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Homily – January 12, 2014

Sunday, January 12th, 2014

How many of us remember our baptism? If we were baptised as infants we wouldn’t remember a thing. But it was a great day and we were the center of attention. Our proud parents brought to the parish church along with our godparents, grandparents, siblings and a lot of other family friends. After our baptism there was a party and we received gifts and were passed around for everyone to hold.

St. Paul tells us that before the world began, scientists tell us our beautiful, vast universe is over 13 billion years old, but before that, God chose each of us to be God’s adopted son or daughter. That gracious choice was made real the day of our baptism. By the use of life giving water and the speaking of life giving words – I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit – we became sons and daughters of God and the Spirit of God was poured into our very being giving us the boldness to call the almighty, the immense God – the intimate name, Father, papa, daddy, and we became members of the Body of Christ, the church.

Of course we had nothing to do with all this. Our parents wanted to see their own faith passed on to us.

Economists identify us as consumers, and our purpose in life is to buy. The entertainment industry identifies us as spectators, and our role is to “tune in.” Our baptism identifies us as God’s beloved children, and calls us to remain faithful to our identity and live out, as best we can with our new relationship with God. This is my son, my daughter, in whom I am well pleased – these words are true of us in the innocence of our infancy. May they be said of us today with our own personal histories of sins and failures as we struggle to live Christ-like lives, as we struggle every day to grow to full maturity in Christ, as we struggle to put on Christ and be as Christ like as possible. Some days we win, some days we lose.

Every day of life God our Father tells us ‘listen to him’, listen to my son as Christ challenges us to see him in every person who will come into our lives this day. We meet Christ every day in our spouses, our children, our parents, our neighbours, the people with whom we work, the street person who asks for money, the homeless, the addicted, we meet him in the over-worked, unpaid undocumented workers in the area.

I asked the students in our school, what do you have to do if want to see Jesus? They all knew the answer – look at the person next to me. That’s where Jesus is to us, in the man or woman of child that we see standing in front of us. How we accept and respect that person, how we reach out and help or heal or forgive that person, as they are, not as we would want them to be, will determine whether not the Father says of us, this is my beloved son or daughter in whom I am well pleased.

This feast of the Baptism of the Lord calls us back to our own baptisms and the possibilities and responsibilities of our baptism. Are we trying to be more like Christ in our relationships? Do we bring the love of Christ, the acceptance of Christ, for forgiving and healing of Christ to every person we meet. Are we even aware that this is what our baptism demands of us? Think about it.

We continue this Mass praying for ourselves and each other that our Father God can looking into our hearts and lives and say of us what he said of Jesus – this is my beloved, in whom I am well pleased.

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Bulletin – January 12, 2014

Sunday, January 12th, 2014

ANNOUNCED MASSES

January 13th – January 18th, 2014

MONDAY – ANDREW PARK – Requested by Julia Choi
TUESDAY –
WEDNESDAY – JOHN ROSENITSCH – Requested by Mary Ann & Fergus O’Connell
THURSDAY – MAGDALENE LAM – Requested by John Chan
FRIDAY – MAURICE MICHAEL – Requested by Charmaine Michael
SATURDAY – THOMAS DONAGHY – Requested by the Family

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 LEPROSY DAY – SUNDAY, JANUARY 26TH

USED STAMP COLLECTION

Sunday, January 26th is World Leprosy Day. Leprosy affects the nervous system deadening the body to pain. As a result, cuts and burns go unnoticed and neglected leading to severe infections. Such conditions can lead to loss of function in the limbs and even result in amputation. Please take a few moments to remember the children, women and men living with leprosy. Please remember to bring us your used postage stamps. These are passed on to the Leprosy Mission of Canada 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.

NEW BEGINNINGS
MASS OF COMFORT AND LIGHT

Wednesday, January 15th at 7:00 P.M.
St. Padre Pio Church
5500 Major Mackenzie Drive, Kleinburg

St. Padre Pio Church is hosting a Mass of Comfort and Light on Wednesday, January 15th at 7:00 P.M. This liturgy is offered in support of those who have suffered the loss of a loved one through the death of a family member or a friend. All are welcome. For more information please contact St. Padre Pio Parish at 905-893-7879 or email Deacon Curtis and Joanne Boone at newbeginnings.stpadrepiochurch@gmail.com.

MASS FOR THE WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES

Sunday, January 19th – 3:00 P.M.
St. Paul’s Basilica 83 Power Street, Toronto

Did you know that 160 parishes in the Archdiocese of Toronto are involved in sponsoring refugees to resettle in Canada? Join us for a Mass to celebrate the many individuals and families who have escaped turmoil to resettle in Canada and to pray for those still seeking to leave areas of war and strife. Bishop McGrattan will preside. The Mass is hosted by the Mission of the Vietnamese Martyrs. A special invitation is extended to those who have been involved in refugee sponsorship across the archdiocese. For more information, visit www.archtoronto.org. All are welcome.

FAITH CONNECTIONS
A DATE TO REMEMBER: CATHOLIC SPEED DATING

Saturday, January 25th from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Newman Centre, 89 St George St, Toronto

Faith Connections and the Newman Young Adult Ministry invite single young adults (18-39) to a Catholic Speed Dating evening, followed by a dance social! Tickets: $30 (if a concern, contact us). Registrants will be divided into age groups. Registration is required by January 17th. Please contact Vanessa Nicholas-Schmidt by e-mail at faithconnections@csj-to.ca or phone at
416-467-2645.

DANCE SOCIAL AND FUNDRAISER

Saturday, January 25th at 9:00 P.M.
Newman Centre, 89 St George St, Toronto

Faith Connections and the Newman Young Adult Ministry invite young adults (18-39) to a New Year’s Dance Social and charity fundraiser! Tickets: $10. Snacks and refreshments provided. For more information, e-mail nyamtoronto@gmail.com or call Vanessa Nicholas-Schmidt at 416-467-2645.

ST. AUGUSTINE’S LAY SPIRITUAL FORMATION PROGRAM PRESENTS BIOETHICS 101

Saturday, January 25th from 9:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M
St. Augustine’s Seminary
2661 Kingston Road, Scarborough

This workshop will include: Bioethics in the Headlines

Session One: Beginning of Life Issues at 9:40 A.M.
What does the Church teach about recent developments in some of the “new reproductive technologies”?

Mass at 11:30 A.M followed by lunch.

Session Two: End of Life Issues at 1:00 P.M.
How should Catholics respond to the call for physician-assisted suicide today? What does truly compassionate and dignified “end of life” care involve?

The cost is $40 including lunch. Please register by emailing ioftsas@rogers.com or by calling 416-261-7207, Ext 235.

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2014 ECUMENICAL PRAYER SERVICE

Sunday, January 26th at 3:00 P.M.
St. Paul’s Basilica, 83 Power Street

Come and join us in prayer with His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Anglican Archbishop Colin Johnson, Slovak Catholic Bishop John Pazak, Anglican Bishop Mark MacDonald and other city-wide religious leaders on: Sunday, January 26th at 3:00 P.M. at St. Paul’s Basilica, 83 Power Street (1 block East of Queen and Parliament Streets.)

Homilist: Anglican Bishop Right Rev. Mark MacDonald (Canada’s first National Indigenous Bishop)

Parking is available. Refreshments will follow in parish hall.

For further information, please contact the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs at 416-934-3400, Ext. 344 or Ext. 527 or vkwok@archtoronto.org.

COME AND SEE WEEKEND FOR YOUNG MEN AGE 18 OR OLDER

St. Augustine’s Seminary
January 31st to February 2nd

“The love of Christ urges us on” to radically respond to His call to follow Him whole-heartedly. Jesus is inviting you to spend time with Him so that you may discover His call.

This is an opportunity for young men of 18 years or older to spend a weekend for time of prayer, reflection and information on the process of becoming one of Christ’s disciples through the Catholic priesthood.

For more information please contact the Office of Vocations at vocations@vocations.ca or 416-968-0997, or visit www.vocationstoronto.ca.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR CONSECRATED LIFE CELEBRATION

February 2nd at 3:00 P.M.
St. Paul’s Basilica

On Sunday, February 2nd, the Church celebrates the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life. The purpose of this day is “to help the entire Church to esteem ever more greatly the witness of those persons who have chosen to follow Christ by means of the practice of the evangelical counsels” as well as “to be a suitable occasion for consecrated persons to renew their commitment and rekindle the fervor which should inspire their offering of themselves to the Lord.” – Blessed Pope John Paul II, 1997 message.

In the Archdiocese of Toronto, we are blessed to have living and serving among us more than 1,000 religious men and women of over 100 different religious congregations. This World Day of Prayer 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.

On Sunday, February 2nd at 3:00 P.M. at St. Paul’s Basilica, there will be a special Mass 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.

FINANCE CORNER

Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.

Collection for January 5th, 2014

Envelopes 476 $9,692
Loose Change $970
Weekly Portion of PAG 180 $3,461
(Pre-Authorized Giving)
Total $14,123

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES FOR 2014

Please pick up your 2014 Offertory Boxed Envelopes as soon as possible. If you are on the Pre- Authorized Giving Plan, you will still receive a smaller green box of envelopes since these include Initial, New Year’s, Christmas, Easter and Maintenance envelopes. You may contact the Parish Office if you do not have envelopes but would like a box for 2014. We would like to remind you not to use envelopes from previous years as this number may have been reassigned to another family.

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Homily – January 5, 2014

Sunday, January 5th, 2014

Be Open to Your Epiphanies

Today we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany. We use this word epiphany to describe a moment when we have a sudden insight, a moment of enlightenment that gives us a deeper appreciation of something that was very ordinary in our lives. A husband or wife might come to a deeper appreciation of what they mean to one another because of the way he or she handles a crisis in their lives or how he or she was there for the other when test results let them know there will rough times ahead. Parents have an epiphany when they suddenly see how hard it is for a son or daughter to cope with the frustration of not being able to find work no matter what degrees they have, no matter how many years they’ve spent in school or when they appreciate in a deeper way the courage and determination of a son or daughter struggling with their addictions. A person may have an epiphany when realise how much comfort and strength they receive from attendance at Mass or following their favorite devotions.

People often have an epiphany when they are caught up in the beauty of a sun rise or the delicate beauty of an ordinary flower or watch in amazement as a spider spins its web. These and many more events that intrude into our ordinary lives give us a glimpse at the deeper wonder of all creation or the wonder of the goodness of those who are part and parcel of our daily lives are epiphanies – moments of wonder and awe. They may be surprises or they may come to us after years of prayer and searching.

Today’s gospel teaches us of the epiphany of the early church when it took to its heart the words of St. Peter after his encounter with the Roman Centurion, Cornelius – the truth I have come to understand is this, that any person of any nationality who does what is right is acceptable to God’

Peter and Paul both shared this epiphany that God’s love and the saving power of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection are open to people of all times who seek to do what is right according to their own lights. Peter and Paul confronted and opposed Jewish Christians who demanded the any Gentile who became a follower of Jesus must observe the laws and customs of Judaism.

So we have this beautiful gospel of wise men, non-Jews, coming from far away, searching for the truth, a truth they find in an infant lying in a manger. We hear they went home by a way they did not come, their lives transformed by the wonder they had experienced.

I believe we are experiencing a new epiphany in our time – if we are open to it. This epiphany is in the words and actions of Pope Francis. He stands before us all with open and welcoming arms. Not for him the pointing finger of condemnation and scolding. He welcomes all to come together – those of our faith, those with faiths different from our own, those with no faith at all to work together to undo the grave social and economic injustices of our time. Pope Francis call us of faith, calls those of different faith, calls those of no faith to work together to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give a roof to the homeless, provide clean drinking water to those who have no such luxury, give a homeland to the migrants, give hope to the hopeless of our own neighbourhood, our own country.

Listen to what Francis said at St. Peter’s on New Year’s Day;

We are all children of one heavenly father, we belong to the same human family and we share a common destiny,” “This brings a responsibility for each to work so that the world becomes a community of brothers who respect each other, accept each other in one’s diversity, and takes care of one another,”

The Holy Father invites us into this Epiphany – seeing in a deeper way, a more challenging way the truth that we are brothers and sisters to one another and we are our sisters and brothers keeper. May we be graced to hear and live these words of Jesus – love one another as I have loved you – as often as you do these things to others you do them to me.

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Bulletin – January 5, 2014

Sunday, January 5th, 2014

ANNOUNCED MASSES

January 6th – January 11th, 2014

MONDAY – JOVITA & FRANCISCO PINO – Requested by Josie Pino
TUESDAY –
WEDNESDAY –
THURSDAY –
FRIDAY – FRANK HAYWARD – Requested by Phyllis Hayward
SATURDAY – ELISEO BUMAGAT – Requested by Reyna & Family

FROM THE DESK OF FR. BRANDO

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Thank you, good people, for your overwhelming generosity this Christmas season. Thanks to you, St. Gabriel’s was able to provide toys, food and gifts to Rosalie Hall, the Catholic Children’s Aid, the Good Shepherd Centre and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
A special thank you to our neighbours the St. Gabriel’s Village Condos for their generous support of our food and toy drives. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.

THE LEPROSY MISSION OF CANADA
USED STAMP COLLECTION

At this time of year, many have received Christmas cards. Please remember to bring us your used postage stamps. These are passed on to the Leprosy Mission of Canada 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.

GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE CASSEROLES

Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 34 casseroles for December. For January, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of January 25th/26th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre. There are 3 different recipes available in the Parish Office or online at the Church website.

More volunteers are encouraged to become active in helping to feed our less fortunate sisters and brothers. If you require more information or would like to get copies of the recipes and a casserole pan, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791.

THANK YOU FROM THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

A big Thank You to the students of St. Gabriel’s for their food drive and their help in sorting and packing. YOU made a difference.The generous support from parishioners was outstanding…The Giving Tree toys and mittens and donations were so appreciated. We thank Father Brando and all the staff for their continuing help and support.We are blessed with good people here at St. Gabriel’s. 32 families had a brighter Christmas, in spite of the ice storm! Thank you all. May God bless you and yours in 2014.

FINANCE CORNER

Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.

Collection for December 15th, 2013: $13,852
Collection for December 22nd, 2013: $10,118
Christmas Collection To Date: $11,437
Collection for December 29th, 2013: $14,326

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES FOR 2014

Please pick up your 2014 Offertory Boxed Envelopes as soon as possible. If you are on the Pre- Authorized Giving Plan, you will still receive a smaller green box of envelopes since these include Initial, New Year’s, Christmas, Easter and Maintenance envelopes. You may contact the Parish Office if you do not have envelopes but would like a box for 2014

We would like to remind you not to use envelopes from previous years as this number may have been reassigned to another family.

OFFERTORY DONATION USING VISA, MASTERCARD OR AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CARD

You can now use your credit card to make your recurring or one-time Offertory donations to St. Gabriel’s. Your donations may earn you valuable points, travel miles or cash back! A classic case of giving and receiving!Simply log on to the Archdiocese of Toronto website
(www.archtoronto.org) select “Donate Now”, “Our Parish”, “Toronto East”, then pick “St. Gabriel Catholic Parish” under Parish in the Donation Information section. Complete all required information.

Remember that your tax receipt for a recurring offertory donation will be issued to you by the Archdiocese at the end of the year. For a one-time gift, your tax receipt is emailed to you immediately.

NEW BEGINNINGS: CATHOLIC FAMILY SERVICES

Tuesday, January 7th from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M.
Pastoral Centre, 1155 Yonge Street, 4th Floor

“Gratitude: A Powerful Attitude for Healing When We Have Suffered a Loss”

An Inspirational Presentation with Fr. Fred Scinto, C.R.at the Archdiocese of Toronto Pastoral Centre, 1155 Yonge St. 4th Floor on Tuesday, January 7th from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. For more information, please call Deacon James Shaughnessy at 416-921-1163 ext. 2227 or email jshaughn@cfstoronto.com

MASS FOR THE WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES

Sunday, January 19th – 3:00 P.M.
St. Paul’s Basilica 83 Power Street, Toronto

Did you know that 160 parishes in the Archdiocese of Toronto are involved in sponsoring refugees to resettle in Canada? Join us for a Mass to celebrate the many individuals and families who have escaped turmoil to resettle in Canada and to pray for those still seeking to leave areas of war and strife. Bishop McGrattan will preside. Mass is hosted by the Mission of the Vietnamese Martyrs. A special invitation is extended to those who have been involved in refugee sponsorship across the archdiocese. For more information, visit www.archtoronto.org. All are welcome.

FAITH CONNECTIONS

A Date to Remember: Catholic Speed Dating
Saturday, January 25th — 7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Newman Centre, 89 St George St, Toronto

Faith Connections and the Newman Young Adult Ministry invite single young adults (18-39) to a Catholic Speed Dating evening, followed by a dance social! Tickets: $30 (if a concern, contact us). Registrants will be divided into age groups. Registration is required by January 17th. Please contact Vanessa Nicholas-Schmidt by phone at 416-467-2645 or e-mail faithconnections@csj-to.ca

DANCE SOCIAL AND FUNDRAISER

Saturday, January 25th , — 9:00 P.M.
Newman Centre, 89 St George St, Toronto

Faith Connections and the Newman Young Adult Ministry invite young adults (18-39) to a New Year’s Dance Social and charity fundraiser! Tickets: $10. Snacks and refreshments provided. For more information, e-mail nyamtoronto@gmail.com or call Vanessa Nicholas-Schmidt at 416-467-2645.

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

January 26 – 3:00 P.M.
St. Paul’s Basilica
83 Power St., Toronto

An Ecumenical prayer service with His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Anglican Archbishop Colin Johnson, Slovak Catholic Bishop John Pazak, Anglican Bishop Mark MacDonald and other local religious leaders will be held on Sunday, January 26th at 3:00 P.M. This service is the final event of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which will take place January 18th -25th.
For more information, contact the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs at 416-934-3400, ext. 344.

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Bulletin – December 29, 2013

Sunday, December 29th, 2013

Father help us to live as the Holy Family, united in respect and love.

The greatest blessing you bring to your family is the presence of God in your life.
The fragrance of His presence sweetens the atmosphere of your home.
The beauty of His presence warms the relationships within its walls.
The joy of His presence lightens every heart.
The glory of His presence fills all its chambers with rare and precious treasures.

“From God’s Heart to Yours” by Roy Leesin

Let us pray for one another.
May God bless you and yours throughout this Christmas Season.
We wish you a happy and peaceful
New Year and always try to remember
“Holiness is in the ordinary.”

FROM THE DESK OF FR. BRANDO

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

A big thank you to all those who decorated our church beautifully. Thank you also to all the musicians who provided us with lively music, to all the altar servers who are always available when needed, to all our ushers with a ready smile and to all our generous parishioners who always make me grateful for the goodness of the Lord. May my gratitude to all of you create a vision for tomorrow. Have a great and wonderful New Year!

Fr. Brando

HOMILIES FROM FR. PAUL

Fr. Brando has asked Fr. Paul to keep sending his homilies to the parish website. Fr. Paul has promised to do so.

Christmas Schedule 2013

MASSES

NEW YEAR’S EVE
Tuesday, December 31st
No 9:00 A.M. Mass
Mass at 5:00 P.M. for the Feast of Mary the Mother of God
Office Open 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. only

NEW YEAR’S DAY
Wednesday, January 1st, 2014
FEAST OF MARY THE MOTHER OF GOD
10:30 A.M.
12:30 P.M.
Office Closed

Parking

While parking at ground level is limited to 51 spaces, there is plenty of space in the underground parking lot. Please follow the instructions of the attendants. Do not park in front of the Church since this is a fire route and must be kept clear.

Additional parking is available on the east side of Elkhorn Public School and in the bus loop. Again, please follow the instructions of the attendant. The school requests that we do not park on the grass. Many thanks to Holly Richards, the Principal of Elkhorn Public School, for allowing us the use of the school property.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

December 30th, 2013 to January 4th, 2014

MONDAY – FRANCISCO & MAROSARIO CALIMBAS – Requested by Estrella, Cherrie, Stella & Isabel
TUESDAY – JOHN HONG – Requested by the Family
WEDNESDAY – NEW YEARS DAY
THURSDAY – SPECIAL INTENTION – Requested by Fr. Brando
FRIDAY – THANKSGIVING – Requested by Marie & Michael Gennaro
SATURDAY – WONG FOU NGO – Requested by her Children

THE ALTAR LINEN SOCIETY NEEDS YOU!

We are in need of 2 people to help with the altar linens. If you are interested, please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866.

THE LEPROSY MISSION OF CANADA USED STAMP COLLECTION

At this time of year, many have received Christmas cards. Please remember to bring us your used postage stamps. These are passed on to the Leprosy Mission of Canada 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.

OFFERTORY DONATION USING VISA, MASTERCARD OR AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CARD

You can now use your credit card to make your recurring or one-time Offertory donations to St. Gabriel’s. Your donations may earn you valuable points, travel miles or cash back! A classic case of giving and receiving!

Simply log on to the Archdiocese of Toronto website (www.archtoronto.org) select “Donate Now”, “Our Parish”, “Toronto East”, then pick “St. Gabriel Catholic Parish” under Parish in the Donation Information section. Complete all required information.

Remember that your tax receipt for a recurring offertory donation will be issued to you by the Archdiocese at the end of the year. For a one-time gift, your tax receipt is emailed to you immediately.

Philippines Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund – $32,464
Moving Forward Together Collection – $16,460.60

Thank you for your incredible generosity!

Please note: All donations for 2013 must be received in the Parish Office by Monday, December 30th 2013 or they will not be included in your 2013 Tax Receipt.

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