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bulletin – October 14

Sunday, October 14th, 2007

SAINT PAUL OF THE CROSS – OCTOBER 19

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.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

Date Time Intentions
Oct. 16 9:00AM FELICISIMO SORIASO req Family
Oct. 18 9:00AM PATRICIA CHIN req Hubert & Janice Lee
Oct. 19 9:00AM SYD SEDGWICK req Astrid Martin & Family
Oct. 20 4:30PM KEN OW-YONG req Helen Ow-Yong

SUNDAY COLLECTION: October 6/7, 2007

Total: $8,226

–>

4:30 8:30 10:30 12:30
Loose
Env. $
Total $2,141 $1,671 $2,406 $2,008
# of Env. 112 78 115 85

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY – OCTOBER 20/21

There will be a second collection next weekend to help with the work of evangelization around the world. Envelopes are in the pews.

REGISTRATION FOR CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTS

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOL CHILDREN

For families registered in this parish. If your child does not go to St. Gabriel’s School but wishes to receive the sacrament of Baptism, First Communion, Reconciliation, or Confirmation, please pick up a REGISTRATION FORM in the Parish office. These forms should be returned to the Parish Office with a copy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate (for First Communion and Confirmation) as soon as possible.

CHILDREN’S FAITH PROGRAM & ST. GABRIEL’S SCHOOL STUDENTS

Parents please bring completed registration forms to the parish office (Gabriel room) on any of the following evenings between 7:30 – 9:00 PM – Wednesday, October 17th; or Tuesday, October 23rd. A photocopy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate needs to accompany the registration for First Communion and Confirmation.

ATTENTION PARENTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE PREPARING FOR CONFIRMATION

OCTOBER 24TH 7:30 – 9:00 PM

This meeting is for the parents of children receiving their Confirmation this year. This is an information evening about the Confirmation process, so it is VERY IMPORTANT TO BE PRESENT. If you would like more information contact Otto Schmidt at 416 226 – 2332.

A NEW MINISTRY!

The parish is looking to establish a new ministry to serve elderly parishioners and others with special needs who might require transportation to and from Church on Saturdays/Sundays, and to medical appointments. First we would like to ascertain the need of the community in this regard. At the same time, we are seeking volunteers who would like to participate in this ministry. Any parishioners who would like to avail themselves of such a service OR who can volunteer to help, please contact Fatima Lee at 416 221-8866.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD

For children 4 – 10 years old on Sundays at the 10:30 AM Mass.
We are in need of volunteers to help us interpret the readings through discussion and activities. If you are interested call Tim Lychy at 416-953-0555 or email: tim@dibrinasure.com

TUESDAY NIGHTS AND WEDNESDAY MORNINGS ARE LEARNING TIMES

The topics we have chosen are varied – a mixture of church history, church teachings and scripture. You are welcome to join us whenever you can. Next meetings:
Tuesday evening, October 16th at 7:30 PM
Wednesday morning, October 17th at 10:30 AM.
For further information call Mary Landry at 416-221-8866 ext. 224.

CEREMONY OF THE BLESSING OF THE SICK

WILL BE AT 3:00 PM ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2007.
The Sacrament of the anointing of the sick is one of the Seven Sacraments. This Sacrament is celebrated with those who are seriously ill, those who are preparing for surgery, and the elderly. The preferred place for celebrating this Sacrament is in the Church with family and the members of the parish community present. All are more than welcome to attend.

JUST COFFEE

Fair trade organic coffees will be on sale after all the Masses next weekend.
Regular ground coffee: $5
Decaffeinated: $6
Whole Beans: $5
Chocolate Bars: $4 incl. taxes
Hot Chocolate and Cocoa: $4.50
Teas: $3.25 to $4 by variety

CASSEROLES FOR THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 38 casseroles for the Good Shepherd Centre for September. For October, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of October 27/28 for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre. 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 a copy of the recipe and a casserole pan, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791.

Blessed Trinity Catholic Women’s League

is hosting a General Meeting, “Back to Grass Roots” on October 24th. Keynote speaker: Pat Cross (CWL Archdiocesan Council Past President 2005-2007). The meeting will be held at 1:15PM and again at 7:00PM to ensure that everyone interested is able to attend, whether they work during the day or have commitments in the evening. There will be an overview and explanation of the different aspects of being a CWL member. There will also be an open forum. Refreshments will be provided. All the ladies (all ages) of St. Gabriel’s Parish are invited.

DE LA SALLE COLLEGE

a Catholic co-educational, private school for students in grades 5 to 12, will be hosting an Open House on Wednesday, October 17th from 7:00PM to 9:00PM for prospective students and their families for the academic year 2008 – 2009. The school is located at 131 Farnham Ave. Please contact the Office of Admissions at 416-969-8771, ext. 228 for more information.



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homily – October 7

Sunday, October 7th, 2007

Luke 17:5-10

I’d like you to fantasize this scene: it’s Thanksgiving Day. The mother of the family spends the day preparing the thanksgiving meal. She cooks the turkey, makes homemade pies and cookies; she does the vegetables, sets the tables and then calls the family to supper. She serves the meal and enjoys the company of the family. At the end of the meal the rest of the family gets up from the table and heads to the rec room to watch Monday night football. She stands there and shakes her head in disbelief and says, “isn’t anyone going to say ‘thank you’?” The family turns from watching TV and says, “well sure, thanks, great meal, but isn’t that what you are supposed to do as wife and mother?” In other words, you have done only what you ought to have done.

Don’t even try to imagine the atomic explosion that hit that house after such a question, isn’t that what you are supposed to do?

The story Jesus tells in the gospel and especially the last sentence we heard seems awfully harsh. “When you have done all you were ordered to do, say “we are worthless slaves and we have done only what we ought to have done.” Thanks a lot.

At the beginning of the gospel we hear the apostles asking for an increase of faith – a greater strength to trust Jesus and His teaching. They were stunned by Jesus’ teaching about the dangers of wealth and the blessedness of the poor. His demand that He come first in their lives, before mother, father, brothers or sisters was quite severe. This was all new to them. They wondered if they could handle it all. So they ask,”Lord increase our faith.” In other words give us strength we need to trust you and the things to which you call us.

We’ve been taught that faith is a gift, something we can’t earn, something freely given. This gift gives us the ability to trust the truth that we are loved by God, trust the truth that Jesus loved us with such intensity that He was willing to die for us, live the truth that we are brothers and sisters to all who come into our lives.

We are not entitled to our faith, we are entrusted with it and so we are expected to accept and live the deepest truths of our faith; that we are created of love, for love and are to return to that love. As the church prays, ‘love is our origin and love is our constant calling, love is our fulfillment in heaven.’ In living our lives as Christian people, struggling to live the great commandment, “love on another as I have loved you” we are doing only what we ought to do.

This gift of faith is given us so that we who believe may become more like the person in whom we believe. This gift is given so that we who believe may ‘put on Christ’ in the way we live our lives, in all its dimensions.

In the story Jesus tells He would identify Himself with the servant, not the master. In His passion and death He did what He ought to have done, He kept His commitment to do the will of the Father, no matter what the cost. “I have come to do Your will.”

Take for example the person who is gifted, entrusted with the ability to play a musical instrument. They will practice and practice to develop that gift and in doing so they will have done only what they ought to have done with their gift. To say that is not belittling their efforts but it is recognizing the fact that they have appreciated the gift entrusted to them. In doing so they have given glory to the gracious God Who so gifted them. This can be said of any of the gifts and talents a person may have.

We’ve been entrusted with our Christian faith, a gift that requires of us we seek to become more like the person in whom we believe. This is a lifetime struggle and there are times when that struggle becomes quite intense, when we suffer the death of one we love, when we are hit with serious illness, when we lose a job, when we are hit with a situation that leaves us spinning and we question the very existence of God and beg from the bottom of our hearts, ‘increase our faith’.

As we continue to celebrate this Mass, we can pray for ourselves and for each other that we treasure the gift of faith entrusted to us, a gift to which we were not entitled. May each of us seek to become more like the person in whom we believe and accept the reality that in all our efforts to live a Christian life, we are doing only what we ought to do.



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bulletin – October 7

Sunday, October 7th, 2007

Horn of Plenty

God has given us the earth to be our homeland. Along with this gift, we are asked to show our thankfulness by caring for the earth and by sharing our own gifts with one another.

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE – GOOD SHEPHERD MINISTRIES

The Brothers of the Good Shepherd are asking for our assistance during the Thanksgiving Season. You may participate by bringing non-perishable food items to the Church from now until October 14th. The following is a list of urgently needed items: canned vegetables and meats, rice, canned soups and stews, cold breakfast cereals, cookies, tea, ketchup, instant and ground coffee, hot chocolate, sugar, powdered milk, powdered fruit juice, powdered soup bases (chicken & beef), paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Kindly drop off your donations at the front doors of the Church and place them in the designated containers. Your donations will allow their kitchen staff and volunteers to prepare and serve an average of 750 meals and snacks daily. You have always supported this appeal so generously. Please keep up the good work.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

Date Time Intentions
Oct. 9 9:00AM MARGARET HARBER req Marguerite Veecock
Oct. 11 9:00AM C.F. DAN req Winnie Lewis & Henrietta Lin & Families
Oct. 12 9:00AM ZORE MEJAC req Tilka Rak
Oct. 13 4:30PM PATRICIA RODRIGUES req Ida & Tony

SUNDAY COLLECTION: September 29/30, 2007

Total: $8,390

–>

4:30 8:30 10:30 12:30
Loose
Env. $
Total $1,659 $1,775 $2,570 $2,386
# of Env. 100 101 150 96

REGISTRATION FOR CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTS

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOL CHILDREN

For families registered in this parish. If your child does not go to St. Gabriel’s School but wishes to receive the sacrament of Baptism, First Communion, Reconciliation, or Confirmation, please pick up a REGISTRATION FORM in the Parish office. These forms should be returned to the Parish Office with a copy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate (for First Communion and Confirmation) as soon as possible.

CHILDREN’S FAITH PROGRAM & ST. GABRIEL’S SCHOOL STUDENTS

Parents please bring completed registration forms to the parish office (Gabriel room) on any of the following evenings between 7:30 – 9:00 PM: Thursday, October 11th; Wednesday, October 17th; or Tuesday, October 23rd. A photocopy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate needs to accompany the registration for First Communion and Confirmation.

A NEW MINISTRY!

The parish is looking to establish a new ministry to serve elderly parishioners and others with special needs who might require transportation to and from Church on Saturdays/Sundays, and to medical appointments. First we would like to ascertain the need of the community in this regard. At the same time, we are seeking volunteerswho would like to participate in this ministry. Any parishioners who would like to avail themselves of such a service OR who can volunteer to help, please contact Fatima Lee at 416 221-8866.

NEW ALTAR SERVERS

If you are in Grade 5 or higher and are interested in becoming an altar server, you may contact Thomas Li at 416 756-4995. The orientation and training for the new members will be held on Saturday, October 13th from 2:30 to 4:15 PM in the Church.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD

For children 4 – 10 years old on Sundays at the 10:30 AM Mass. We are in need of volunteers to help us interpret the readings through discussion and activities. If you are interested call Tim Lychy at 416-953-0555 or email: tim@dibrinasure.com

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION – PARENTS ONLY MEETING

OCTOBER 24TH 7:30 – 9:00 PM
This meeting, which will take place in the Church, is for the parents of children receiving their Confirmation this year.

TUESDAY NIGHTS AND WEDNESDAY MORNINGS ARE LEARNING TIMES

For the past few years, Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings have been devoted to religious topics decided on by those who wish to participate. We have studied and discussed parts of the Bible, Church history, viewed videos, listened to tapes and read short but substantial books about Christ and the Church. On Tuesday evening, October 16th at 7:30 PM or if you prefer Wednesday morning, October 17th at 10:30 AM we will discuss what we wish to study through the fall. If you are interested, please come with your questions, your “puzzlements”, your concerns and your interests about the faith (and sometimes doubts) we share. For further information call Mary Landry at 416-221-8866 ext. 224.

CASSEROLES FOR THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 38 casseroles for the Good Shepherd Centre for September. For October, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of October 27/28 for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre. 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 a copy of the recipe and a casserole pan, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791.

TO CELEBRATE OUR NEW CHURCH

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2007 AT 8:00PM
This inaugural recital celebrating our new Rodgers Trillium Masterpiece Opus 680 organ will feature the internationally acclaimed organist Hector Olivera live in concert at St. Gabriel’s Church in our worship space. Admission is $10.00 at the door (students and seniors $5.00).

CEREMONY OF THE BLESSING OF THE SICK

WILL BE AT 3:00 PM ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2007.
The Sacrament of the anointing of the sick is one of the Seven Sacraments. This Sacrament is celebrated with those who are seriously ill, those who are preparing for surgery, and the elderly. The preferred place for celebrating this Sacrament is in the Church with family and the members of the parish community present. All are more than welcome to attend.



Posted in Bulletin | Comments Off on bulletin – October 7

homily – September 30

Sunday, September 30th, 2007

Luke 16:19:31

The gospel story of Lazarus and the poor man is powerful. The rich man had it made. He had not a worry in the world. He was well dressed and well fed. His life style was a lot like that of the people Amos went after in our first reading. Stretched out on beds of ivory, eating the best of food, enjoying their own music while completely oblivious to the social ills that surrounded them.

This rich man was probably not an evil man. He may have worked hard for his money. Luke says, ‘he loved it.’ When we really love something or someone it can become the centre of our lives. Obviously his money meant more to him than the suffering beggar at his door. But he never drove Lazarus away from his gate, he never set the dogs on him, he may have thrown him some of the leftovers from his table. He was convinced he was entitled to his life style, he was probably convinced that this is the way things are meant to be, there are the ‘haves’ and the ‘have knots.’ He saw no need to change things. He could have been sure that this is the way God meant things to be.

In death he knew things differently. The good things he enjoyed in life were of no good to him in his torments. Lazarus, who in life had little, in death had everything.

The rich man’s appeal to Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his brothers to shape up went nowhere. As Abraham said, “if they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, if they are deaf to their long Jewish tradition of caring for the poor and needy, they will be deaf to someone who comes back from the dead.”

What does this gospel say to us? Compared to other people in other lands we are really well off. Our life style is at the expense of countless people in other lands. We are living high on the hog. But forget about global issues – what about the social conditions here in our own city. How conscious are we, how concerned are we about the homeless men, women and children in our city of Toronto? What do we care about the families who depend on food banks or the children who go to school hungry? Are we aware of the Lazarus’ in our own community?

There was a great letter to the editor of the Star last Tuesday – it echoes the concerns of the prophet Amos: “I am amazed and horrified that the people of Ontario have allowed the major political parties to sabotage the true election issues by focusing on the faith-based school funding. Hungry children can’t learn. Families living in unsafe and substandard housing can’t provide a secure environment to foster learning. People earning the minimum wage or less can’t provide the necessities of life for their families. The poor who live on the streets without basic health care suffer from myriad health problems. Without clean air and water, Ontario’s environment will be unsustainable. Without a supply of knowledgeable workers our economy is in jeopardy. Poverty, the economy and the environment are the main election issues. Parties need to address them and share their policies with the electorate so that we can make informed choices on Oct. 10.”

I love this letter. It goes to the heart of the matter. Is it because we are indifferent to the needs of the poor, the homeless, those trying to survive on the minimum wage; is it because we take clean air and water for granted; and is it because these issues make us uncomfortable that we allowed ourselves to be distracted by this issue of faith-based school funding? For sure such funding is a matter of justice but the issues named in this letter are far more pressing. What a difference it might make if the media spent as much time covering these issues as it did covering the matter of funding faith-based schools.

Amos was expressing a holy discontent with the social indifference that let people ignore the poor and needy of his day. Jesus’ parable was doing the same. His story challenges all those who are content with the way things are, who see it to be quite normal that there be the ‘haves’ and the ‘have knots’ especially when they are among the haves.

As we continue the celebrate our Eucharist and are nourished by the bread of life, we can pray for ourselves and for each other that we be blessed with a holy discontent with the social ills and injustices of our city and province and find a way to question those who seek our votes as to whether or not they share in our discontent and judge them accordingly.



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bulletin – September 30

Sunday, September 30th, 2007

Thank You

I want to thank all those responsible for organizing the birthday reception held last Sunday after the
12:30 PM Mass. It was wonderful! It was good to spend time with all those present. I was thrilled to hear
“Happy Birthday” sung in six languages: English, French, Italian, Chinese, Indonesian and Filipino.
Thanks to those who said a few kind words about me and to the Children’s Choir for their ‘special song’.
Thank you for your generosity and may God bless you all.
FR. PAUL

ANNOUNCED MASSES

Date Time Intentions
Oct. 2 9:00AM DONATO & GRAZIA DI CIAULA req Virgilio Family
Oct. 4 9:00AM DEJAH MILNE AND FAMILY req Gennaro Family
Oct. 5 9:00AM ISIDORE & ISABEL PIRES req Family
Oct. 6 4:30PM THOMAS PEZZACK req Families of Edward Moffat, Joseph Milazzo, and Steven Tichy

SUNDAY COLLECTION: September 22/23, 2007

Total: $9,661

–>

4:30 8:30 10:30 12:30
Loose
Env. $
Total $1,848 $3,202 $2,556 $2,055
# of Env. 101 93 160 95

REGISTRATION FOR CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTS
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOL CHILDREN

For families registered in this parish. If your child does not go to St. Gabriel’s School but wishes to receive the sacrament of Baptism, First Communion, Reconciliation, or Confirmation, please pick up a REGISTRATION FORM in the Parish office. These forms should be returned to the Parish Office with a copy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate (for First Communion and Confirmation) as soon as possible.

CHILDREN’S FAITH PROGRAM & ST. GABRIEL’S SCHOOL STUDENTS

Parents please bring completed registration forms to the parish office (Gabriel room) on any of the following evenings between 7:30 – 9:00 PM: Thursday, October 11th; Wednesday, October 17th; or Tuesay, October 23rd. A photocopy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate needs to accompany the registration for First Communion and Confirmation.

RCIA

on Mondays at 7:30 PM. THESE EVENINGS ARE FOR PERSONS INTERESTED IN LEARNING ABOUT THE CATHOLIC FAITH. Because the Parish Community itself is considered the official teacher and guide for potential new members, it is important that some parishioners participate by being present and by sharing their Faith in various ways. Adult Catholics who wish to celebrate the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation are welcome. For information call Mary Landry at 416-221-8866 ext 224.

TUESDAY NIGHTS AND WEDNESDAY MORNINGS ARE LEARNING TIMES.

For the past few years, Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings have been devoted to religious topics decided on by those who wish to participate. We have studied and discussed parts of the Bible, Church history, viewed videos, listened to tapes and read short but substantial books about Christ and the Church. On Tuesday evening, October 2nd at 7:30 PM or if you prefer Wednesday morning, October 3rd at 10:30 AM we will discuss what we wish to study through the fall. If you are interested, please come with your questions, your “puzzlements”, your concerns and your interests about the faith (and sometimes doubts) we share. For further information call Mary Landry at 416-221-8866 ext. 224.

ALTAR LINEN CARE

We are in need of more ladies to help wash & iron the altar linens. If you can spare one turn a month or every six weeks to help in this ministry please call Marie at 416-221-8866.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD

For children 4 – 10 years old on Sundays at the 10:30 AM Mass. We are in need of volunteers to help us interpret the readings through discussion and activities. If you are interested call Tim Lychy at 416-953-0555 or email: tim@dibrinasure.com

ST. GABRIEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL is looking for a lunchtime supervisor

to help assist them with supervision during the lunch hour only (12:00 – 1:00 PM). If you are interested, please contact Mr. F. Clotildes, Principal at 416-393-5256.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Friday, October 5th at 9:30 AM – 12 NOON
Please see the time schedule on the table inside the Church.

ENGLISH ROSARY GROUP

Saturday, October 6th at 3:15 PM in the Library. We welcome all who wish to share this time with us. For information please contact Linda Law at 416-918-8029.

CHINESE (Cantonese) ROSARY GROUP

Sunday, October 7th at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel room. For information contact Linda Law at 416-918-8029.

ECO-SABBATH

Sunday, October 7 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.

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE – GOOD SHEPHERD MINISTRIES

The Brothers of the Good Shepherd are asking for our assistance during the Thanksgiving Season. You can participate by bringing non-perishable food items this week and on the Thanksgiving weekend. The following is a list of urgently needed items: canned vegetables and meats, rice, canned soups and stews, cold breakfast cereals, cookies, tea, ketchup, instant and ground coffee, hot chocolate, sugar, powdered milk, powdered fruit juice, powdered soup bases (chicken & beef), paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Kindly drop off your donations at the front doors of the Church and place them in the designated containers. Your donations will allow their kitchen staff and volunteers to prepare and serve an average of 750 meals and snacks daily. You have always supported this appeal so generously. Please keep up the good work.

TWO UPCOMING EVENTS TO CELEBRATE OUR NEW CHURCH

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2007 AT 7:30PM
MISSA GAIA

The choirs, made up of 120 students from Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts present: “FOR THE BEAUTY OF THE EARTH”, which is a contemporary celebration of God’s creation, with the sounds of wolf, whale and loon. Music is by Paul Winter, Paul Halley, and John Rutter. This is a great opportunity to support the young people at Cardinal Carter School. Admission is $10.00

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2007 AT 8:00PM

A special inaugural recital by world-renown organist, Hector Olivera will be performed on Tuesday October 9 at 8:00 PM. Contact the church office for details.



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