Author Archive

Homily – March 15, 2020

Sunday, March 15th, 2020

We’ve all heard this story of Christ meeting a women at a well. They are both thirsty, Christ for water and the woman for God. They quenched each other’s thirst.

But I’d like to say a few words on Paul’s letter to the Romans.

It would be an under-statement to say these are troublesome times. We’ve yet to come to grips with our environmental reality and now we face a viral pandemic. In a way we’ve brought it all on ourselves. Environmentally we’re living beyond our means. We can travel anywhere in the world but that blessing can expose us to many dangers. A virus that came out of a market place in China has spread around the world by jet travel. Italy is in lock down, the stock market is in shambles and tourism is at a standstill.

What we need now is the strength of God’s gift of Hope. We believe in God, we believe in God’s Son, Jesus our Christ and we believe in God’s life giving Spirit. Hope is God’s gift to us that helps us trust that God’s promises will be kept, no matter how our present circumstances make us wonder if this be true.

St. Paul tells us we are justified, made right with God, by our faith, our conviction that we are loved by God, we are precious to God. God proves this to us when God sent Jesus into our world not to judge or condemn us but to die his shameful, painful death on the cross so that might be one again with God.

No matter what we give up for Lent or what good works we do in Lent, no matter what prayers we pray this Lent the upmost conviction we must have this Lent is based on these words of Paul in our first reading;’ While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly, Christ died for you, Christ died for me. Christ died for Jewish people, Christ died for Moslem people, Christ died for Gay and Transgender people, Christ died for the refugees and immigrants of our troubled world. God our Father proves his love for all of us in that we were still sinners Christ died for us all.

We say we believe all this but there are many times in our lives when things are so confused, so uncertain, so unfair when all we can say is this simple truth; Lord I believe, help the little faith I have.

We hang on to Hope. In the face of global or personal crises we hang on to our conviction that God, our Father, our Mother is true to the promise, I am with you always even til the end of days. Hold on to hope, keep the Faith, God is with us especially in these uncertain times. Remember at this Mass those suffering from these disease, the scientists searching for a cure and the nurses and doctors caring for the sick.

Homily – March 8, 2020

Sunday, March 8th, 2020

Today’s scripture might be about our comfort zones. For Abraham, his comfort zone was in the city of Ur, his home town. He was surrounded and supported by the members of his clan. He was wealthy. Abraham had it made. But God had other plans for Abraham. He lured him and his clan away from Ur with a promise of a new land flowing with milk and honey. Childless at that time God promised Abraham he would be the father of a mighty nation, his sons numberless like the stars of heaven. Abraham believed God and left his comfort zone and followed God into an unknown future.

For Peter, James and John their comfort zone was on the mountain where Jesus was transfigured before their very eyes and they saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus and all they could say was, “It is good for us to be here.’ But that was not to be. Jesus got them off the mountain, away from their wonderful comfort zone. They would not be blessed with another such experience until they saw the Risen Christ. In the meantime they would endure experiencing their part in the betrayal by Judas, Peter’s denial and the trial and shameful, painful crucifixion of Jesus on Calvary. At no time at any of these events did any of them say, ‘it is good for us to be here.’ Comfort zones are nice but they can be dangerous. Our personal comfort zones can cause us to stagnate, become idle and without motivation.

On our own journey of life and our journey of faith we are meant to be on the move, to grow and deepen our relationships with the other people in our lives. St. Paul challenges us to grow to full maturity in our relationship with Christ. Marriages are meant to grow and deepen from one comfort zone to another. Personal careers happen when a man or woman knows they can and want to move on. Fear to move on leads to stagnation and stagnation leads to death.

Our baptism was our birth into our relation with Christ in the community of the Church. Think on this. What is your comfort zone as a member of St. Gabriel’s parish? Do you feel welcomed as you come to Sunday Mass? Have you made an effort to get to know other parishioners? Are you involved in any parish event? Do you serve your fellow parishioners in any of the parish ministries? When you come to Sunday Mass or to a parish event have you ever thought, ‘it is good for me to be here?

From the moment we were born we were meant to grow, meant to move from one comfort zone to another. It is not always ‘good for us to be here.’ Christ is calling all of us to grow to move on. Belonging,Believing, Becoming, the greatest of these is becoming.

Bulletin – March 8, 2020

Sunday, March 8th, 2020

A MESSAGE FROM CARDINAL COLLINS
NURTURE LIFE, OPPOSE DEATH ON DEMAND!

Contact your Member of Parliament today!

The federal government has tabled legislation to expand what they refer to as medical assistance in dying but is more accurately called euthanasia/assisted suicide. More than 13,000 Canadians have been euthanized since 2016.

New legislation would make assisted death available to those without life-threatening illnesses including those with disabilities and those no longer capable of making decisions for themselves. Some Canadians may even be euthanized on the same day they make the request.

Visit www.helptheliving.ca to send a letter (prepared for you) to your Member of Parliament expressing deep concern. The process takes less than 5 minutes. More information can also be found at: www.archtoronto.org/euthanasia. We continue to pray and advocate for the vulnerable among us.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Coronaviruses are spread mainly from person to person through close contact. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses. Take these everyday steps to reduce exposure to the virus and protect your health:

wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
sneeze and cough into your sleeve
avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
avoid contact with people who are sick
stay home if you are sick

Regarding liturgical practices, local health officials have indicated that it is NOT necessary to alter current practices at this time.

WELCOME NEW PARISHIONERS

We welcome new members of our Parish, individuals and families who joined and registered in the months of January and February, 2020:

Crystan Calica Lucia Salcedo
Crysteen Calica Nicholas Moniz
Jeremy Aykroyd Joyce Many
Clara Aykroyd Cynia Sanchez
Valerie Ciaramella Barbara Schmin
Milan Ciaramella Doug Schmin
Josie Da Silva Ngante Akosung
Eric Da Silva Alan Akosung
Patricia Robinson Swinnie Akosung
Tuomas Tarvanen Maureen Asumin
Noah Tarvanen Robert Wan
Mary Wan

PARISH LENTEN RETREAT

Gift, Greed and Gratitude:
Changing our Hearts to Change the World

On Saturday, February 29th, the Parish held a Lenten retreat on the theme Gift, Greed and Gratitude It was led by Redemptorist Bishop Jon Hansen, Bishop of Mackenzie -Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories.

We would like to thank Bishop Jon for his insights using scripture, stories and indiginous myths from the north.
It was a prayerful and enjoyable afternoon for all who attended.

Thank you Bishop Jon!

LENTEN AND EASTER SCHEDULE 2020

Stations of the Cross: Friday Evenings at 7:30 PM

Parish Lenten Retreat
Saturday, February 29th
From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Individual Confessions
Thursday, March 26th
From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Reconciliation Service
Wednesday, April 1st at 7:30 PM

Palm Sunday, April 5th
Masses Sat., 4:30 PM
Sun., 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM

Holy Thursday, April 9th
No 9:00 A.M. Mass
7:30 PM – Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Followed by Adoration until 10:00 PM

Good Friday, April 10th
10:00 AM – Morning Prayer
3:00 PM – Solemn Passion of Our Lord
7:30 PM – Stations of the Cross

Holy Saturday, April 11th
No 4:30 PM Mass
8:00 PM Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday, April 12th
Masses 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM

Easter Monday, April 13th
No 9:00 AM Mass
Office Closed

EXTRA PARKING AT ELKHORN PUBLIC SCHOOL

CONFIRMATION CLASS

Saturday, March 28th from 2:00 to 3:30 PM
Gabriel Room

The next Confirmation class for those students from St. Gabriel’s School and all other Catholic Schools who are to be confirmed on May 17th will be held here in the Gabriel Room on Saturday, March 28th at 2:00 PM.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

March 9th – March 15th, 2020

MONDAY – ANTONIA EVANS – Requested by the Teresa Sheldrick
TUESDAY – KEVIN PEARCE – Requested by Fergus O’Connell
WEDNESDAY – PATRICIA CLYDESDALE – Requested by Nora Kerr
THURSDAY – ROMEO LIGGAYU – Requested by His Family
FRIDAY – JOSEPHINE BADALI – Requested by John, Sal & Patsy
SATURDAY – GUS & MARIE CALDERONE – Requested by their Family
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – VICENTE LANSANGAN – Requested by Leticia
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – ADORACION LIGGAYU – Requested by the Family

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Stations of the Cross will take place each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 PM. We also encourage your attendance at our daily Mass throughout Lent.

SHARELIFE: It’s who we are!

Catholic agencies have been serving those among us who are poor, sick and marginalized since the founding of our diocese 178 years ago – it’s who we are as Catholics in the Archdiocese of Toronto! We continue that legacy through ShareLife, which funds over 40 agencies that provide unconditional care, regardless of religious affiliation.

March 29 is ShareLife Sunday.
Please give generously.

FOOD FOR ROSALIE HALL & GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Each month food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.

Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired. Thank you for your generous support!

CALLING ALL GIRLS

Mother Daughter Event
Friday, March 27th -from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
***Colleen Carroll Campbell will be doing a book signing
Speakers & Topics:
Adeodata Czink – What Makes a Lady a Lady?
Dr. Sandra Sagrati – Get Uncomfortable: Less Stress & Anxiety
Dorothy Pilarski – The Power of Prayer

Register at www.dynamicwomenfaith.com

11th ANNUAL DYNAMIC WOMEN OF FAITH CATHOLIC WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

Saturday, March 28th from 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM

Le Treport Banquet Hall 1075 The Queensway East

The 11th Annual Dynamic Women of Faith Conference will be held on Saturday March 28th at the Le Treport Banquet Hall in Mississauga. The Closing Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Edward Curtis, rector of St. Michael’s Cathedral. The speakers include Colleen Carroll Campbell and Kimberly Hahn.

The cost is $65 which includes lunch. Register at www.dynamicwomenfaith.com. If you have questions, contact 416-907-1042.

QUEEN OF APOSTLES – A RETREAT FOR WOMEN

Who Am I? Finding my Purpose through Inner Reflection

Saturday March 28th, from 9:00 AM.to 4:00 PM.

Led by Lynn Gow, ‘Who Am I?’ is a time to stop, reflect and look inside yourself with a new lens. You will be given a framework to use in your journey of self-discovery. Knowing ourselves, our core values helps to focus us on where we need to be spending our energy to become the women we were created to be.

The cost is $125 which includes lunch on Saturday. For more information or to register please call 306-242-1916 or email: receptionist@queenshouse.org Registration is limited to a minimum of 6 participants and a maximum of 12 participants – register soon!

A $25 Deposit is required when registering.
Registration deadline: March 21st.

THE GARDEN SHED

The next meeting of the Garden Ministry will be on Sunday, March 8th at 1:30 PM in the Gabriel Room. Everyone is welcome.

Also, on March 8th, members will be on hand in the Gathering Space after all the Masses to answer your questions and invite your participation.

Please drop by the lights at the bottom of the stairs leading to the garage to watch the progress of the onion and celery seeds, planted for the St. Gabriel’s Good Shepherd Community Garden.

And, if you are looking for a Lenten meditation, you can view Fr. Steve Dunn’s presentation on the Stations of the Cosmic Earth on the parish website at https://stgabrielsparish.ca/ – under Photos and Videos.

Bulletin – March 1, 2020

Sunday, March 1st, 2020

Statement from Cardinal Thomas Collins regarding Jean Vanier

“An investigation has revealed very disturbing behaviour by Jean Vanier, revered and loved by so many, both in Canada and around the world. The news is tragic and heart wrenching. We pray for the victims of abuse, mindful of their immeasurable pain and suffering. In the midst of this darkness, we find a ray of light in those who so faithfully serve in L’Arche communities worldwide and have dedicated their lives to friendship, care and love.”

Just a reminder

Daylight Savings Time begins next weekend. Please remember to set your clocks forward 1 hour on Saturday evening, March 7th.

We are very pleased to report that that the original refugee family that the parish sponsored in 2012 (the Saoor family) has just sponsored a family of their own. They are very proud to be able to do for another family what our parish did for them. The sponsored family arrived January 22nd. Several members of our parish donated, arranged or transported furnishings for the new family.

Youth Group Talent Night

Congratulations to the Youth Group for another very successful Talent Show on Sunday. The performances showcased a great deal of talent among the young people of the Parish. A total of $715 was raised in support of their attendance at the Steubenville Youth Conference.

The Youth Group feel so blessed to have such a supportive and generous parish community. They wish to thank all the volunteers, parents, parish staff, and clergy who helped make the show a great success. All who attended enjoyed the show. Way to go, Youth Group!

FIRST RECONCILIATION

Saturday, March 7th at 10:00 AM

St. Gabriel’s Church

First Reconciliation for children attending St. Gabriel’s School, those in the Children’s Faith Program and children attending other Catholic Schools will be held at St. Gabriel’s Church on Saturday, March 7th at 10:00 AM.

FIRST FRIDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Friday, March 6th from 9:30 AM to 12 Noon

ENGLISH ROSARY GROUP

Saturday, March 7th at 3:15 PM in the Gabriel Room.

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

ANNOUNCED MASSES

March 2nd – March 8th, 2020

MONDAY – ANTONIA EVANS – Requested by the Teresa Sheldrick
TUESDAY – PEGGY DILLON – Requested by Eamon & Agnes
WEDNESDAY – KRISTOPHER TA – Requested by Veronica Do
THURSDAY – ALEAXANDER TA – Requested by Veronica Do
FRIDAY – CATHERINE MINNAN-WONG – Requested by Noreen Chen
SATURDAY – PETER & BRIDGET PEREIRA – Requested by Sophie & Candida Pereira
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – SHELLA TANG – Requested by Amy & Michael
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – JOSÉ CURY SAHĂO – Requested by Gabriel Ghiraldi

LENTEN AND EASTER SCHEDULE 2020

Stations of the Cross: Friday Evenings at 7:30 PM

Parish Lenten Retreat
Saturday, February 29th
From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Individual Confessions
Thursday, March 26th
From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Reconciliation Service
Wednesday, April 1st at 7:30 PM

Palm Sunday, April 5th
Masses Sat., 4:30 PM
Sun., 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM

Holy Thursday, April 9th
No 9:00 A.M. Mass
7:30 PM – Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Followed by Adoration until 10:00 PM

Good Friday, April 10th
10:00 AM – Morning Prayer
3:00 PM – Solemn Passion of Our Lord
7:30 PM – Stations of the Cross

Holy Saturday, April 11th
No 4:30 PM Mass
8:00 PM Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday, April 12th
Masses 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM

Easter Monday, April 13th
No 9:00 AM Mass
Office Closed

EXTRA PARKING AT ELKHORN PUBLIC SCHOOL

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Stations of the Cross will take place each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 PM. We also encourage your attendance at our daily Mass throughout Lent.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

Friday, March 6th at 1:30 PM

Blessed Trinity Church
3220 Bayview Avenue.

You are cordially invited to the annual ecumenical World Day of Prayer Service which will be held at Blessed Trinity Church on Friday March 6th at 1:30 PM. The theme this year, “Rise! Take your mat and walk.” was written by the women of Zimbabwe.

St. Gabriel’s is one of three Catholic churches involved but has very little representation at the service. Please join us, along with our neighbouring Christian churches, in prayer and reflection. A reception will follow.

FOOD FOR ROSALIE HALL & GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Each month food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.

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.

With everyone struggling at this time, your food 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!

GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE CASSEROLES

Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 46 casseroles for February. For March, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of March 28th/29th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.

More volunteers are encouraged to become active in helping to feed our less fortunate sisters and brothers. Recipes are available in the Parish Office or at the Church website. You may pick up casserole pans at the Parish Office. For more information, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.

MOZART REQUIEM

Presented by St. Michael’s Concerts
Thursday, March 12th at 7:00 PM
St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica

A concert, Mozart Requiem, will be held on Thursday, March 12th at 7:00 PM at St. Michael’s Cathedral. It will feature the St. Michael’s Choir School Cantorum and the Scola Cantorum Orchestra, conducted by S. Bryan Priddy. Guest Soloists include Teri Dunn, Krisztina Szabo, Michael Colvin and Robert Pomakov.

A free will offering would be very much appreciated. For more information, visit www.stmichaelscathedral.com/concerts.

28th ANNUAL LIFT JESUS HIGHER RALLY

Saturday, March 7th from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W.

Come and experience why thousands return each year! The theme of this year’s rally is “Jesus Light of the World”.

The Rally will be held on Saturday, March 7th from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building.

Be inspired by compelling speakers, inspiring personal testimony, powerful Christian music, Divine Mercy Celebration Eucharistic procession and prayer ministry for healing and empowerment. Cardinal Thomas Collins will celebrate Mass. There is a separate youth event (13-18 years) with great music, dynamic talks and inspirational skits in the John Basset Theatre, next door. Tickets are $ 25 for adults and $15 for the youth. For tickets please email: contact@ljhr.ca or visit: www.ljhr.ca or call 647 243 9441.

THE GARDEN SHED

The next meeting of the Garden Ministry will be on Sunday, March 8th at 1:30 PM in the Gabriel Room. The agenda will include planning for the March 22nd indoor planting by the Children’s Liturgy, the community garden and the Stations of the Cosmic Earth. Everyone is welcome. Also, on March 8th, members will be on hand in the Gathering Space after all the Masses to answer your questions and invite your participation.

Bulletin – February 23, 2020

Sunday, February 23rd, 2020

FEAST OF ST. GABRIEL

Thursday, February 27th is the feast of St. Gabriel. St. Gabriel, a member of the Passionist Community, was born Francis Possenti on March 1st, 1838 in Assisi.

In September, 1856, he entered the Passionist novitiate but before his ordination, he contracted tuberculosis. He died February 27th, 1862 at the age of 24. Francis had a special devotion to Mary and chose as his religious name Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin. He is remembered for his enthusiasm in life and his extraordinary generosity. Pope John XXIII proclaimed him as a special Patron of Youth. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 AM.

PARISH LENTEN RETREAT

Gift, Greed and Gratitude: Changing our Hearts to Change the World

Saturday, February 29th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Can one person make a difference in the world? Using Scripture, stories and Indigenous myths from the Canadian north, Bishop Jon Hansen examines some of the major issues facing the world and how we can effect change by beginning with ourselves,

Redemptorist Bishop Jon is the seventh Bishop of the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith and was ordained Bishop while ministering as the Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. His episcopal motto is “Truth and Reconciliation” which makes reference to the healing journey of Residential School survivors and the ongoing work of reconciliation in the context of God’s redeeming love for us all.

Youth Group Talent Night

This Sunday, February 23rd at 6:30 PM

Did you know that we have many talented young people within our Parish Community? In honour of the Feast of St. Gabriel, Patron Saint of Youth, all parishioners are invited to attend our Youth Group’s Talent Night. It will be held this Sunday, February 23rd at 6:30 PM here at the church. Admission is by donation. Please come and support our youth’s talents!

ASH WEDNESDAY

Wednesday, February26th, 2020

February 26th is Ash Wednesday. Special Masses will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon and 7:30 PM. Ashes will be distributed. There will be no 9:00 AM Mass.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Stations of the Cross will take place each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 PM.
We also encourage your attendance at our daily Mass throughout Lent.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

February 24th March 1st, 2020

MONDAY – NEEDY SOULS IN PURGATORY – Requested by the Nguyen Family
TUESDAY – IRENE MOXAM – Requested by Wai Chin & Paul
WEDNESDAY – ASH WEDNESDAY – No 9:00 AM Mass
THURSDAY – MIKE HATCH – Requested by his Family
FRIDAY – RICHARD CHUCHRA – Requested by Wanda & Jack
SATURDAY – GORDON OATWAY – Requested by Pat Oatway
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – CORAZON MALUNAS – Requested by her Family

FIRST FRIDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Friday, March 6th from 9:30 AM to 12 Noon

LENTEN AND EASTER SCHEDULE 2020

Ash Wednesday: Wednesday, February 26th
Mass – 12:00 Noon
Mass – 7:30 PM
No 9:00 AM Mass

Stations of the Cross: Friday Evenings at 7:30 PM

Parish Lenten Retreat
Saturday, February 29th
From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Individual Confessions
Thursday, March 26th
From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Reconciliation Service
Wednesday, April 1st at 7:30 PM

Palm Sunday, April 5th
Masses Sat., 4:30 PM
Sun., 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM

Holy Thursday, April 9th
No 9:00 A.M. Mass
7:30 PM – Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Followed by Adoration until 10:00 PM

Good Friday, April 10th
10:00 AM – Morning Prayer
3:00 PM – Solemn Passion of Our Lord
7:30 PM – Stations of the Cross

Holy Saturday, April 11th
No 4:30 PM Mass
8:00 PM Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday, April 12th
Masses 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM

Easter Monday, April 13th
No 9:00 AM Mass
Office Closed

EXTRA PARKING AT ELKHORN PUBLIC SCHOOL

ECO – SABBATH

Sunday, March 1st 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 to attend.

ROSARY GROUPS

Chinese: Sunday, March. 1st at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room

English: Saturday, March 7th at 3:15 PM in the Gabriel Room.

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

FIRST RECONCILIATION

Saturday, March 7th at 10:30 AM

St. Gabriel’s Church

First Reconciliation for children attending St. Gabriel’s School, those in the Children’s Faith Program and children attending other Catholic Schools will be held at St. Gabriel’s Church on Saturday, March 7th at 10:30 AM.

FOOD FOR ROSALIE HALL & GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Each month food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.

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.

With everyone struggling at this time, your food 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!

28th ANNUAL LIFT JESUS HIGHER RALLY

Saturday, March 7th from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W.

Come and experience why thousands return each year! The theme of this year’s rally is “Jesus Light of the World”.

The Rally will be held on Saturday, March 7th from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building.

Be inspired by compelling speakers, inspiring personal testimony, powerful Christian music, Divine Mercy Celebration Eucharistic procession and prayer ministry for healing and empowerment. Cardinal Thomas Collins will celebrate Mass. There is a separate youth event (13-18 years) with great music, dynamic talks and inspirational skits in the John Basset Theatre, next door. Tickets are $ 25 for adults and $15 for the youth. For tickets please email: contact@ljhr.ca or visit: www.ljhr.ca or call 647 243 9441.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

Friday, March 6th at 1:30 PM

Blessed Trinity Church
3220 Bayview Avenue.

You are cordially invited to the annual ecumenical World Day of Prayer Service which will be held at Blessed Trinity Church on Friday March 6th at 1:30 PM. The theme this year, “Rise! Take your mat and walk.” was written by the women of Zimbabwe.

St. Gabriel’s is one of three Catholic churches involved but has very little representation at the service. Please join us, along with our neighbouring Christian churches, in prayer and reflection. A reception will follow.

MOZART REQUIEM

Presented by St. Michael’s Concerts
Thursday, March 12th at 7:00 PM
St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica

A concert, Mozart Requiem, will be held on Thursday, March 12th at 7:00 PM at St. Michael’s Cathedral. It will feature the St. Michael’s Choir School Cantorum and the Scola Cantorum Orchestra, conducted by S. Bryan Priddy. Guest Soloists include Teri Dunn, Krisztina Szabo, Michael Colvin and Robert Pomakov.

A free will offering would be very much appreciated. For more information, visit www.stmichaelscathedral.com/concerts.

THE GARDEN SHED

If you want to get a head start on spring, you are welcome to join the Garden Ministry in the Gabriel Room on Wednesday, February 26th, Ash Wednesday after the noon Mass. We will be planting celery and parsley seeds.