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Homily – May 5, 2019

Sunday, May 5th, 2019

Think on this. Jesus came to his disciples in the midst of their work. Peter announced to his friends, ‘I’m going fishing.’ He had a business to run and a family to feed. His fellow fisherman agreed to go with him. They would share the catch.

Fishing at night on the open sea would be cold. It turned out to be a failed venture. They caught nothing. They probably argued among themselves about where there was a good place to fish. They may have been short tempered after this night of failure.

In the midst of all this Jesus calls to them from the shore. He knows they caught nothing, they’re discouraged and ill-tempered. He encourages them to give it another try,’ cast your nets to your right.’ They are gifted by a huge catch of fish; their nets were endangered of breaking.

Next, Jesus prepares breakfast for them. They’d be starving after this long cold night.

Jesus comes to each of us in our work, no matter how important, no matter how ordinary our tasks. We’ve all heard the word, burnout. Burn out is not the result of too much work, burn out is the result of a work that does not vitalize us, work from which we see no returns, work from which we get no positive feedback, no recognition.

When I was stationed at our retreat house at Port Burwell there was a young man on retreat who was a high school teacher. I presumed that teaching teenager must be a thankless task. He told me he couldn’t wait to get back to school on Monday morning to be with his students. He said he felt guilty taking his pay check because he enjoyed his work so much. That man will never suffer burn out.

But how many people do jobs, have careers or professions that are just jobs, jobs that enable them to raise a family and lower a mortgage but jobs that lack a challenge, lack excitement. There is a story told of three men working on a massive building project, maybe the building of Notre Dame. That took over 200 years. They were asked ‘what are you doing?’ one answered, I’m carrying a stone.’ Another answered, ‘I’m feeding my family.’ The third answered, “I’m building a cathedral.’ He saw himself involved in a project he would never see finished but he saw himself as an important part of it.

No matter what our work we are involved in God’s ongoing work of creation. Creation is an activity of all men and women who work no matter esteemed or belittled that work may seem to others, it is still God’s work. The work each one of us does echoes the glorious work of God’s ongoing creation; even a wasted night fishing on a cold sea.

Christ comes to us not only in our work but he comes to us in the men and women with whom we work. They may be people, who need our guidance, or people who support us, or people who challenge us, even people who test our patience. In these good people Christ tests our willingness to be open minded, to be supportive, to be patient even forgiving. But try to remember, your work is a sacred reality, a sacred activity. God’s work must truly be our own.

Maybe you could think on this as you head for work tomorrow morning.

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Bulletin – May 5, 2019

Saturday, May 4th, 2019

A MESSAGE FROM FR. RICK

Fr. Rick Frechette wishes to extend his heartfelt thanks for the generosity of St. Gabriel’s Parish Community for the aid and support of his mission in Haiti. It is very much appreciated.

Please keep Fr. Rick and his team in your prayers as they continue to work in this necessary but dangerous situation.

YOUTH GROUP MOTHER’S DAY SALE

The youth group will be having their annual Mothers’ Day fundraiser to raise funds for their attendance at the Steubenville Conference in July. This will be the youth’s 6th year participating in the conference.

They will be selling flowers, rosaries, and other lovely gifts for mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and aunts at all masses during the May 11th /12th weekend. Please support our youth!

DEVELOPMENT & PEACE

A big thank you to our wonderful parishioners at St. Gabriel’s for your generous baked goods donations and purchases at the D & P Bake sale. Our community can be proud that we raised a total of $1538.20 for Fr. Rick Frechette’s Haiti Mission and take joy in the message of Jesus “in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers and sister of mine, you did it to me.”

ANNOUNCED MASSES

May 6th – May 11th, 2019

MONDAY – MAURICE MICHAEL – Requested by Charmaine Michael
TUESDAY – CATHERINE MINNAN-WONG – Requested by her sister Noreen
WEDNESDAY – MARIE CALDERONE – Requested by Anna Milone
THURSDAY – ALLAN PERSAUD – Requested by the Persaud & Goldenberg Families
FRIDAY – RICHARD CHUCHRA – Requested by Jack & Wanda Wrobel
SATURDAY – FR. JOSEPH PAUL – Requested by Sophie & Candida Pereira

ANNOUNCED MASSES FOR SUNDAYS

Beginning on May 19th, we will be accepting requests for announced Masses on Sundays at the 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM Masses.

ECO – SABBATH

Sunday, May 5th 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. This will be the last Eco-Sabbath until the fall.

FIRST COMMUNION INTERVIEWS

There are still several children who have not been registered for their First Communion interview.

Interviews began on Tuesday, April 23rd and will continue until Friday May 10th. They are scheduled every 15 minutes from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

Please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866-to book your appointment with Fr. Brando or Fr. John as soon as possible.

ROSARY GROUPS

English: Rosary – Saturday, May 4th at 3:15 PM in the Gabriel Room
Chinese Rosary – Sunday May 5th 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room

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

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Friday, May 3rd from 9:30 AM to 12 Noon

“Living as Joyful Disciples.”

Catholic Education Week 2019

Catholic Education Week 2019 begins on Sunday, May 5th. The Catholic schools in our parish will engage in a series of events to celebrate the ongoing gift of publicly funded Catholic education. You are invited to discover what celebrations are happening in your children’s school and if possible, attend. Publicly funded Catholic education has existed in Ontario since 1841 and its graduates have served Ontario and Canada very well. The current generation of students in our publicly funded Catholic schools will serve with the same spirit and generosity as their previous generations.

This year’s Catholic Education Week theme is “Living as Joyful Disciples.”

PLANNING TO BE A CATHOLIC TEACHER?

It is important for you to know that to be hired to teach in any Catholic School Board in Ontario, as part of your application for employment, there must be a letter of reference from your pastor. If you are planning to apply to teach in a Catholic School, a contact with the pastor is highly recommended. Please plan to have a conversation with your Pastor early in the process, well before applications are to be submitted.

EFFECT HOPE

Leprosy Mission of Canada Stamp Collection Program

Make a difference with your mail! You can get involved by collecting, trimming and sending your used postage stamps to Effect Hope, the Leprosy Mission of Canada.

Please place stamps in the basket provided outside the Parish Office.

SHARELIFE

Living the Gospel by providing for those in need

Today is our second ShareLife Collection weekend. As we “live the Gospel by providing for those in need,” we are reminded of the Gospel value to”love one another as I have loved you”.

Through ShareLife, we are able tobring this value to life through the work of over 40 agencies, caring for families in crisis, people with special needs, the elderly, immigrants and refugees, and children and youth. In addition, our support provides for the formation of our clergy and for international programs in the developing world.

This Sunday, May 5th is ShareLife Sunday.
Please give generously.

ShareLife Results for Previous Campaigns
2016 $190,334.25
2017 $217,507.08
2018 $172,230.78

OUR GOAL FOR 2019 $180,000
Collection to Date: $43,665

FOOD FOR ROSALIE HALL & THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Each month the 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 while Good Shepherd provides hot meals and shelter for the homeless in our city.

Your food donations are more important than ever as the numbers of needy people continue to increase. 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 April. For May, your prepared frozen casseroles will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of May 25th/26th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.

More volunteers are needed to become active in helping to feed our less fortunate sisters and brothers. Three different recipes are available in the Parish Office or online at the Church website. Casserole pans are also available in the Parish Office. If you require more information please contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.

FAMILY AFTERNOON TEA

Sunday, May 19th, 2019 at 2:00 PM
Blessed Trinity Parish Hall

The Catholic Women’s League, Blessed Trinity Council invites you to a Family Afternoon Tea on Sunday, May 19th at 2:00 PM at Blessed Trinity Parish Hall.

There will be entertainment, prizes, & loads of fun in store!
Wear your hats & fascinators!

The cost is $10 per person or $25 for a family of 3 or 4 persons.

MEAGAN’S WALK – CREATING A CIRCLE OF HOPE

5km Fundraising Walk and Hug
Saturday, May, 11th, 2019
Registration from 8:30 to 9:30 AM at Fort York
9:30 AM Registration Closes.
10:00 AM Walk to SickKids begins.

The eighteenth annual Meagan’s Walk: – Creating a Circle of Hope will take place on Saturday, May 11th. You may register online at meaganswalk.com. Registration also opens at 8:30 AM at Fort York, followed by family activities and entertainment. Registration closes at 9:30 AM. The Walk begins at 10:00 AM. and concludes at SickKids with the “Hug”.

Over the last 18 years, proceeds of over 5 million dollars from this event have been directed toward paediatric brain tumour research, faster diagnoses, personalized treatments and improved outcomes for young people faced with brain tumours and treatment of paediatric brain tumours at SickKids.

PROJECT RACHEL RETREAT

Weekend of May 31st to June 2nd.

“Clear out the old yeast, so that you may become a fresh batch of dough.” 1 Corinthians 5

Do you need to rest your burden? Project Rachel can help.

St. Mary’s Refuge is holding a weekend retreat for women whose hearts have been broken by abortion. Project Rachel is private and confidential. The retreat will be held on the weekend of May 31st to June 2nd. If you are interested, please e-mail ProjectRachel@stmarysrefuge.org or call 416-629-8264.

THE GARDEN SHED

Join us for the spring planting of seedlings and seeds on Saturday, May 18th at 10:00.AM. In the event of significant rain, planting will be moved to Monday, May 20th at 10:00 AM. Everyone, including children, is welcome to come and get your hands in the soil!

For more information on the Garden Ministry, contact Heather Bennett at heathermjb@gmail.com.

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Homily – April 28, 2019

Sunday, April 28th, 2019

We can just imagine the shame and the embarrassment the Apostles felt when they remembered their cowardliness and how they denied and betrayed and abandoned Jesus to his fate at the hands of those who were out to destroy him and his reputation.

But in our gospel we see Jesus coming among them and offering them peace. Then Jesus shows them the gaping wounds in his hands and side. Wounds that are blazing  badges of his love for each of them. Wounds that say, ‘let’s put all this behind us, all is forgiven.’

Then Jesus breathes on them a breath that gives them the power to forgive, forgive the hurt and harm they will suffer as they carry the message of his cross and resurrection to the world. Forgiveness and the peace that comes with it is one of the great themes of Jesus mission. When Peter once asked.’ How many times must I forgive, seven?, Jesus answered not a stingy seven times but seventy times seven. A limitless number! Peter gets a warning, if you can’t find it in your heart to forgive others; God won’t find it in God’s heart to forgive you.

Don’t we pray every day,’ forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us?

Can you imagine what a challenge faces our fellow Catholics in Sri Lanka this Sunday as they continue  to bury their murdered children or spouses, victims of terror on Easter Sunday?  They are challenged to forgive. This is what today’s gospel calls them to do. It may take them a long time to do this, some may never will.

Forgive does not mean forget. Every time we meet a person, maybe a betraying spouse, a son or daughter who we feel let us down or wasted their God-given talents, or a business person who cheated us. Feelings of anger and resentment rise up in us like bile, we can’t forget, it’s a memory that won’t go away. But we can forgive, we must forgive. The truth of the matter is the unforgiving heart languishes unforgiven and incapable of receiving forgiveness.

Forgiveness and the peace that comes with it is the great teaching of Jesus. One of the last prayers he prayed on his cross was; ‘Father forgive them, they know not what they do. As we live our faith in this holy season of the Resurrection may we all be graced to pass on to others who may have harmed us, the forgiveness we’ve received from our crucified and risen Lord.

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Bulletin – April 28, 2019

Saturday, April 27th, 2019

At the Easter Vigil, 5 new Parishioners were welcomed to our Parish.

Taito Shibuya received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.

Beau William Shibuya and Mila Ava Shibuya received the Sacrament of Baptism.

Jean Kim and Joan Sum were received into full Communion with the Catholic Church.

The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome and congratulate them.

DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE BAKE SALE

This Weekend April 27th and April 28th

Bakers and Buyers needed

This year, St. Gabriel’s D & P committee have decided to donate all the proceeds of their 2nd annual bake sale to Fr. Rick Frechette’s Haiti Mission. We encourage all of our wonderful bakers to donate some tasty treats for this bake sale. Baked goods can be dropped off at the tables before any of the Masses this weekend. We also encourage all parishioners to support this social justice cause by indulging in your sweet tooth and making this bake sale a huge success.

As Fr. Rick has requested of us “Let’s invite those who are impoverished to the table of life”

CARPENTER NEEDED

Our St. Vincent de Paul collection boxes are in poor condition.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society is looking for a carpenter who would be able to repair them. If you can help, please call Brenda at 416-990-8892. Thank you

ANNOUNCED MASSES

April 29th – May 4th, 2019

MONDAY – SHELLA TANG– Requested by the Yeung & Au Families
TUESDAY – GAETANO BRANCATO– Requested by the Brancato Family
WEDNESDAY – GERALD MEYER – Requested by Violet Ryckewaert
THURSDAY – ANTON &MARY GOH– Requested by their Children
FRIDAY – LAU KOON TING– Requested by Linda Law & Family
SATURDAY – GUS & MARIE CALDERONE– Requested by their Family

FIRST COMMUNION INTERVIEWS

There are still many children who have not been registered for their First Communion interview.

Interviews will begin on Tuesday, April 23rd and continue until Friday May 10th. They are scheduled every 15 minutes from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

Please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866-to book your appointment with Fr. Brando or Fr. John as soon as possible.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Friday, May 3rd from 9:30 AM to 12 Noon

ECO – SABBATH

Sunday, May 5th 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. This will be the last Eco-Sabbath until the fall.

ROSARY GROUPS

English: Rosary – Saturday, May 4th at 3:15 PM in the Gabriel Room.

Chinese Rosary – Sunday May 5th in the Gabriel Room

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

“Living as Joyful Disciples.”

Catholic Education Week 2019

Catholic Education Week 2019 begins on Sunday, May 5th. The Catholic schools in our parish will engage in a series of events to celebrate the ongoing gift of publicly funded Catholic education. You are invited to discover what celebrations are happening in your children’s school and if possible, attend. Publicly funded Catholic education has existed in Ontario since 1841 and its graduates have served Ontario and Canada very well. The current generation of students in our publicly funded Catholic schools will serve with the same spirit and generosity as their previous generations.

This year’s Catholic Education Week theme is “Living as Joyful Disciples.”

PLANNING TO BE A CATHOLIC TEACHER?

It is important for you to know that to be hired to teach in any Catholic School Board in Ontario, as part of your application for employment, there must be a letter of reference from your pastor. If you are planning to apply to teach in a Catholic School, a contact with the pastor is highly recommended. Please plan to have a conversation with your Pastor early in the process, well before applications are to be submitted.

SHARELIFE

Living the Gospel by welcoming newcomers to Canada

Rashida endured years of domestic abuse while living in Egypt. Fearing her husband would abuse their children, she successfully applied for refugee status in Canada. Rashida arrived in Toronto, not knowing the language, what to do, or who could help. Fortunately, she met an Arabic speaker who told her about Catholic Crosscultural Services (CCS). CCS helped her navigate the immigration process and access the resources she needed. “CCS saved my life,” Rashida says. “Today I have money of my own, an apartment, and my children are finally safe
and happy.”

Next Sunday, May 5th is ShareLife Sunday.
Please give generously.

ShareLife Results for Previous Campaigns
2016 $190,334.25
2017 $217,507.08
2018 $172,230.78

OUR GOAL FOR 2019 $180,000
Collection to Date: $36,455

FOOD FOR ROSALIE HALL & THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Each month the 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 while Good Shepherd provides hot meals and shelter for the homeless in our city.

Your food donations are more important than ever as the numbers of needy people continue to increase. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired. Thank you for your generous support.

MOSAIC INTERFAITH

Celebration of Faith and Solidarity
Sunday, April 28th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

MOSAIC InterFaith is holding a Celebration of Faith and Solidarity hosted by St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 39 Green Lane, Thornhill, on Sunday April 28th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This will be in interfaith service of peace and understanding and a celebration of life, led by leaders of MOSAIC’s faith communities. All are welcome.

Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable item for a local foodbank. For more information see the flyer on the bulletin board or call Nora at 416-218 0680.

EFFECT HOPE

Leprosy Mission of Canada Stamp Collection Program

Make a difference with your mail! You can get involved by collecting, trimming and sending your used postage stamps to Effect Hope, the Leprosy Mission of Canada.

Please place stamps in the basket provided outside the Parish Office

MEAGAN’S WALK – CREATING A CIRCLE OF HOPE

5km Fundraising Walk and Hug
Saturday, May, 11th, 2019
Registration from 8:30 to 9:30 AM at Fort York
9:30 AM Registration Closes.
!0:00 AM Walk to SickKids begins.

The eighteenth annual Meagan’s Walk: – Creating a Circle of Hope will take place on Saturday, May 11th. You may register online at meaganswalk.com. Registration also opens at 8:30 AM at Fort York, followed by family activities and entertainment. Registration closes at 9:30 AM. The Walk begins at 10:00 AM. and concludes at SickKids with the “Hug”.

Over the last 18 years, proceeds of over 5 million dollars from this event have been directed toward paediatric brain tumour research, faster diagnoses, personalized treatments and improved outcomes for young people faced with brain tumours and treatment of paediatric brain tumours at SickKids

PROJECT RACHEL RETREAT

Weekend of May 31st to June 2nd.

“Clear out the old yeast, so that you may become a fresh batch of dough.” 1 Corinthians 5

Do you need to rest your burden? Project Rachel can help.

St. Mary’s Refuge is holding a weekend retreat for women whose hearts have been broken by abortion. Project Rachel is private and confidential. The retreat will be held on the weekend of May 31st to June 2nd. If you are interested, please e-mail ProjectRachel@stmarysrefuge.org or call 416-629-8264.

THE GARDEN SHED

You may have noticed the first frames of St. Gabriel’s community garden on the small patio south of the window in the Gathering Space. These were built last weekend by a team from the Garden Ministry, who also mixed the soil and filled the boxes. In the next weeks, spinach and radish seeds will be planted, and on the weekend of May 18th , the seedlings will be transplanted to the boxes and additional seeds will be planted.

For more information on the Garden Ministry, contact Heather Bennett at heathermjb@gmail.com.

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Homily – April 21, 2019

Sunday, April 21st, 2019

Easter is a feast that speaks for itself. Ours is an Easter religion. In fact our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior rests on this feast of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. We believe that life has the final word, not death. As Paul the Apostle tells us, ‘if Christ has not been raised then we are still in our sins.’ If Christ be not raised the shame and pain of our crucified Christ was for nothing. If Christ be not raised the chief priests and the mob that followed them won the day on Calvary. If Christ be not risen then the forces of hatred, bigotry, racism, sexism, exclusion, fear of the stranger, greed and power that are part of our lives today will win the day. If Christ be not risen then the evils of the peoples of this world in which we live; the wars, the genocides, the hunger that kills millions, all the realities we cannot deny, these harsh facts of life, we will not surrender to the evils of their reality because of our faith in the risen Christ – the Lord of life, the conqueror of death.

In the end it is the goodness of so many men and women, a goodness that confronts the lies of racism and bigotry and white supremacy, the goodness that reaches out to the poor, the hungry, the man of woman out of work, the families that cannot afford adequate housing that in the end will show the power of justice and love, the power of Christ and his resurrection.

Seek the things that are above where Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father. So we are ever mindful of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ, we are faithful at being present at the Eucharist, we try to be a person of prayer. Seeking the things that are above we try to be present to the people around us, sensitive to their needs. Seeking the things that are above we try to bring peace to our own families and be reconciled with people with whom you are estranged. Seeking the things that are above us we pray for our wounded and shamed church. Seeking the things that are above us we support our parish family in its works of charity and try to be instruments of peace with all those men and women who come into our lives.

Today and every day let us feast with joy in the Lord.” Just as Christ passed through death to resurrection, so too will we pass through this world and its suffering to the glory of a new life.

God bless us all with a holy and happy Easter.

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