Author Archive

Bulletin – October 12, 2014

Sunday, October 12th, 2014

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 13th at 10:00 AM

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

St. Paul of the Cross was the founder of the Passionists (1720). Born in northern Italy in 1694, Paul experienced conversion at the age of 15 and began a lifetime of devotion to prayer and austerity. At age 20 he tried 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.

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 take place on the weekends of October 18/19 and October 25/26. 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 during those two said weekends, 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.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION MEETING

Wednesday, October 22nd, 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 22nd at 7:30 PM in the Gabriel Room.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

October 13th to October 18th, 2014

MONDAY – THANKSGIVING DAY – Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM
TUESDAY – ROSALINA REMENTILLA – Requested by Mercy & Totie Rementilla
WEDNESDAY – SR. FRANCES ORDWAY I.B.V.M. – Requested by Margaret Anne Leckie
THURSDAY – KAREN HO – Requested by the Family
FRIDAY – JOVINA SURPOS SCHULTE – Requested by Vina Cruz
SATURDAY – JOACHIM FUNG – Requested by the Fung Family

R.C.I.A. AND ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT

Meetings in preparation for the R.C.I.A. (Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults) will begin soon. These meetings are for persons interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. The exploration may lead the candidate to seek baptism, and become a member of the Catholic Christian community; or for Christians already baptized into another Christian denomination, the reception into the Catholic Church. Adult Catholics who have not received the sacrament of Confirmation but who wish to do so are also encouraged to attend these sessions.

As well, these meetings may be an opportunity for “Born Catholics” to deepen their understanding of our faith. Very often, especially for those of us who received our religious instruction at an early age, we tend to grow physically, mentally, psychologically etc., but the understanding of our faith does not grow correspondingly. The RCIA may serve as a good opportunity for us to ask questions and to develop a more adult understanding of our faith.

If you are interested in joining the RCIA meetings or if you would like to have more information about it, please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866. You can also contact Fatima Lee directly at ext. 228.

SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN PREPARING FOR BAPTISM

If you have, or know of, school age children (ages 7 to 14) who wish to prepare for Baptism, please contact the Parish Office, or Fatima Lee directly, at (416) 221-8866. Classes for them will begin on Sunday, October 19th at 10:30 AM.

THE NEW STORY – A DISCUSSION OF THE WISDOM OF FR. THOMAS BERRY

Tuesday, October 21st at 7:30 PM or
Thursday, October 23rd at 10:30 AM

The Church has had many great thinkers over the years, including St. Augustine in the 5th century and St. Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century. In our time, we have great thinkers too, one of whom is the Passionist priest, Fr. Thomas Berry, 1914 – 2009. He introduced us to seeing God’s creation in a new way and our role as humans within it. He called it “The New Story”. On Tuesdays at 7:30 PM and repeated on Thursdays, at 10:30 AM, Mary Landry will lead a discussion about his “New Story”, the wisdom that ensues and the challenge it evokes. We guarantee an interesting discussion! All are welcome.

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

For the Good Shepherd Centre and Rosalie Hall

Please help the hungry and homeless this Thanksgiving by participating in the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Urgently needed items include: rice, pasta, pasta sauces, canned tuna or salmon, canned soups, stews, meats, fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, jam, sugar, cookies and crackers, breakfast cereals, tea, coffee, sugar, ketchup, mustard and relish. Please no fresh or frozen foods. We thank you for your generous support!

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 incl. Taxes
Hot Chocolate and Cocoa: $4.75
Teas: $4.25

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY

October 19th, 2014

There will be a second collection next weekend, October 18th/19th,for the Evangelization of the Nations, otherwise known as “World Mission Sunday.” This is a worldwide collection for the missionary church. World Mission Sunday is our opportunity to assist at-need Catholic communities throughout the world. Thank you for your support of this important work.

THANK YOU

Thank you for supporting the Holy Land Christian Families by purchasing their Olive woodcrafts. Your support has made a difference to many families in Bethlehem and surrounding areas. Please keep the Christians in the Holy Land in your prayers as you are always in theirs.

NORTH YORK RETIREES CLUB

Blessed Trinity Parish Hall
Tuesday, October 14th at 2:00 PM

The next meeting of the North York Retiree’s will be feature guest speaker Brock Godfrey from the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre. His topic will be Fraud Prevention for Seniors. All retirees are cordially invited to attend.

MOSAIC INTERFAITH PEACE MEAL

Sunday October 19th from 1:00 to 5:00 PM

Temple Har Zion, 7360 Bayview Ave

Mosaic Interfaith invites you to attend the annual Peace Meal on Sunday October 19th from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at Temple Har Zion.. The programme theme is Martin Luther’s “I have a dream speech” – 50 years later how far have we come? Representatives of the different faith traditions will speak. Attendees are asked to bring a dish for the vegan supper – with no meat, poultry, eggs, fish, dairy products or alcohol or nuts. Please RSVP to Nora at 416-218-0680 by October 16th or call for more information. See poster on bulletin board.

THEOLOGY ON TAP

Pope Francis; A Pope for the world, a Pope for each of us

Monday, October 20th from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

All young adults (ages 19-39) are invited to an evening of thought-provoking conversation on theological topics! The special guest will be Jack Costello, SJ, President of Regis College. Munchies will be provided and a cash bar is available. Come and bring a friend! For more information contact Vanessa Nicholas-Schmidt by phone at 416-467-2645 or e-mail faithconnections@csj-to.ca.

24th ANNUAL MASS OF MEMORY

Sunday October 26th at 2.30 PM

St. Paul’s Basilica, 83 Power Street

The 24th Annual Mass of Memory will take place on Sunday October 26th at 2.30 PM at St. Paul’s Basilica. 2.30 to 3.00 PM: Prelude of Sacred /Celtic Music by the Irish Choral Society. 3.00 PM: The Mass of Memory. A reception will follow in the church hall.The Mass is dedicated to the Memory of our Irish Ancestors, victims of the Irish Famine of 1847, many who died here in Toronto and were buried in the school grounds just east of the Basilica, formally the old St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery of Toronto. We remember those who died serving the Irish: Bishop Michael Power, the first bishop of Toronto, doctors, nurses, lay people. We also remember members in the Irish community who have passed away in this last year. For information please phone Norita 905 881 5012 or email noritasbb@rogers.com

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS 2014 – CAST YOUR VOTE!

A municipal election will be held on Monday, October 27th. All Catholics are strongly encouraged to exercise their democratic right to vote. To help us all get to know the candidates for Catholic School Board Trustee, Cardinal Collins has given permission for candidates to distribute literature to parishioners departing Mass on weekends until October 25th /26th. We hope you’ll take the time to get to know those seeking elected office.

To ensure your vote for Catholic School Trustee, at the polling booth, verify that you are registered as a separate school supporter. If your support status is incorrect ask for an Application to Amend Voters’ List. This form may be completed and submitted at the polling station.
Thank you for your interest and involvement in this fall’s municipal election!

FINANCE CORNER

Weekly Offertory
Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
Collection for last weekend:

Envelopes 405 $8,428
Loose Change $1,070
Weekly Portion of PAG 164 $3,077
(Pre-Authorized Giving)
Total $12,575

Homily – October 5, 2014

Sunday, October 5th, 2014

I suppose many of you have been down to Niagara on the Lake and seen or visited the many vineyards down there. The lines of grape vines seem to stretch for miles. When these vineyards first started the owners cleared the land with modern earth moving machines. Modern techniques were used for planting the vines and staking them. Modern techniques are used for harvesting and crushing the grapes and aging the wine.

Imagine the backbreaking labor intensive work it must have been to start a vineyard back in the days of Isaiah and Jesus. Breaking the soil, turning it over, clearing it of rocks, planting and staking the vines, building a stone fence and a watch tower and a wine press must have taken years of work and a lot of investment. Whether we think about the vineyard of Isaiah, which represents the people of Israel or the vineyard Jesus describes, which represents those who so strongly opposed the person and teachings of Jesus, we hear that both owners of the vineyards – for all their labor –were rewarded with wild grapes and murderous tenants. It was all thrown back in their face. God’s love for his chosen people, Christ’s great desire to speak and show the Father’s love for all God’s people, both were rejected. Both owners could say, ‘what more was there to do for my vineyard that I have not done.?’

We can just imagine the frustration and disappointment of the owners of both these vineyards – all their work, their love goes for nothing. We’ve all know the word ‘entitlement’. It is a mindset that is so real in our times. I have a right, I am owed, I deserve. The chosen people, the religious leaders at the time of Jesus were convinced they were special people and had a right to the gifts of God. People today suffer from this same delusion. I have a right to a better job, better opportunities, a better home a better life style than my parents. Things are supposed to be bigger and better.

It is a hard lesson to learn that we are not an entitled people we are a gifted people. St. Paul asks in one of his letters,’ what have you that you have not received and if you have received it, if you have been gifted, why do you carry on as if had earned it or were owed it? We are here because we were gifted with the gift of faith, a gift that enables us to know that before the world began God chose us as God’s adopted sons and daughters. We are gifted with a faith that assures us God love our world so much he sent his only son as one of us, and the son loved us so much he died on the cross for us. We are gifted with a faith that enables us to know bread is more than bread and wine is more than wine – they are the body and blood of our crucified Lord.

We are gifted to know that we are our brothers and sisters keepers and that Christ comes into our lives in every person we meet. Our gift of faith is meant to grow and produce – as vines are meant to grow and produce choice wine.

We all know there is so much, too much selfishness, racism, sexism, bigotry, prejudice, economic injustice and exploitation in our city and country. Life is too unfair for too many people. As gifted members of God’s vineyard, in the ordinary living of our ordinary lives, we are meant to produce the choice wine of love for others, the choice wine of reconciliation with those we have harmed or those who have harmed us, the choice wine of acceptance and respect for the faith and life situations of friends and strangers, the choice wine of working for social justice, fair immigration laws, affordable housing, just wages, the choice wine of loving others as we have been loved.

As we continue this Mass we pray for ourselves and for one another that by God’s grace we gifted people that we are, will produce the choice wine of a well lived life.

Bulletin – October 5, 2014

Sunday, October 5th, 2014

ANNOUNCED MASSES

October 6th to October 11th, 2014

MONDAY – MR. HON NGI CHIN – Requested by Michelle Tan
TUESDAY – GONZALO PACHECO – Requested by the Family
WEDNESDAY – JOSEPH RORAI – Requested by Sheila & Family
THURSDAY – VICENTE SANOSA – Requested by Vivian Saguil
FRIDAY – LUCIA DE CORREDOR – Requested by Alfonso Corredor & Family
SATURDAY – PASQUALE GATTI – Requested by Linda Gatti

CONFIRMATION MEETING FOR CHILDREN ATTENDING OTHER CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Sunday, October 5th from 11:45 to 12:15 PM

St. Gabriel’s Church, Gabriel Room

There will be a meeting here in the Gabriel Room this weekend on Sunday, October 5th at 11:45 AM of those children attending Catholic schools other than St. Gabriel’s who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this year.

PARENTS CONFIRMATION INFORMATION MEETING

Wednesday, October 8th at 7:30 PM.

St. Gabriel’s Church, Gabriel Room

There will be a meeting here in the Gabriel Room on Wednesday, October 8th at 7:30 PM for parents of children receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation this year.

R.C.I.A. AND ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT

Meetings in preparation for the R.C.I.A. (Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults) will begin soon. These meetings are for persons interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. The exploration may lead the candidate to seek baptism, and become a member of the Catholic Christian community; or for Christians already baptized into another Christian denomination, the reception into the Catholic Church. Adult Catholics who have not received the sacrament of Confirmation but who wish to do so are also encouraged to attend these sessions.

As well, these meetings may be an opportunity for “Born Catholics” to deepen their understanding of our faith. Very often, especially for those of us who received our religious instruction at an early age, we tend to grow physically, mentally, psychologically etc., but the understanding of our faith does not grow correspondingly. The RCIA may serve as a good opportunity for us to ask questions and to develop a more adult understanding of our faith.

If you are interested in joining the RCIA meetings or if you would like to have more information about it, please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866. You can also contact Fatima Lee directly at ext. 228.

SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN PREPARING FOR BAPTISM

If you have, or know of, school age children (ages 7 to 14) who wish to prepare for Baptism, please contact the Parish Office, or Fatima Lee directly, at (416) 221-8866. Classes for them will begin on October 19th at 10:30 AM

ALTAR SERVICE LOOKING FOR 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. The orientation and training for new members will be held this Sunday, October 5th, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the Church.

THE NEW STORY – A DISCUSSION OF THE WISDOM OF FR. THOMAS BERRY

Tuesday, October 7th at 7:30 PM or
Thursday, October 9th at 10:30 AM

The Church has had many great thinkers over the years, including St. Augustine in the 5th century and St. Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century. In our time, we have great thinkers too, one of whom is the Passionist priest, Fr. Thomas Berry, 1914 – 2009. He introduced us to seeing God’s creation in a new way and our role as humans within it. He called it “The New Story”.

On Tuesdays at 7:30 PM and repeated on Thursdays, at 10:30 AM. Mary Landry will lead a discussion about his “New Story”, the wisdom that ensues and the challenge it evokes. We guarantee an interesting discussion! All are welcome.

GOOD SHEPHERD CASSEROLES

Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 35 casseroles for September. For October, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of October 25th/26th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.

More volunteers are encouraged to become active in helping to feed our less fortunate sisters and brothers. There are now 3 different recipes available in the Parish Office or online at the Church website.

If you require more information or would like to get a copy of a recipe and a casserole pan, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791.

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

For the Good Shepherd Centre & Rosalie Hall

You can make a difference in the lives of the hungry and homeless this Thanksgiving by participating in the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Urgently needed items include: rice, pasta, pasta sauces, canned tuna or salmon, canned soups, stews, meats, fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, jam, sugar, cookies and crackers, breakfast cereals, tea, ground or instant coffee, sugar, ketchup, mustard and relish. Please no fresh or frozen foods.

We thank you for your generous support!

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS 2014 – CAST YOUR VOTE!

A municipal election will be held on Monday, October 27th. All Catholics are strongly encouraged to exercise their democratic right to vote. To help us all get to know the candidates for Catholic School Board Trustee, Cardinal Collins has given permission for candidates to distribute literature to parishioners departing Mass on weekends from September 27th /28th to October 25th /26th . We hope you’ll take the time to get to know those seeking elected office.

To ensure your vote for Catholic School Trustee, at the polling booth, verify that you are registered as a separate school supporter. If your support status is incorrect ask for an Application to Amend Voters’ List. This form may be completed and submitted at the polling station. Thank you for your interest and involvement in this fall’s municipal election!

ANNUAL MASS TO END WOMEN ABUSE

St. Rose of Lima Church
3216 Lawrence Ave. E., Scarborough

Tuesday, October 7th at 7:00 PM

Catholic Family Services of Toronto and St. Rose of Lima Church will host the 5th Annual Mass to End Woman Abuse on October 7th at 7:00 PM. The Mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 3216 Lawrence Avenue East, in Scarborough. The rosary will be offered at 6:30 PM. After Mass, there will be a gathering with light refreshments in the Church Hall. We invite you to join us as we take action in the fight to end women abuse. Woman Abuse Hurts Us All.

MOSAIC INTERFAITH PEACE MEAL

Sunday October 19th from 1:00 to 5:00 PM

Temple Har Zion, 7360 Bayview Ave

Mosaic Interfaith (of which St. Gabriel’s is a member) invites you to attend the annual Peace Meal on Sunday October 19th from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at Temple Har Zion, 7360 Bayview Ave. The programme theme is Martin Luther’s “I have a dream speech” – 50 years later how far have we come? Representatives of the different faith traditions will speak. Attendees are asked to bring a dish for the vegan supper – with no meat, poultry, eggs, fish, dairy products or alcohol or nuts. Please RSVP to Nora at 416-218-0680 by October 16th or call for more information. See poster on bulletin board.

THEOLOGY ON TAP: Pope Francis

A Pope for the world, a Pope for each of us
Monday, October 20th from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

All young adults (ages 19-39) are invited to an evening of thought-provoking conversation on theological topics! The special guest will be Jack Costello, SJ, President of Regis College.

Munchies will be provided and a cash bar is available. Come and bring a friend! For more information: visit the Toronto Theology on Tap web page, or contact Vanessa Nicholas-Schmidt by e-mail faithconnections@csj-to.ca, or phone 416-467-2645.

ST. URSULA SCHOOL 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Saturday October 18, 2014

St. Ursula Elementary School is celebrating its 50th anniversary on Saturday October 18th with an open house from 1:00- to 4:00 PM. at the school, 215 Livingston Road, Scarborough. All former staff and students welcome. Find them on Facebook at St. Ursula 50th Anniversary

24TH ANNUAL MASS OF MEMORY

Sunday October 26th at 2.30 PM

St. Paul’s Basilica, 83 Power Street

The 24th Annual Mass of Memory will take place on Sunday October 26th at 2.30 PM at St. Paul’s Basilica, 83 Power Street (Power and Queen St. East)

2.30 to 3.00 PM: Prelude of Sacred /Celtic Music by the Irish Choral Society.
3.00 PM: The Mass of Memory.
A reception will follow in the church hall.

The Mass is dedicated to the Memory of our Irish Ancestors, victims of the Irish Famine of 1847, many who died here in Toronto and were buried in the school grounds just east of the Basilica, formally the old St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery of Toronto. We remember those who died serving the Irish: Bishop Michael Power, the first bishop of Toronto, doctors, nurses, lay people.

We also remember members in the Irish community who have passed away in this last year. For information please phone Norita 905 881 5012 or email noritasbb@rogers.com

CELEBRATE YOUR MARRIAGE WITH A WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND!

November 7th to 9th

Married couples: You deserve a weekend to cherish being together; to rediscover each other and focus on ways to make your relationship even better. A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend offers this opportunity. Consider giving each other or another couple that you know the gift of a weekend away from daily pressures; time to be with each other and with God on a Marriage Encounter Weekend. See www.wwme.org

Upcoming Weekend Date: November 7th to 9th

For further information or registration please contact:
Cora & Mike Bryce at 905-896-2958 or
cora-mikebryce@sympatico.ca

FINANCE CORNER

Weekly Offertory

Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
Collection for last weekend:

Envelopes 426 $9,319
Loose Change $1,037
Weekly Portion of PAG 164 $3,077
(Pre-Authorized Giving)
Total $13,433

Needs of the Canadian Church Collection: $3,304
Thank you for your generosity!

Bulletin – September 28, 2014

Sunday, September 28th, 2014

GOOD BYE AND GOOD LUCK!

We are very sad to announce that Luis Gutierrez, our custodian, has left St. Gabriel’s to begin his own renovation business. He will certainly be missed! We wish Luis every success as he begins a new chapter in his life.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

September 29th to October 4th, 2014

MONDAY – FRED & WANDA – Requested by a Friend
TUESDAY – PATRICIA BRADBURY – Requested by Peggy Pusaka
WEDNESDAY – SR. CONSOLATA ELLARD I.B.V.M. – Requested by Margaret Anne Leckie
THURSDAY – BETTY HIGGINS – Requested by Carol & Hugh Mackenzie
FRIDAY – MARTIN SMEE – Requested by the Family
SATURDAY – GORDON OATWAY – Requested by the Family

WELCOME! BAPTISM

The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome:

Michael James Jimenez Asuncion
Aden Red Chan
Ciara M. Elbano
Ava Xinyue Leung
Nathan Thomas Prebeg
Dellon Jaden Skyers

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

PARENTS CONFIRMATION INFORMATION MEETING

Wednesday, October 8th at 7:30 PM.
St. Gabriel’s Church

There will be a meeting here at the Church on Wednesday, October 8th at 7:30 PM. for parents of children receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation this year.

ALTAR SERVICE LOOKING FOR 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. The orientation and training for new members will be held on Sunday, October 5th, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the Church.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Friday, October 3rd from 9:30 AM to 12 Noon

ECO – SABBATH

Sunday, October 5th 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.

ROSARY GROUPS

English: Saturday, October 4th at 3:15 PM in the Library
Chinese: Sunday, October 5th at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room.

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

R.C.I.A. AND ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT

Meetings in preparation for the R.C.I.A. (Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults) will begin soon. These meetings are for persons interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. The exploration may lead the candidate to seek baptism, and become a member of the Catholic Christian community; or for Christians already baptized into another Christian denomination, the reception into the Catholic Church.

Adult Catholics who have not received the sacrament of Confirmation but who wish to do so are also encouraged to attend these sessions.

As well, these meetings may be an opportunity for “Born Catholics” to deepen their understanding of our faith. Very often, especially for those of us who received our religious instruction at an early age, we tend to grow physically, mentally, psychologically etc., but the understanding of our faith does not grow correspondingly. The RCIA may serve as a good opportunity for us to ask questions and to develop a more adult understanding of our faith.

If you are interested in joining the RCIA meetings or if you would like to have more information about it, please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866. You can also contact Fatima Lee directly at ext. 228.

SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN PREPARING FOR BAPTISM

If you have, or know of, school age children (ages 7 to 14) who wish to prepare for Baptism, please contact the Parish Office, or Fatima Lee directly, at (416) 221-8866. Classes for them will begin on October 19th at 10:30 AM.

THE NEW STORY – A DISCUSSION OF THE WISDOM OF FR. THOMAS BERRY

Tuesday, October 7th at 7:30 PM. or
Thursday, October 9th at 10:00 AM.

The Church has had many great thinkers over the years, including St. Augustine in the 5th century and St. Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century. In our time, we have great thinkers too, one of whom is the Passionist priest, Fr. Thomas Berry, 1914 – 2009. He introduced us to seeing God’s creation in a new way and our role as humans within it. He called it “The New Story”. On Tuesday evenings at 7:30 P.M. and repeated on Thursday, mornings at 10:00 A.M. Mary Landry will lead a discussion of his “New Story”, the wisdom that ensues and the challenge it evokes. We guarantee an interesting discussion! All are welcome.

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

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

Urgently needed items include:
rice, pasta, pasta sauces, canned tuna or salmon, canned soups, stews, meats, fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, jam, sugar, cookies and crackers, breakfast cereals, tea, ground or instant coffee, sugar, ketchup, mustard and relish. Please no fresh or frozen foods.

We thank you for your generous support!

FOOD FOR ROSALIE HALL

Each month the food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall. With everyone struggling at this time, these 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.

THE TORONTO CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD CONFERENCE FOR NEWCOMERS TO CANADA

September 30th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.

Catholic Education Centre 80 Sheppard Ave. East
2nd floor Boardroom

The Toronto Catholic District School Board is hosting a conference for newcomers to Canada to share information about available programs and services and tips for navigating the Catholic education system. It is also designed for school staff and members of the Catholic School Advisory Councils to discuss how to effectively engage our newcomer students and families in our schools and communities. Light refreshments will be offered. Limited parking is underground and there is public transportation nearby.

Register online at www.tcdsb.org/NewcomerRegistration or call 416-222-8282, ext. 1888. Please RSVP by September 23rd.

FREE ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR

Thursday, October 2nd at 7:00 PM.

Blessed Sacrament Parish,
24 Cheritan Avenue, Toronto

Catholic Cemeteries and the estate planning team will share information about:
How to protect your loved ones with a proper will
How to ensure your wishes are legally protected
Powers of Attorney
The advantage of pre-arranging funeral plans
The cost savings of making an estate plan
Finding lawyers and estate planning advisors
Our Catholic traditions around funerals, burials and wills

An Estate Planning Kit and DVD will be provided at no cost
Refreshments will be provided.

Please RSVP to Frank Jannetta at fjannetta@ccat.on.ca or by phone at 416-733-8544, Ext. 2023.

ANNUAL MASS TO END WOMEN ABUSE

St. Rose of Lima Church
3216 Lawrence Ave. E., Scarborough

Tuesday, October 7th at 7:00 PM.

Catholic Family Services of Toronto and St. Rose of Lima Church will host the 5th Annual Mass to End Woman Abuse. This event hopes to raise awareness about violence against women. At 6:30 PM, they will pray the Rosary in the church. Brief presentations will be made about the violence against women programs before Mass begins. After Mass, there will be a gathering with light refreshments in the church hall. They invite you to join them as they take action in the fight to end women abuse.

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS 2014 – CAST YOUR VOTE!

A municipal election will be held on Monday, October 27th. All Catholics are strongly encouraged to exercise their democratic right to vote. To help us all get to know the candidates for Catholic School Board Trustee, Cardinal Collins has given permission for candidates to distribute literature to parishioners departing Mass on weekends from September 27th /28th to October 25th /26th . We hope you’ll take the time to get to know those seeking elected office.

To ensure your vote for Catholic School Trustee, at the polling booth, verify that you are registered as a separate school supporter. If your support status is incorrect ask for an Application to Amend Voters’ List. This form may be completed and submitted at the polling station. Thank you for your interest and involvement in this fall’s municipal election!

FINANCE CORNER

Weekly Offertory

Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
Collection for last weekend:

Envelopes 402 $7,176
Loose Change $936
Weekly Portion of PAG 165 $3,082
(Pre-Authorized Giving)
Total $12,124

Homily – September 21, 2014

Sunday, September 21st, 2014

For my thoughts are not your thoughts nor are my ways your way. Thank God for that. Imagine what it would be like if God’s thoughts and ways were as ours in our relations with one another. We would be in big trouble. Imagine if God were as close minded toward us as we are to those with who are of a different faith, cultural, social or racial background, or different life style, imagine if God was as impatient, unfeeling or unsympathetic as we can sometimes be toward family members or friends who are struggling with their own demons of alcohol or drugs or their mental health issues, imagine if God held the resentments and the grudges we hold when we have a falling out with a family member or neighbour, imagine if God was as indifferent to our needs as we can sometimes be to the needs of those who suffer from hunger and homelessness, imagine if God was too busy to be with us as we can often be too busy to visit a friend in the hospital or in a retirement home, or even make a phone call, imagine if God was as deaf to our prayers as we can sometimes be as we weary of the many calls for assistance that come our way, imagine if God’s thoughts and ways were as our thoughts and ways. Imagine.

Thankfully Isaiah assures us, ‘for as the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

How do we know the mind of God, how do we know the ways of God? Jesus tells us,’ no one knows the father except the son and those to whom the son choses to reveal him.’ We know the mind of God and the ways of God by the way Jesus lived his life on earth and by what Jesus taught us about the Father. As Jesus said to Thomas, ‘he who sees me sees the Father.’ We know God’s unconditional love for each of us as look on the crucified body of Christ.

When we study the life and ministry of Jesus we know so well that his ways and thoughts are often not the ways we think and not the way we do things. With open arms Jesus said, ‘come to me all you who are weary and find life burdensome but we choose our friends, we select the people with whom we associate. How often do we feel, even if we don’t say it; ‘not in my back yard.’? Jesus life was open to everyone, rich or poor, righteous or sinner. We know he challenged the phoniness with which he lived but he admired the honesty of those who could admit they failed, ‘Lord be merciful to me a sinner.’ He ate and drank with sinners, he consoled the widows and all who mourn the death of one they loved. He cured the lepers so they could be restored to social and family life. He fed those who hungered with bread and fish, he fed those who hungered for the righteousness of God when turned our value system upside down and declared – blessed are the poor, blessed the gentle, blessed those who mourn, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, blessed are the pure in heart, blessed the peacemakers, blessed are the persecuted – blessed are all these men and women – theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Jesus challenged us to keep things in perspective when he asked ‘ what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and loose himself?

As far as the east is from the west so are my thoughts and ways from your thoughts and ways. In one of his letters Paul makes the claim ‘we have the mind of Christ.’ Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could say that of ourselves? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the day would come when we could say, ‘his thoughts, his ways are my thoughts, my ways? That’s something we could strive to achieve. It isn’t easy, it’s a life time struggle but there can be times when, because of the way we handled a situation, the way we welcomed someone into our lives, the way we work to heal old wounds, the way we reached out to someone in need, the way we were with someone in mourning, the way we gave thanks for the gifts with which blesses us – we can say – we have the mind and the heart of Christ. We can pray for ourselves and each other that one day at a time our thoughts and our way come just a bit closer to the thoughts and ways of God.