Author Archive

Homily – October 24, 2021

Sunday, October 24th, 2021

The most interesting word in today’s gospel is the word ‘again’. Lord, let me see again, Again suggests that Bartimaeus did at one time have the wonderful gift of sight. We don’t know how he lost it but lost he did and now he is desperate to have that beautiful gift restored. Not even the crowd could keep him quiet.

With his sight restored Bartimaeus would see things with a deeper appreciation. Sometimes we hear things so often that we can lose sight of what is being said.

There was an article in a prominent Catholic magazine that claimed that about 60% of church going Catholics do not believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Communion they receive at Mass. Is it a symbol, a memory, a figure of speech?

No it is a reality. Under the appearance of bread and wine Jesus is truly present. After the priest says the words of consecration; take and eat, this is my body, take and drink, this is my blood he sings the words, ‘The mystery of faith’.And you good people answer ; When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death O Lord, until you come again..

Like seeing things so often we can fail to see the depth of their beauty, we can reduce them to the ordinary, the unspectacular.

Hearing the words, this is my body take and eat, this is my blood take and drink we miss the other words of Jesus ’unless you eat the flesh of man and drink his blood, you cannot have life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood live in me and I live in them and I will raise them up on the last day.

The people who first heard these words of Jesus found them to be a hard saying and many of them walked with him no more…

The presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is a mystery of our faith. A mystery is something of which we cannot know anything; a mystery is something of which we cannot know everything. A mystery of faith, a trust that when Jesus said over the bread ‘this is my body’ and sharing the cup of wine, this is my blood

then bread is more than bread and wine is more than wine; they are the body and blood of Jesus.

A man asked Jesus to heal him and Jesus questioned him, do you believe I can do this. The man simply, honestly replied, ’Lord I believe, help the little faith I.’

As we receive Holy Communion at this Mass maybe our simple prayer of faith might be not, Let me see again but give me the eyesight of faith help me believe again in this wonderful mystery. that in Holy Communion I receive you, body, blood, soul and divinity my bread of life, my promise of eternal life. Lord, increase the little faith I have

Bulletin – October 17, 2021

Sunday, October 17th, 2021

UPDATING OUR PARISH RECORDS

At this time, we would like to update our Parish records.

If you have changed your address, telephone number or email address, please let us know. Thank you for your cooperation.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE COUNTED!

Cardinal Collins has requested that a weekend Mass attendance count be conducted annually in all parishes and missions of the Archdiocese. This year the attendance count will continue on the weekends of October 16th /17th and 23rd/24th.

The purpose of the count is to have a more accurate assessment of the number of people attending Mass on a weekend. We realize that the parish headcount will reflect the allowed numbers during this ongoing pandemic; however, an accurate account of the number of people attending is very important nonetheless.

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

CHURCH BULLETIN ADVERTISING

Liturgical Publications is seeking advertisements for our church bulletin. This advertising helps to cover the costs of producing the bulletin each week. Please support our bulletin and advertise your product or service. Call Liturgical Publications at 905 624 4422 for more information.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

October 18th to October 24th, 2021

MONDAY – KOON TING LAU – Requested by Linda Law & Family
TUESDAY – SEE HIM CHIU – Requested by The Chiu Family
WEDNESDAY – ROMULO CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ – Requested by his Parents
THURSDAY KENG OWYONG – Requested by Helen Owyong
FRIDAY – ABANDONED SOULS IN PURGATORY – Requested by The Nguyen Family
SATURDAY – BIRTHDAY INTENTIONS OF LUCILLE YEUNG – Requested by The Yeung Family
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – JUAN ANGELO MANGAHAS – Requested by Anna Mae Mangahas
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – ALOYSIUS TELLIS – Requested by Brenda & Family

ALTAR SERVERS

The Altar Server Ministry invites children, 10 and above, who are interested in learning how to serve at Mass, to please email stgabrielsaltarservers@gmailcom with details of the Mass at which they would like to serve.

JUST A REMINDER

The Parent meeting for those whose children will receive First Communion in the spring is October 26th at 7:30 PM.

The Parent meeting for those whose children will be confirmed in the spring will be on October 28th at 7:30 PM

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY

October 23rd/24th

Since 1922, the Pontifical Missions Societies, through the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, have supported the temporal needs of missions and created awareness of the work of the missions throughout the world. Some examples of their projects include: building churches, pastoral centres, cathedrals, religious houses of formation, homes for the clergy; offering formation programs for lay missionaries; providing radio and television production and audio-visual materials to remote mission areas; and supporting pastoral work in various rural dioceses.

There will be a second collection on the weekend of October 23rd/24th for the Evangelization of the Nations, otherwise known as World Mission Sunday.

This is a worldwide collection for the missionary Church and it is our opportunity to assist at-need Catholic communities around the globe. Our offerings are combined with those of other Catholics around the world and distributed to missions and dioceses.

We are called to share from our abundance with those who are less fortunate and lack the basic essentials to know, love and praise God. Thank you for your support of this important work.

SHARELIFE

Living the Gospel by supporting seminarians

We must pray for good and holy priests. But we must also ensure they are equipped with an excellent educational and spiritual formation, which is why your gift to ShareLife supports St. Augustine’s Seminary. The future of our Church, and the essential pastoral care provided by our priests, depends on our generosity.

October 31st is the next ShareLife Sunday.

Please give generously during the special collection or anytime at sharelife.org.

FOOD FOR ROSALIE HALL & GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre during our Thanksgiving Food Drive. Your response was overwhelming!

Rosalie Hall assists young parents and their children to realize their potential through the provision of a wide range of child development, community, residential and educational services.

Good Shepherd provides hot meals and shelter for the homeless in our city as well as a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs.

Your food donations are more important than ever as Covid 19 continues and numbers of needy people continue to increase. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired.

BOOK DISCUSSION BUILDING ‘DELIGHT MUSCLES’

Wednesday, October 20th at 7:00 PM

A virtual event recommended by the Office for Promoting Christian Unity and Religious Relations with Judaism

The Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies (ICJS) provides lectures and discussions to build religious literacy among the public. Ross Gay will share insights from his recent book that explores the delights of the ordinary, especially the small actions of individuals that create community. These shared bonds lead to the rewards that come from a life closely observed. This poet and essayist will illustrate the importance of acknowledging joy and wonder in our life as a spiritual practice.

Register at https://bit.ly/BookOfDelightsDiscussion

WORLDWIDE Marriage Encounter

Virtual Online, October 22nd to October 24th

Live your best life in love! Restore your loving communication with your spouse and rekindle the romance. The Marriage Encounter experience is a skill-building enrichment program where you, as husband and wife, learn how to be the best couple you can be; a special weekend to spend in ways that normal, daily living tends to inhibit. No group discussion. Based on Catholic values but open to couples of all faiths. Rediscover the love in your relationship!

For more information and to register, contact Marge & Gerard McCauley at gerard.marge@rogers.com or (905) 792-1925. Website: wwme.org

ST. MICHAEL’S COLLEGE SCHOOL VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

Tuesday, October 26th and Thursday, October 28th at 7:30 PM

A VIRTUAL EVENT HOSTED BY ST. MICHAEL’S COLLEGE SCHOOL

Discover and experience St. Michael’s College School, an independent school for boys in Grades 7 to 12, near downtown Toronto. Explore robust academics, arts, athletics and activities programming and dynamic mentorship, leadership and experiential learning opportunities! Registration required.
To register go to www.applysmcs.com

THEOLOGY ON TAP – The Final Event!

Nudged by the Spirit: The Journey Continues.

Monday, October 25th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

After 16 years, the Young Adult Ministry of Faith Connections is drawing to a close.

As a congregation, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto reflected and prayed about offering opportunities for adults in our Church, and beyond, that were most needed and appealing. They invite you to celebrate with them as the Spirit moves them forward, from Faith Connections, to new paths that reflect their common Christian vocation.

Join them virtually on Monday, October 25th, for Faith Connections’ final Theology on Tap Central – “Nudged by the Spirit: The Journey Continues”. They are looking forward to celebrating the end of this journey with you with a special panel of speakers and reflections. Please go to faithconnections@csj-to.ca for more information.

THE GARDEN SHED

LIFE IN THE GARDEN

Fox stood tentatively on the curb beside the lavender bed, haunches low, eyes squinting as if holding them open cost too much effort. We assessed each other. It was young, scrawny and its attitude strikingly different from that of other urban foxes I have encountered. They projected a self-assurance and comfort in their environment; this fox was submissive.

Was it injured or starving? Should I call Animal Rescue? I threw some nuts to entice it to walk, which it did. Clearly not injured, I assumed it was hungry, emptied my snack pouch and left for home.

Although feeding wild animals is not a wise practice, in this case I felt it was justified. Did sly fox con me with its submissive performance? Maybe – this time.

Looking for adventure? Join the Garden Ministry: sgpgardenministry@gmail.com

Homily – October 17, 2021

Sunday, October 17th, 2021

This virus has brought out the worst and the best in us; the worst in the men and women who refuse to be vaccinated or wear masks, the worst in people who harass and abuse health care workers at hospitals entrances.

The virus brought out the best in the doctors and nurses, the care givers and first responders who put their own lives in danger wearing themselves out caring for the sick.

Jesus, who came to serve, not to be served is enfleshed in these men and women who are with us to serve, not be served and have even given their lives in that service.

James and John were relatives of Jesus and felt they deserved more than the other disciples Family comes first, you always take care of your own. Taking Jesus aside they asked that he do for them whatever they wanted. Jesus was wise enough to ask what that might be. When he heard they wanted to sit on either side of him when he came into his glory Jesus basically said,’ ‘no way’ you’ve got it all wrong. I’m here to serve, not be served and to give my life as a ransom for many.

James and John were climbers. Climbers are everywhere; in politics, in business, in the professions and believe it or not, in the church. Jesus pulled the latter out from under these climbers. They got it all wrong. He came to serve not be served and to give his life for others.

Jesus is the suffering servant the prophet Isiah foresaw; a man of suffering, despised and rejected and held of no account. A man struck down by God. He was wounded for our transgressions and it is by his wounds we are healed.

Only after the glory of the resurrection did James and John get the message and eventually gave their lives as witnesses to Jesus.

At this Mass at every Mass we repeat the words of Jesus; this is my body give for you, this is my blood shed for you. Take and eat, take and drink. Strengthened by the Eucharistic food we are blessed with willingness to be there for one another, especially the person who needs our presence, our understanding and our support. Like the Jesus we try to follow we too are meant to serve in whatever way we are called to do so. May the bread of life we receive give us the strength and generosity to do so.

Bulletin – October 10, 2021

Sunday, October 10th, 2021

THANKSGIVING

A Reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians (3.12-15)

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body.

And be thankful.

A Prayer for Thanksgiving

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.

A blessed and happy Thanksgiving to all.

Monday, October 11th is Thanksgiving Day.
There will be no 9:00 AM Mass and the Parish Office will be closed.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

October 11th to October 17th, 2021

MONDAY – THANKSGIVING DAY – No 9:00 AM Mass today
TUESDAY – SOGAN JUNG – Requested by Veronica Do
WEDNESDAY – MOLLY & BILL BURKE – Requested by Marilyn & Fred Burke
THURSDAY – LEANOR MACALINO – Requested by Robert & Cheeto Miguel
FRIDAY – SOGAN JUNG – Requested by Veronica Do
SATURDAY – PASQUALE GATTI – Requested by Linda Gatti
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – KAZ SWIDERSKI – Requested by Irene & Family
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – ANDREW HUI TAI PANG – Requested by Howa Hui

ALTAR SERVERS

The Altar Server Ministry invites children, 10 and above, who are interested in learning how to serve at Mass, to please email stgabrielsaltarservers@gmailcom with details of the Mass at which their children would like to serve.

WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS!

The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome
Ariana Nicole Mourra and
Jaden Osariere Oghosa

These children received the Sacrament of Baptism in the month of September. Congratulations!

JUST A REMINDER

The Parent meeting for those whose children will receive First Communion in the spring is October 26th at 7:30 PM.

The Parent meeting for those whose children will be confirmed in the spring will be on October 28th at 7:30 PM.

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY

October 23rd/24th

Since 1922, the Pontifical Missions Societies, through the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, have supported the temporal needs of missions and created awareness of the work of the missions throughout the world. Some examples of their projects include: building churches, pastoral centres, cathedrals, religious houses of formation, homes for the clergy; offering formation programs for lay missionaries; providing radio and television production and audio-visual materials to remote mission areas; and supporting pastoral work in various rural dioceses. There will be a second collection on the weekend of October 23rd/24th for the Evangelization of the Nations, otherwise known as World Mission Sunday.

This is a worldwide collection for the missionary Church and it is our opportunity to assist at-need Catholic communities around the globe. Our offerings are combined with those of other Catholics around the world and distributed to missions and dioceses.

We are called to share from our abundance with those who are less fortunate and lack the basic essentials to know, love and praise God. Thank you for your support of this important work.

SHARELIFE

Living the Gospel by supporting frontline workers

Day in and day out, frontline workers have been working tirelessly during the pandemic. While they are there for us, who is there for them?

Catholic Family Services agencies have served countless people who are on the front lines during the pandemic, providing counselling and support. Your gift to ShareLife is helping them cope with the stress and anxiety of being exposed to illness.

October 31st is the next ShareLife Sunday. Please give generously during the special collection or anytime at sharelife.org.

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

For the Good Shepherd Centre and Rosalie Hall

it’s not to late to make a difference in the lives of the hungry and homeless this Thanksgiving by participating in the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.

Good Shepherd provides hot meals and shelter for the homeless in our city as well as a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs.

Rosalie Hall assists young parents and their children to realize their potential through the provision of a wide range of child development, community, residential and educational services.

Urgently needed items include:
rice pasta sauces, canned tomatoes
breakfast cereals hot chocolate
tea bags jam
granola/protein bars chocolate bars
cookies and crackers, hard candy
sugar coffee
canned legumes e.g., chick peas, black beans
canned tuna, soups, stews, fruits and vegetables

Please check the expiry date as we cannot pass on expired foods. Please no fresh or frozen foods.

Thank you for your ongoing support of these two special charities.

CHURCH BULLETIN ADVERTISING

Liturgical Publications is seeking advertisements for our church bulletin. This advertising helps to cover the costs of producing the bulletin each week. Please support our bulletin and advertise your product or service. Call Liturgical Publications at 905 624 4422 for more information.

IS OUR GOD TOO SMALL?

Friday, October 15th at 7:00 PM to Sunday, October 17th at 1:00 PM

Manresa Jesuit Spiritual Renewal Centre
2325 Liverpool Rd., Pickering

A silent Ignatian weekend retreat for men and women.

What happens to our faith as we learn just how big the cosmos is? How do we encounter God differently when we realize that all those stars and planets are real places – part of the same universe created by God and redeemed by the Incarnation?

Facilitated by Br. Guy Consolmagno, SJ, known as “The Pope’s Astronomer.” He is the director of the Vatican Observatory and president of the Vatican Observatory Foundation.

Br. Consolomagno believes in the need for science and religion to work alongside one another, rather than act as competing ideologies. A suggested offering of $260 per person. Includes two nights’ accommodation, meals, program and spiritual direction.

To register go to www.manresa-canada.ca

For more information, contact: registration@manresa.ca or phone 905-839-2864.

BOOK DISCUSSION – BUILDING ‘DELIGHT MUSCLES’

Wednesday, October 20th at 7:00 PM

A virtual event recommended by the Office for Promoting Christian Unity and Religious Relations with Judaism

The Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies (ICJS) provides lectures and discussions to build religious literacy among the public. Ross Gay will share insights from his recent book that explores the delights of the ordinary, especially the small actions of individuals that create community. These shared bonds lead to the rewards that come from a life closely observed. This poet and essayist will illustrate the importance of acknowledging joy and wonder in our life as a spiritual practice.

Register at https://bit.ly/BookOfDelightsDiscussion

WORLDWIDE Marriage Encounter

Virtual Online, October 22nd to October 24th

Live your best life in love! Restore your loving communication with your spouse and rekindle the romance. The Marriage Encounter experience is a skill-building enrichment program where you, as husband and wife, learn how to be the best couple you can be; a special weekend to spend in ways that normal, daily living tends to inhibit. No group discussion. Based on Catholic values but open to couples of all faiths. Rediscover the love in your relationship!

For more information and to register, contact Marge & Gerard McCauley at gerard.marge@rogers.com or (905) 792-1925.

Website: wwme.org

THE GARDEN SHED

On this Thanksgiving weekend, the Garden Ministry would like to share with you a Thanksgiving which they created from their experiences working in St. Gabriel’s Garden.

It expresses our gratitude to the garden, its creatures, the elements and Creator, and can be found in the Fall Newsletter, at the bottom of the Garden Ministry page on the parish website: https://stgabrielsparish.ca/ministries/garden-ministry/

Thank you for your continued interest, support and encouragement.

Homily – October 10, 2021

Sunday, October 10th, 2021

There’s a poem titled Maud Miller. It’s about a young couple from both sides of the track. They never got together but years later they met. Maud ended their meeting with this thought; ‘of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these – it might have been.

What might have been if this enthusiastic young man had accepted the invitation of Jesus, ‘Come follow me’ the young man couldn’t do it for he had many possessions that in reality possessed him. We’ll never what might have been.

This is the weekend of Thanksgiving. Hopefully because so many people have the double vaccination we’ll feel safe getting together with family to celebrate Thanksgiving. Hopefully we’ll have a deeper appreciation of the gifts by which our lives are blessed.

There is a Canadian authoress Miriam Twoes. She wrote a book a few years ago titled, ’A Complicated Kindness’ it tells of a young girl growing up on the prairies on a dirt poor farm. Her family belonged to an old German Mennonite Church. A joyless chuch.

Her father was a strict man, so much so that her mother and her older sister just took off. She got into drugs and was sleeping around. One day she was musing on her life and came to this amazing conclusion…

My life has been an embarrassment of blessings. An embarrassment of blessings.

Can any of us here say, my life has been such, an embarrassment of blessings?

I think I can. For all the years serving in this parish of St, Gabriels, celebrating feasts and funerals with you good people, my life, my ministry has been an embarrassment of blessing.

I’ve often suggested we develop an attitude of gratitude, a mindset of thankfulness.

We’re here today to celebrate this Mass, this Eucharist. We’re here to say to God, ’thank you.’ Eucharist is Greek for thanks. I’ll be saying the second Eucharist prayer,the second prayer of thanksgiving. You good people will be making this prayer your own when you sing ‘Amen’ at the end of if. We thank God for the life, death and resurrection of Jesus

I hope and pray we all have a great Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends. I hope and pray that God gift us all with a deep and abiding attitude of gratitude.