BEACONS OF HOPE
Beacons of Hope is a parish group formed nearly a year ago to support marginalized women both within St. Gabriel’s Parish and beyond. To date we are happy to have the opportunity to support two women’s shelters by providing personal care items, towels and winter coats.
First, we partnered with St. Joseph’s Morrow Park high school to provide pyjamas, robes, slippers and personal care items for one of the shelters downtown that serves senior women who were previously homeless in Toronto. For their Lenten Drive, the students and staff, led by their Liturgical Ministry, gathered two large carloads of items for these women.
In the past few weeks, our group provided “treats” and flowers for the women at a nearby shelter, for Mother’s Day.
All of these women came to live in these shelters due to unforeseen circumstances, and are among the marginalized of society. In the spirit of the Passionist charism, the late Pope Francis, as well as the newly elected Pope Leo, we will continue to serve these women extending to them hope, love and the light of Christ.
We look forward to continuing the work we started and will keep you posted.
ALTAR SERVERS NEEDED
Serving at the Lord’s table is a great honour and responsibility. The Altar Server Ministry Team would like to invite children who are 10 years or older (boys and girls), who are interested in committing and dedicating time and effort to serve Mass. Any adults who think they may desire to serve are encouraged to volunteer as well. All that is required is a desire to serve at the Altar of Our Lord. If you are interested, contact the parish office or email: altarserversstgabe@gmail.com
CHILDREN’S FAITH PROGRAM – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Children’s Faith Program runs from September to the end of April each year, with classes usually taking place on two Sunday mornings each month, at St. Gabriel’s school. It is meant for children who do not attend regular Catholic schools to learn about their faith, grow into faith, and prepare for sacraments as needed.
The CFP is looking for volunteer teachers and assistants to accompany students, aged about 5 to 13. No specific qualifications are required, only an interest in sharing your faith with young people and helping to shape theirs.
If you are interested or to find out more, please email cfp@stgabrielsparish.ca. Come and join our friendly and joyful team!
A MESSAGE FROM THE MILK BAG WEAVERS
The milk bag weavers wish to thank parishioners for their milk bag donations. It is so wonderful that the bags can be used to create such soft sleeping mats for those less fortunate. It is very important for all those involved in the project that the bags be dry and clean before they are added to the donation box. Just like “apples”, it takes only one rotten milk bag to spoil the whole box! We do not want anyone getting sick over spilled milk.
CORPUS CHRISTI MASS & PROCESSION
Sunday, June 22, 2025 (following Noon Mass)
Saint Michael’s Cathedral Basilica- 65 Bond St
All are welcome to join Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, for a Corpus Christi Mass & Procession at Saint Michael’s Cathedral Basilica on Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 following the Noon Mass. A procession (45 minutes) will take place in the vicinity surrounding the cathedral followed by Solemn Benediction and some time for fellowship. Join us as “Pilgrims of Hope” during this special Year of Jubilee. All are welcome!
ANNOUNCED MASSES
June 9th – June 15th, 2025
MONDAY – FRANK COLANTONIO ✞ – Requested by Angela Colantonio
TUESDAY – MARY HIGGINS ✞ – Requested by Agnes Gaughan
WEDNESDAY – TONINO DIDIODATO ✞ – Requested by his Family
THURSDAY – DECEASED FATHERS OF JACK & WANDA ✞ – Requested by Jack & Wanda Wrobel
FRIDAY – JEAN YEUNG ✞ – Requested by Lucille Yeung
SATURDAY – YUNG-NIEN & MOU-KING HSU ✞ – Requested by Teresa Wong
SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – FRANCIS PEREIRA ✞ – Requested by Sophie & Candida Pereira
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – IVY SUK-YEE CHEUNG ✞ – Requested by Lana & Friends from Manulife
PSALM MEDITATION
Pentecost Sunday
Psalm 104
Certain psalms seem to deliver with exceptional power. Psalm 104 is one such psalm, celebrating God’s universal and limitless prowess.
Psalms praise God’s creation of all the earth. Today, thanks to the Hubble and now the James Webb Space Telescope, we see with awe the incredible, amazing vastness of creation. Beyond our ability to conceive or understand.
A universe from God’s hand. But as nothing beside the unimaginable vastness of God.
Today’s three readings fit together in the words of the psalm. In Acts, the universality of the Spirit appears in all of the world’s languages being spoken. First Corinthians speaks of universality of the Spirit; we are all, despite many differences, baptized into the one Spirit. John’s Gospel proclaims that the same Spirit forgives all and teaches all.
“When you send forth your Spirit, they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.”
SHARELIFE
You are the light of hope this ShareLife Sunday
On the third ShareLife Sunday of the year, you can extend God’s compassion and solidarity to our brothers and sisters. Together with your support, let us illuminate His light in the darkest of places, providing strength to those enduring unimaginable hardships. Because of you, people who feel the weight of the world on their shoulders can experience some relief. Like young mother Sarah, and her 4-week-old baby, who fled a life-threatening situation. She went from being alone, homeless and afraid, to supported, secure and safe through programs at Catholic Family Services of Durham. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
ROSALIE HALL & THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE
Each weekend, we collect food items for Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre. Thank you for your generous support of both of the worthwhile organizations.
Rosalie Hall is an accredited children’s mental health facility focusing on the needs of pregnant and parenting youth ages 12-25, their children, and their families. Here the needs of young families are met, offering prenatal and parenting classes as well as staff to aid in the transition to parenthood. A school program enables clients to finish high school. The food we donate from our parish often replenishes their empty food bank.
Good Shepherd provides hot meals, clean clothes and shelter for the homeless in our city They help find housing and provide follow up support. They support the homeless who are working to overcome addictions and provide a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs.
Your food donations are so important as numbers of people in need continue to increase. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL BUNDLE UP WEEKEND
This Weekend, June 7th and 8th
Bundle Up for Saint Vincent de Paul!
Bring your gently used textiles, shoes, clothing, bedding, draperies, and small household goods (no dishes please) to share with others this weekend, June 7th/8th. A Saint Vincent de Paul truck/bin will be in the church parking lot so please share what you can with those less fortunate. Your donations will be used/sold to support outreach efforts.
The truck/bin will be open Saturday from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Volunteers will assist with the loading before and after each Mass.
Please note: Donations can only be accepted when the truck is open. We will not be accepting any donations before or after the Bundle Up Weekend.
The Society cannot accept baby items, building materials, dishes, furniture or books. A list of items that can or cannot be accepted is available by the Poor Box in the Gathering Space, or by calling the office. Thank you for your continued support!
MEN’S ACTS RETREAT SPRING 2025
Thursday, June 19th, 2025 06:30 PM to Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 12:00 PM
Queen of Apostles Retreat Centre, 1617 Blythe Rd., Mississauga
ACTS is a three-day retreat led by those who have attended prior ACTS retreats under the guidance of Catholic clergy and certified spiritual companions. The retreat focuses on Adoration, Community, Theology and Service. Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church are the guidelines. For more information, please contact the Men’s Retreat Director: Don Schreader at donschreader@gmail.com or phone 416-917-6551
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER EXPERIENCE
June 27-29, 2025
Fall in Love Again!
Are you ready for more growth and happiness in your marriage? Join us on June 27th to 29th at Queen of Apostles for a weekend that could change your life. Discover the Secrets to a Lasting, Supportive, and Transformational Marriage!
This weekend is for couples, whether you are newlyweds or have been married for decades. It’s also perfect for priests looking to deepen their relationship with their communities.
Call us NOW: Christian & Elizabeth Arroba, 416-554-4439 or 416-554-7062 or go to christian.elizabeth.arroba@wwme.org
2nd ELDER RETREAT
Saturday, June 28th, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Elders in the parish are invited to a mini retreat on Saturday, June 28th, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the parish. This is the second time that the Garden Ministry and the Ministry for Maturing Adults have collaborated in offering this kind of elder retreat.
Through hands-on encounters in the garden, reflection and discussion of scriptural passages, elders will be invited to share their wisdom and discover the spiritual roots of their relationship with nature.
Anyone who is interested in knowing more about this retreat, please contact stgabrielmma@gmail.com
More details and registration information will be available in next week’s bulletin.
TRIVIA
What’s the difference between a hippo and a Zippo?
One weighs a ton, and the other is a little lighter
Founded by St. Paul of the Cross, every Passionist takes a special vow to spend his or her energies in promoting remembrance of the sufferings of Jesus, the memory of the Cross, and reflection of the meaning of the Cross for the world.
