 to 6:30

Central Office, 1155 Yonge Street

Catholic Family Services of Toronto is offering a psycho-educational program for those dealing with the stress of the ending of a relationship.

The sessions facilitated by a clinical social worker will be held February 13th to April 3rd, 2018 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. at 1155 Yonge St. There is a $30 fee per session.

Please contact Alpana Das at 416-921-1163 x2232 or email adas@cfstoronto.com for more information.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE

St. Gabriel’s Parish
Weekend of September 21st, 22nd and 23rd, 2018

A Marriage Preparation course will be offered here at St. Gabriel’s the weekend of September 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, 2018. The course will be held Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. For a registration package please email Marie Deans at deansm@sympatico.ca.

Offertory Envelopes for 2018

The 2018 Offertory Boxed Envelopes are available in the hallway near the Gabriel Room. Please pick yours up as soon as possible.

Please do not use envelopes from previous years since the number may have been reassigned to another parishioner.
If you do not have envelopes but wish to have them, please contact the Parish Office.