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Bulletin – October 25, 2015

Saturday, October 24th, 2015

NOVEMBER IS THE MONTH OF ALL SOULS
BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE

There will be a Book of Remembrance placed on the altar for the month of November. You are invited to write the names of your deceased relatives and friends in the book. They will be remembered at all the Masses celebrated in November.

OUR PARISH’S RESPONSE TO THE SYRIAN CRISIS

Special Collection – October 31/November 1st

The situation in Syria and the news about the plight of Syrian refugees have touched many of our hearts. As reported earlier, the parish is considering sponsoring a refugee family again.

A big “Thank You” to all those who volunteered to help with the application and settlement process.

The parish has also been receiving financial donations to support this cause. To date, $21,425 has been received.

We thank all who have already donated.

This is a real humanitarian crisis. Donations will be collected specially for our refugee sponsorship on the weekend of October 31st/November 1st. Please consider and help as your means allow.

PASSIONIST CHRISTMAS CARDS

Christmas cards will be available after all the Masses on the weekend of November 7th/8th. The suggested cost is $1.50 per card.

All donations will go directly to support the Passionist Missions in Haiti, Honduras and Jamaica. Your support is invaluable in caring for the needy in some of the poorest communities of North America.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE COUNTED!

Cardinal Collins has requested that a weekend Mass attendance count be conducted annually in all parishes and missions of the Archdiocese. This year the attendance count will continue this weekend, October 24th/25th. The purpose of the count is to have a more accurate assessment of the number of people attending Mass on a weekend.

As with last year, when you come in for Mass, you may notice a few “counters” clicking on tally counters at the doors of the church. The counters will be doing their jobs in a way as discreetly and non-intrusively as possible.

Thank you for your support.

CHOIR NEWS!

Tuesday, November 3rd from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

On Tuesday, November 3rd from 7:30 to 9:00 PM the choir will be hosting a hymn sing! In preparation for full singing participation at all our masses, we will wander through our new blue Gather Hymn books. We will be focusing on new hymns for Advent and Christmas. Please join us for a good ol’ sing-a-long!

ADVENT EVENING OF REFLECTION

Wednesday, November 25th at 7:30 PM

Bishop Mark MacDonald, the first National Indigenous Bishop of the Anglican Church of Canada, will lead our parish’s Advent Evening of Reflection this year. It will be held on Wednesday, November 25th at 7:30 PM in the parish. Please mark your calendar. Details to follow.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

October 26th to October 31st 2015

MONDAY – LAU KOON TING – Requested by Linda Law & Family
TUESDAY – ALICE MICHAEL – Requested by Charmaine Michael
WEDNESDAY – JOHN HUYBERS – Requested by the Family
THURSDAY – IN THANKSGIVING – Requested by Edna Manlangit
FRIDAY – THERESA TAM – Requested by Christine Pang
SATURDAY – JUAN M. VILLAFRANCA – Requested by the Family

WELCOME! BAPTISM

The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome:
Ethan Andres Dizon
Rylan Mauvry Geraldez
Isabella Rose Rennie Hull
Bryony Emma Ng
Katherine Jane Ng
Katie Cana Nguyen
Jacen Allen Tsao Sue
Evelyn Wing Yun Woo

These children received the Sacrament of Baptism last Sunday. Congratulations!

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION MEETING

Wednesday, October 28th at 7:30 PM

There will be a meeting for parents of children who will be receiving the Holy Eucharist for the first time on Wednesday, October 28th at 7:30 PM in the Gabriel Room.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION – FIRST FRIDAY

Friday, November 6th from 9:30 AM – 12 Noon

ROSARY GROUPS

English: Saturday, November 7th at 3:15 PM in the Gabriel Room.
Chinese: Sunday, November 1st at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room.

For further information, please contact Linda Law at 416 -918-8029

ECO-SABBATH

Sunday, November 1st 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. The guided reflection brings an ecological perspective to the readings. All are welcome

PLANNING TO BE A CATHOLIC TEACHER?

It is critical for you to know that to be hired to teach in any Catholic school board in Ontario, as part of your application for employment there must be a letter of reference from your pastor. If you (or if your adult child) is planning to apply to teach in a Catholic school, it is highly recommended you contact the pastor before Thanksgiving. Please plan to have a conversation with your pastor early in the process and you will avoid disappointment and stress at the time when applications are to be submitted.

DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE “CREATE A CLIMATE OF CHANGE” CAMPAIGN, OCTOBER 24th/25th

Let’s make Canada a climate leader!

In December, world leaders will be meeting in Paris at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) to negotiate a binding and universal agreement on the world’s climate. Countries like Canada will need to transition to renewable energies, and move away from fossil fuels. Responding to the call of our Cardinal, please take a moment to sign Development and Peace’s Action Card today. In addition to pledging to reduce your own carbon footprint, the Card contains also a message to the Prime Minister asking him to sign on to an agreement at COP21 that sets the target to keep the rise in temperature below 2°C and to be a leader in achieving that target.

If you’ve missed the parish campaign you can sign the card at: https://www.devp.org/en/education/fall2015/action.

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 in need and their children to realize their potential through the provision of a wide range of community, residential, educational and child development 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.

NORTH YORK RETIREES CLUB

Trinity Room, Blessed Trinity Parish
Tuesday, October 27th at 2:00 PM

The next meeting of the North York Retiree’s will be held on Tuesday, October 27th at Blessed Trinity Parish. The guest speaker will be Mary-Anne Benusis Ferreira who will speak about Project Semiicolon “Dealing with Depression, Self Injury and Suicide.” All retirees are cordially invited to attend.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE

St. Gabriel’s Parish
Weekend of February 12th to 14th, 2016

A Marriage Preparation course will be offered here at St. Gabriel’s the weekend of February 12th to 14th, 2016.

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. Note that this course usually fills up quickly and spaces are limited.

COME CELEBRATE THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH

Sunday November 1st from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Fontbonne Ministries, 791 Queen Street East

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto invite you to celebrate this Year of Consecrated Life with a “come and go” tea and ministry display at Fontbonne Ministries, 791 Queen Street East, on Sunday, November 1st from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

ST. JOSEPH’S MORROW PARK CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL – OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, November 5th at 7:00 PM

St. Joseph’s Morrow Park is holding an Information Night for students who are entering secondary school. It will be held on: Thursday, November 5th at 7:00 PM.

Parents/Guardians and students are cordially invited to attend. Join them at 3379 Bayview Avenue, just south of Steeles on the east side. For more information please call 416-393-5679.

FINANCE CORNER

Weekly Offertory

Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.

Collection for last weekend:
Envelopes 377 $ 7,135
Loose Change 956
Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 163 3,060
Total 540 $ 11,151
World Mission Sunday – $2,891

If you are moving out of the Parish or have a change of address, please contact the Parish Office at 416-221-8866 so that we can update our records. Thank you.

Posted in Bulletin | Comments Off on Bulletin – October 25, 2015

Homily – October 18, 2015

Sunday, October 18th, 2015

Years ago we had a wonderful parishioner by the name of Dr. Gordon Bell. He was the founder of Bellwood’s Clinic and he spent his life trying to help men and women overcome addictions of any kind, addictions that we destroying their lives and the lives of those who loved them. He was telling one time about the summer he spent as a student in Quebec going from door to door and town to town selling encyclopaedias. He was hitchhiking one day and someone stopped to pick him up. It was a priest. They talked about different things during the ride and when the priest stopped to let him out he thanked him for the ride. The priest answered ’it was a pleasure to have been of service.’ This struck Dr. Bell so profoundly that he used the phrase for the rest of his life. It was a pleasure to have been of service. Dr. Bell had this printed on his memorial at his death. It was a pleasure to have been of service.

We don’t know what James and John had in mind with their request to sit on either side of Jesus when he comes to his glory but they certainly set off the other disciples. James and John were climbers and when Jesus received his full measure of honor, however and whatever that might be,these two brothers wanted a share in it by gaining the most prestigious positions next to him.

Jesus uses the apostle’s squabble as a teaching moment. He tells them they’ve got it all wrong. He didn’t call them to a life of prestige he’s called them to a life of service. They are to be there for those in need 24-7 just as he intended to be. There many times in his ministry he was swamped by the demands of the people. Jesus lets them know that what he expected of them.They were to have nothing in common with those who lord it over others, people who abuse their positions of authority, whether they be Jews of Gentiles. Those who would be disciples of Jesus, those who are in positions of authority among his followers were to be servants, slaves to all in need. The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many and it was to be the same for them.

That ideal has not always been lived in the leadership of the church. There have been many abuses of authority in the history of the church just as we had many examples of true service in those called to lead us. It is all part of the mixed messiness of our history.

The bishops meeting in Rome for the synod on the family know that they are there to serve us, the church. They are a mixture of personalities and convictions and we have to trust that they are there to do what is best for our welfare. For all their differences of opinion the bishops at the synod see their long labors at meeting after meeting as a service to the whole church

Hopefully they will be guided by the Holy Spirit and the example of Pope Francis who has set a new tone for the bishops and priests of the church. He calls to be so close to you that we come to have the smell of the sheep.

Pope Francis’ actions speak louder than words as we see him embrace and kiss a facially deformed pilgrim. We see him visit prisons and wash the feed of a Moslem woman, we see him visit the slums and go to be with the migrants seeking refuge in Europe. He is a Pope who sets aside pomp and circumstance of his office and seeks to serve us and give his life in that service.

Each one of us is called to service, a service that is lived out in the particular circumstances of our lives, as spouses, as single parents, as grandparents, as single men and women, as sons and daughters, each one of us is challenged to be there for someone in need, in need of help, in need of encouragement, in need of understanding.

May we all have that willingness to be there for others and the graciousness to say,’ it was a privilege to be of service.’

Posted in Homily | Comments Off on Homily – October 18, 2015

Bulletin – October 18, 2015

Sunday, October 18th, 2015

ST. PAUL OF THE CROSS FEAST DAY – OCTOBER 19th

St. Paul of the Cross was the founder of the Passionists in the year 1720. Born in northern Italy in 1694, Paul experienced conversion at the age of 15 and began a lifetime of devotion to prayer life as a soldier, but left after one year. Six years later, having had several visions, he determined that his vocation was to found an order dedicated to the passion of our Lord. Officials declared the visions authentic and Paul withdrew to write a rule. He was joined by his brother, who remained with him for the rest of his life. By 1747, the Passionists had three houses and were preaching missions throughout Italy. At his death in 1775,
Paul was establishing a congregation for Passionist nuns.

STUDY GROUP ON LAUDATO SI’ AT ST. GABRIEL’S

Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which is addressed to all men and women of good will, reminds us the earth is our common home; yet because humankind has not been using the gifts of creation responsibly, the earth is suffering, the poor and vulnerable amongst us are also suffering. We need to work towards an ecological conversion.

For all who are interested in getting to know more about the encyclical, and to reflect on it, a study group is being held at St. Gabriel’s. There are five more meeting, studying one chapter at each meeting.

The Co-leaders of the Study Group will be Fr. Steve Dunn, CP and Dr. Dennis O’Hara.

Dates of Remaining Meetings: Mondays:
October 19th, November 2nd, 16th, 30th, and December 7th.

Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

The meetings are free of charge, but donations will be gratefully accepted.

To register or for further enquiries, please call the Parish Office (416) 221-8866 or email Fatima Lee at fatimalee@bellnet.ca.

OUR PARISH’S RESPONSE TO THE SYRIAN CRISIS

Special Collection – October 31st/November 1st

The situation in Syria and the news about the plight of Syrian refugees have touched many of our hearts. As reported earlier, the parish has decided to sponsor a refugee family again. A big “Thank You” to all who volunteered to help with the application and settlement process.

Through the past few weeks, the parish has been receiving financial donations to support this cause. To date, $18,714 has been received. We thank all who have already donated. To sponsor a Syrian refugee family of 4-5 people, we anticipate we would need $35,000. The parish also had a prior commitment to partially sponsor another Iraqi Christian family, the anticipated cost of which is $11,000. In total, the parish would need to raise $46,000 for sponsorship of the two refugee families, over a period of two years.

We are experiencing a real humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. Please consider and help as your means allow. Donations will be collected specially for our refugee sponsorship on the weekend of October 31st/November 1st.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE COUNTED!

Cardinal Collins has requested that a weekend Mass attendance count be conducted annually in all parishes and missions of the Archdiocese. This year the attendance count will continue on the weekends of October 17th /18th and 24th/25th. The purpose of the count is to have a more accurate assessment of the number of people attending Mass on a weekend.

As with last year, when you come in for Mass, you may notice a few “counters” clicking on tally counters at the doors of the church. The counters will be doing their jobs in a way as discreetly and non-intrusively as possible.

Thank you for your support.

CHOIR NEWS!

Tuesday, November 3rd from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

On Tuesday, November 3rd from 7:30 to 9:00 PM the choir will be hosting a hymn sing! In preparation for full singing participation at all our masses, we will wander through our new blue Gather Hymn books. We will be focusing on new hymns for Advent and Christmas. Please join us for a good ol’ song-a-long!

ANNOUNCED MASSES

October 19th to October 24th, 2015

MONDAY – MICHAEL McDONOUGH – Requested by the Family
TUESDAY – ROMULO CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ – Requested by Rosa & Romulo Gonzalez
WEDNESDAY – KENG OWYONG – Requested by Helen Owyong
THURSDAY – VINCENT HA – Requested by Laura, Sylvia & Valerie Ha
FRIDAY – THAY ONG – Requested by Maria Lourdes Luz
SATURDAY – REBECCA WONG – Requested by Catherine Soong

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION MEETING

Wednesday, October 28th at 7:30 PM

There will be a meeting for parents of children who will be receiving the Holy Eucharist for the first time on Wednesday, October 28th at 7:30 PM in the Gabriel Room.

PLANNING TO BE A CATHOLIC TEACHER?

It is critical for you to know that to be hired to teach in any Catholic school board in Ontario, as part of your application for employment there must be a letter of reference from your pastor. If you (or if your adult child) is planning to apply to teach in a Catholic school, it is highly recommended you contact the pastor as soon as possible. Please plan to have a conversation with your pastor early in the process and you will avoid disappointment and stress at the time when applications are to be submitted.

DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE “CREATE A CLIMATE OF CHANGE” CAMPAIGN, OCTOBER 24th/25th

Cardinal Collins has designated the weekend of Oct. 24th/25th for D&P’s “Create a climate of change” campaign.

In his recent encyclical Laudato Si’ (161), Pope Francis reminds us that:
“The pace of consumption, waste and environmental change has so stretched the planet’s capacity that our contemporary lifestyle, unsustainable as it is, can only precipitate catastrophes, such as those which even
now periodically occur in different areas of the world. The effects of the present imbalance can only be reduced by our decisive action, here and now.”

Today in the Gathering Space, you will get to know more about the “Create a climate of change” Campaign of Development and Peace. Please pick up prayer cards, pamphlets, and other information material about why and how we are asked to create a climate change.

During the next weekend, you will be invited to consider signing a pledge card to commit to reducing your carbon footprint, and at the same time, ask our Government to commit to taking action on climate change.
Here are some of the ways suggested on the pledge card on how one can reduce one’s carbon footprint. You may wish to first give it some thought as to what you can do:

o Making my home more energy-efficient and reducing my energy use.
o Carpooling, using public transport, walking, and bicycling whenever possible.
o Choosing local, organic, and fair trade options whenever possible.
o Reducing waste by buying less, re-using, repairing, recycling, and composting.
o Other …

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

For the Good Shepherd Centre and Rosalie Hall

Thank you to all the parishioners who supported the Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Food collected was sent to the Good Shepherd Centre and Rosalie Hall. Both organizations are very grateful for your generosity!

CASSEROLES FOR THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Thank you to all who provided casseroles for the Good Shepherd in September. For October, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses next weekend for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.

More volunteers are urgently needed to help feed the hungry in our city. Please get a copy of a casserole recipe and a pan and give it a try. Three recipes are available on St. Gabriel’s web site under “Ministries”. Printed copies of the recipes are also available in the Parish Office. 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.

JESUIT VOLUNTEERS CANADA

Jesuit Volunteers Canada (JVC) is a formation program where young adults live out the values of Christian spirituality, social and eco-justice, community and simple living. Placement opportunities include working with First Nations communities, young adult programming, community development and outreach, education, food justice, and working with the urban poor.

Jesuit Volunteers Canada is currently accepting applications for September 2016, with possible communities and work placements in northern Ontario, Toronto and Regina.

For more information visit www.jesuitvolunteers.ca or call 519-820-8204. JVC is part of a 50-year movement dedicated to inspire young adults!

NEW BEGINNINGS FALL RETREAT

Saturday, October 24th from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM

St. Wilfrid’s Church 1675 Finch Ave. West

Suffering is really difficult for everyone to handle. In some cases people feel crushed by its burden. Some even find themselves asking, “What did I do that God is punishing me?” Please join us for a New Beginnings Fall Retreat entitled, “How Do I Manage the Suffering in My Life?” Saturday, October 24th, from 9:30 AM. to 1:00 PM. at St. Wilfrid’s Church 1675 Finch Ave. W. It will be facilitated by Fr. Fred Scinto, CR and the New Beginnings Team. All are welcome to attend. There is no cost for this event. Please register by calling 416-921-1163 Ext. 2235.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE

St. Gabriel’s Parish
Weekend of February 12th to 14th, 2016

A Marriage Preparation course will be offered here at St. Gabriel’s the weekend of February 12th to 14th, 2016.

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. Note that this course usually fills up quickly and spaces are limited.

FINANCE CORNER

Weekly Offertory

Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
Collection for last weekend:
Envelopes 387 $ 9,175
Loose Change 1,140
Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 163 3,060
Total 550 $ 13,375

If you are moving out of the Parish or have a change of address, please contact the Parish Office at 416-221-8866 so that we can update our records. Thank you.

Posted in Bulletin | Comments Off on Bulletin – October 18, 2015

Homily – October 11, 2015

Sunday, October 11th, 2015

So much of today’s gospel centers on men and women who depend on their wealth to see them thru life. So often wealth means power and power deludes us into thinking we can do whatever we want. We don’t need anybody, even God. If one is rich enough, one can begin to think of oneself as the center of the world. Who comes to mind is a braggart like Donald Trump.

Mark tells us of a good young man who kept the commandments all his life. Jesus saw the good that was in him and challenged him to do and be more. ‘Sell what you own, give your money to the poor and come follow me. This wasn’t what this pious young man expected. This was too much. He couldn’t bring himself to do this – end of conversation. His property ran his life, and he was not free enough to follow Jesus’ way of losing self to find oneself.

But let’s go back to when this young man approached Jesus and asked his question,’ what must I do to inherit eternal life? In a way he was asking how can I earn brownie points so I can be on God’s good side. We can get into that mentality sometimes. We say so many prayers, make so many novenas, visit this or that shrine and we get brownie points. In a way we think God owes us. In the early church there was a heresy named Pelagianism named after a 4th century theologian Pelagius. He taught a very strict, rigid moralism but he emphasized a natural, innate human ability to attain salvation. By dint of our natural abilities we could, so to speak, lift ourselves up by our own spiritual boot straps. He stressed human autonomy and freedom of the will and claimed that we have a [natural sanctity and a natural moral capacity to choose to live a holy life. He opposed St. Augustine’s teaching that good works can only come with the help of God’s grace.

As Christ told us,’ without me you can do nothing.’ St. Paul teaches that before the world began God chose us to be his adopted sons and daughters to holy and spotless in his sight such was God’s will and pleasure. St. Paul says of himself as we can say of ourselves,’by God’s grace I am what I am and his grace in me has not been in vain.’ Paul asks us,’ what have you that you have not received and if you have received it why do you act as if you had not receive it? Our basic reality is we are a graced and gifted people. Without me you can do nothing.’ That’s why we always seek the help of God’s grace to do what we must to gain the eternal life that is already ours thru the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. That’s why we answer the invitation of Jesus, ‘come to me you who labor and are heavily burdened and I will refresh you’, that’s we pray,’ give us this day our daily bread.

What must I do to gain eternal life? Jesus told the young man to keep the commandments. He tells us that if seek eternal life we are to live his great commandment, love all others as he has loved us. We are to be there for others. Spouses are to be there with love and patience for one another. Parents are to be there with love and patience for their sons and daughters. We are to be there for the stranger, the hungry, the homeless, those who mourn, we are to be there for the friend or stranger who needs us in any way. ‘As often as we are there for others we are there for Christ and Christ will be there us.

We are a graced and gifted people. We recognize that truth at every Mass when we are invited to give thanks to the Lord our God and we respond, ‘it is truly right and just our duty and our salvation always and everywhere to give you thanks Lord Holy Father almighty and eternal God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Tomorrow we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Can we make every day a day of thanksgiving knowing that we are a graced and gifted people? Can we begin each day remembering that before the world God chose us to be his adopted sons and daughters and that through the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus we are restored to love and friendship with God? Can we spend a moment at the beginning of the day to thank God for the gift of life, the gift of family, the gift of faith, the gift of health, the gift of sight, the gift of mobility and so many other blessings?

What must we do to inherit eternal life? Be loving and be grateful.

Posted in Homily | Comments Off on Homily – October 11, 2015

Bulletin – October 11, 2015

Saturday, October 10th, 2015

O, heavenly Father:
We thank thee for food and
remember the hungry.
We thank thee for health and remember the sick.
We thank thee for friends and remember the friendless.
We thank thee for freedom and remember the enslaved.
May these remembrances stir us to service,
that thy gifts to us may be used for others. Amen.

Mass will be celebrated on Thanksgiving Day, Monday, October 12th at 10:00 AM.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

October 12th to October 17th, 2015

MONDAY – THANKSGIVING DAY – Thanksgiving Mass at 10:00 AM
TUESDAY – BICK JING FONG – Requested by Mei Yung Fong
WEDNESDAY – CAROLE FYFLE – Requested by Margaret Anne Leckie
& Mary Alice O’Mahony
THURSDAY – RUTH LEDUC – Requested by Mary Ann & Fergus O’Connell
FRIDAY – HENRY & CECILIA NG – Requested by the Ng Family
SATURDAY – PASQUALE GATTI – Requested by Linda Gatti

CONFIRMATION MEETING

For Children from Other Catholic Schools
Saturday, October 18th at 12:00 Noon

There will be a meeting for Confirmation candidates attending Catholic Schools other than St. Gabriel’s on Saturday, October 18th at 12:00 PM in the Gabriel Room.

ALTAR SERVERS

The Altar Service is now recruiting new members. If you are in Grade 4 or higher and are interested in becoming an altar server, please contact Colin Meharchand at cmeharchand@bell.net or leave your name and phone number with the Parish Office at 416-221-8866.

ST.GABRIELS YOUTH GROUP WANTS YOU!

“The St. Gabriel Youth Group is now recruiting new members. Any interested youth, grades 7 and up are welcome to sign up in the Gathering Space after all the Masses next weekend.”

STUDY GROUP ON LAUDATO SI’ AT ST. GABRIEL’S

Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which is addressed to all men and women of good will, reminds us the earth is our common home; yet because humankind has not been using the gifts of creation responsibly, the earth is suffering, the poor and vulnerable amongst us are also suffering. We need to work towards an ecological conversion.

For all who are interested in getting to know more about the encyclical, and to reflect on it, a study group will be held at St. Gabriel’s. We’ll be meeting six times, beginning October 5th, studying one chapter at each meeting.

The Co-leaders of the Study Group will be Fr. Steve Dunn, CP and Dr. Dennis O’Hara .

Dates of Meetings: Mondays:
October 19th, November 2nd, 16th, 30th, and December 7th.
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

The meetings are free of charge, but donations will be gratefully accepted.

To register or for further enquiries, please call the Parish Office (416) 221-8866 or email Fatima Lee at fatimalee@bellnet.ca.

OUR PARISH’S RESPONSE TO THE SYRIAN CRISIS

Special Collection – October 31st/November 1st

The situation in Syria and the news about the plight of Syrian refugees have touched many of our hearts. As reported earlier, the parish has decided to sponsor a refugee family again. A big “Thank You” to all who volunteered to help with the application and settlement process.

Through the past few weeks, the parish has been receiving financial donations to support this cause. To date, $16,537 has been received. We thank all who have already donated. To sponsor a Syrian refugee family of 4-5 people, we anticipate we would need $35,000. The parish also had a prior commitment to partially sponsor another Iraqi Christian family, the anticipated cost of which is $11,000. In total, the parish would need to raise $46,000 for sponsorship of the two refugee families, over a period of two years.

We are experiencing a real humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. Please consider and help as your means allow. Donations will be collected specially for our refugee sponsorship on the weekend of October 31st/November 1st.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE COUNTED!

Cardinal Collins has requested that a weekend Mass attendance count be conducted annually in all parishes and missions of the Archdiocese. This year the attendance count will continue on the weekends of October17th /18th and 24th/25th. The purpose of the count is to have a more accurate assessment of the number of people attending Mass on a weekend.

As with last year, when you come in for Mass, you may notice a few “counters” clicking on tally counters at the doors of the church. The counters will be doing their jobs in a way as discreetly and non-intrusively as possible.

Thank you for your support.

DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE “CREATE A CLIMATE OF CHANGE” CAMPAIGN, OCTOBER 24th/25th

Cardinal Collins has designated the weekend of Oct. 24th/25th for D&P’s “Create a Climate of Change” campaign.

In his recent encyclical Laudato Si’ (161), Pope Francis reminds us that:
“The pace of consumption, waste and environmental change has so stretched the planet’s capacity that our contemporary lifestyle, unsustainable as it is, can only precipitate catastrophes, such as those which even now periodically occur in different areas of the world. The effects of the present imbalance can only be reduced by our decisive action, here and now.”

On this beautiful Thanksgiving weekend, we give thanks for all our blessings – food, water, clean air, loving relationships, and the privilege to live in a country as blessed as ours! In this spirit of thanksgiving, perhaps we can reflect too, at the invitation of Pope Francis, on whether there is a “cost to our abundance”

JUST COFFEE

Fair trade organic coffees will be on sale after all the Masses next weekend.

Regular ground coffee: $5.50
Decaffeinated: $6
Whole Beans: $5.50
Chocolate Bars: $4.50 incl. taxes
Hot Chocolate and Cocoa: $5.00
Teas: $4.25

GOOD SHEPHERD THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

You can make a difference in the lives of the hungry and homeless this Thanksgiving by participating in the annual Good Shepherd Ministries Thanksgiving Food Drive.

Urgently needed items include: rice, pasta sauces, canned tuna, canned soups, stews, canned meats, fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, jam, oatmeal, pancake mix, teabags, ground or instant coffee, sugar, cookies and crackers.

JESUIT VOLUNTEERS CANADA

Jesuit Volunteers Canada (JVC) is a formation program where young adults live out the values of Christian spirituality, social and eco-justice, community and simple living. Placement opportunities include working with First Nations communities, young adult programming, community development and outreach, education, food justice, and working with the urban poor.

Jesuit Volunteers Canada is currently accepting applications for September 2016, with possible communities and work placements in northern Ontario, Toronto and Regina.

For more information visit www.jesuitvolunteers.ca or call
519-820-8204. JVC is part of a 50-year movement dedicated to inspire young adults!

FOOD FOR ROSALIE HALL

Each month some of the food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall. Rosalie Hall assists young parents in need and their children to realize their potential through the provision of a wide range of community, residential, educational and child development services.

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.

CHOIR NEWS!

Tuesday, November 3rd from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

On Tuesday, November 3rd from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM the choir will be hosting a hymn sing! In preparation for full singing participation at all our masses, we will wander through our new blue Gather Hymn books. We will be focusing on new hymns for Advent and Christmas. Please join us for a good ol’ song-a-long!

MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE

St. Gabriel’s Parish
Weekend of February 12th to 14th, 2016

A Marriage Preparation course will be offered here at St. Gabriel’s the weekend of February 12th to 14th, 2016.

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. Note that this course usually fills up quickly and spaces are limited.

NEW BEGINNINGS INSPIRATIONAL TALK

Monday, October 19th at 6:30 PM

Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1155 Yonge St. 4th Floor

New Beginnings presents “The Role of Spirituality/Religiosity in the Movement through Loss and Grief” with Dr. Ken Fung, M.D. F.R.C.S. on Monday, October 19th at 6:30 PM at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1155 Yonge St. 4th Floor. Dr. Fung will explore the benefits of spirituality and religiosity in our movement through loss and grief, illustrating how the pathways of faith – experienced, affiliative, searching, and owned – inspire well-being. All are welcome to attend. There is no cost for this event.

FINANCE CORNER

Weekly Offertory
Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.

Collection for last weekend:
Envelopes 385 $ 8,191
Loose Change 1,126
Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 162 3,062
Total 547 $ 12,379

Posted in Bulletin | Comments Off on Bulletin – October 11, 2015

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