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.
LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATONS
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you to all those who worked to make this year’s Lunar New Year Party a wonderful celebration This is one of the nicest events we have throughout the year and, as always, it was a huge success.
Thanks to those who donated the delicious food, those who decorated so beautifully and everyone who worked to make this celebration a truly memorable event.
All who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
NEWS FROM OUR YOUTH GROUP
Thank you
Our Youth Group would like to thank all parishioners who supported their Valentine’s Day Fundraiser last weekend. More than $500 was raised towards helping our youth attend the Steubenville Catholic Youth Conference this summer. Thank you all for your generous support!
Youth Group Talent Night
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 on Sunday February 23rd at 6:30 PM here at the church. Admission is by donation.
Please come and support our youth’s talents!
FAMILY DAY
Monday, February 17th
Monday February 17th is Family Day, a day to celebrate our families. The Parish Office will be closed and there will be no 9:00 AM Mass on that day.
CONFIRMATION CLASS
Saturday, February 22nd from 2:00 to 3:30 PM
Gabriel Room
The first 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, February 22nd at 2:00 PM.
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 17th – February 23rd, 2020
MONDAY – FAMILY DAY – No 9:00 AM Mass
TUESDAY – ANTONIA EVANS – Requested by Teresa Sheldrick
WEDNESDAY – YANG PILLBUN – Requested by Veronica Do
THURSDAY – REGINA TA – Requested by Veronica Do
FRIDAY – KEVIN McGOURAN – Requested by John Kahnert
SATURDAY – MR.& MRS. WONG – Requested by Catherine Soong
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – TARCISIO GRIPP – Requested by Humberto Holanda
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – IN THANKSGIVING – Requested by Maria Lourdes Luz
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 10:30 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!
CASSEROLES FOR THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE
Your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses next weekend. Each month, the casseroles are picked up early on Monday morning for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
More volunteers are needed to help feed the hungry in our city. We encourage you to pick up a copy of a casserole recipe and a pan and give it a try. Three recipes are available on St. Gabriel’s web site. Printed copies of the recipes are also available in the Parish Office. For more information, you may contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791.
MILK BAG PROJECT
Wednesday, February 19th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Gabriel Room
Our group of dedicated volunteers continue to cut, loop and weave plastic milk bags into sleep mats for individuals or families in developing countries If you wish to join them, the volunteer milk bag weavers will be meeting Wednesday, February 19th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the Gabriel Room. All are welcome!
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.
YOUNG DISCIPLES RETREAT
Saturday, March 7th from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
St. Edward the Confessor Parish
Youth, both male and female, ages 12 to 17 are invited to attend a Young Peoples Retreat Themed Love in Service on Saturday, March 7th from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM at St. Edward the Confessor Parish. The day will include Holy Mass, reflection talks, recreation and lunch at no cost. Please call the Office of Vocations at 416 968 0997 or visit vocations@archtoronto.org for more information on this wonderful retreat!
COME AND SEE WEEKEND
March 13th at 7:00 PM to March 15th
St. Augustine’s Seminary
Young Catholic men, grades 12+ and older, who are considering a possible call to the diocesan priesthood are invited to cultivate a deeper prayer life and relationship with Jesus Christ, leading to a better discernment of God’s call for their lives. Registrants age 17 will require a parental consent.
There will be time for prayer, reflection and information on the process of becoming one of Christ’s disciples as a Catholic priest. Please register online at www.vocationstoronto.ca.
For more information, please contact the Office of Vocations at 416-968-0997 or email vocations@archtoronto.org.
THE GARDEN SHED
“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.”
Luther Burbank
Our St. Gabriel’s-Good Shepherd Community Garden has grown!
Beginning with 4 boxes last year, it will grow to 10 boxes by April, 2020. Chef Devon Palmer at the Good Shepherd has requested a variety of herbs, as well as vegetables like tomatoes, greens, squash, carrots and potatoes. You can observe the indoor germination as early as Ash Wednesday, when the seeds requiring a 12 week germination before last frost will be planted. Children of the Children’s Liturgy will plant the remaining seeds requiring indoor germination on Sunday, March 22.
Our indoor garden is located at the bottom of the stairs leading to the indoor parking lot.
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.
