Author Archive

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Bulletin – November 18, 2018

Saturday, November 17th, 2018

ST. GABRIEL’S ADVENT RETREAT

Mary: Model of Hope and Healing in the Midst of Darkness
Saturday, December 8th from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM
St. Gabriel’s Parish

Please join us for our Parish Advent Retreat on Saturday, December 8th at 12:30 PM.

The theme is Mary: Model of Hope and Healing in the Midst of Darkness. The speaker will be Fr. Thomas Rosica. Fr.Rosica, C.S.B. is a Canadian Roman Catholic priest and a member of the Congregation of St Basil. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation, English language media attaché of the Holy See Press Office, author, speaker, and commentator. For further information, please contact the Parish Office at 416-221-8866.

SHEPHERD’S TRUST COLLECTION

This Weekend, November 18th/19th

As members of our Catholic community, we regularly benefit from the tireless service of our priests. Called by God and ordained to care for His people, our priests serve our families, in churches, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, missions and on the streets.

This weekend the second collection is for The Shepherds’ Trust. The mission of The Shepherds’ Trust is to help ensure that elderly and disabled priests are provided with sufficient financial resources to lead a dignified life after many years of ministry.

Your generous gift will help our priests to maintain a modest but active and independent lifestyle in their retirement years. For priests who are ill or otherwise infirm, the Trust ensures they have access to nursing home facilities and medical care. Thank you for your support of this important work

YOUTH TALENT NIGHT

Sunday November 25th at 6:00 PM

St. Gabriel’s Church

The St. Gabriel’s Youth Group would like to invite you, your friends and your families to their Youth Talent Night, taking place in Sunday, November 25th. Join them for a lovely evening as they showcase the talent of the youth in our parish.

Admission is by donation. All proceeds will support 9 of our young adults and their trip to Panama this January for World Youth Day. Thank you for all your continuous support of the Youth Group. Hope to see you there!

REMEMBERING THE PARISH IN YOUR WILL

November is “Make a Will’ month! Have you considered remembering your parish in your will? The Church is where we experience many important moments in our lives. A bequest is a beautiful way to express your faith and gratitude for a lifetime of blessings – a lasting legacy of love that will help the Church continue with its many ministries. When making your will, please consider a bequest to St. Gabriel’s Passionist Parish. For more information, please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866 or the Development Office of the Archdiocese at 416-934-3411, Ext. 519 or visit www.archtoronto.org/development.

BEAUTIFUL 2019 CALENDAR FROM THE CANADIAN NORTH

Available the Weekend of December 1st/2nd

On the weekend of December 1st/ 2nd our Parish’s Development and Peace Group will be selling 2019 calendars. This is a beautiful and unique calendar showcasing sceneries from the Arctic north. The pictures are taken by Bishop Jon Hansen of the MacKenzie-Fort Smith Diocese on his missionary trips to the arctic communities.

Through the sale of these calendars, funds will be raised for the missions in the Arctic. Our Lady of Victory Church in Inuvik (the famous igloo church) and three of its missions: Tuktoyaktuk on the Beaufort Sea,Tsiigehtchic and Paulatuk. These remote communities are striving for self-sufficiency, but it is not easy. During the harsh winter months, the heating of the churches would cost over $4000 a month.

Perhaps in the comfort of our well heated homes, we can think of these communities in the Arctic and try to support them in ways we can – the calendars at $20 each will be great for personal use; they will also make wonderful gifts, since they are unique and not easily available.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

November 19th to November 24th

MONDAY – MIKIE PALAZZO & CHRISTOPHER DI LALLO – Requested by Val Palazzo
TUESDAY – MARLENE O’BRIEN – Requested by Vernon & Marie Swant
WEDNESDAY – FERNANDO MARTINS – Requested by Maria Martins
THURSDAY – ABANDONED SOULS – Requested by the Nguyen Family
FRIDAY – IN THANKSGIVING – Requested by Jomini & Peter Lam
SATURDAY – GORDON OATWAY – Requested by Pat Oatway & Family

PARENT MEETING FOR FIRST RECONCILIATION

Wednesday, November 28th at 7:30 PM

St. Gabriel’s Church, Gabriel Room

On Wednesday, November 28th at 7:30 PM there will be a meeting in the Gabriel Room for parents of children who will be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time.

CONFIRMATION ENROLLMENT CEREMONY

Sunday, December 2nd at the 12:30 PM Mass

The Confirmation Enrollment Ceremony for all Confirmation candidates will be held on Sunday, December 2nd at the 12:30 PM Mass. All Confirmation candidates must attend.

Candidates are reminded to submit their letters requesting Confirmation to Fr. Brando through the Parish Office by Sunday, November 25th.

R.C.I.A. AND ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT

Meetings in preparation for the R.C.I.A. (Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults) began last Saturday. These meetings are for persons interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. The exploration may lead the candidate to seek baptism, and become a member of the Catholic Christian community; or for Christians already baptized into another Christian denomination, the reception into the Catholic Church. Adult Catholics who have not received the sacrament of Confirmation but who wish to do so are also encouraged to attend these sessions.

As well, these meetings may be an opportunity for “Born Catholics” to deepen their understanding of our faith. Very often, especially for those of us who received our religious instruction at an early age, we tend to grow physically, mentally, psychologically etc., but the understanding of our faith does not grow correspondingly. The RCIA may serve as a good opportunity for us to ask questions and to develop a more adult understanding of our faith.

If you are interested in joining the RCIA meetings or if you would like to have more information about it, please contact the Parish Office at 416-221-8866.

DEVELOPMENT & PEACE

Share the Journey Campaign

This year, Development and Peace – Caritas Canada is joining forces with Pope Francis and Caritas Internationalis by inviting Canadians to share the journey with those living the tragedy of forced migration. Launched in Rome in September 2017, the Share the Journey campaign aims to create a “culture of encounter” by educating the public to the realities of those forced to flee their homes and creating opportunities for encounters between them and local communities.

Actions Cards requiring your signature will be available at all Masses next week to send a clear message to the Canadian government that it must do more to tackle the root causes of forced migration.

FOOD FOR LESS FORTUNATE

Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre. Your food donations are very much appreciated.

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.

WORLD DAY OF THE POOR

November 18th

To commemorate the World Day of the Poor on November 18th, Catholic media throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto have partnered to prepare an online page summarizing their activities in drawing greater attention to this important date in the life of the church. To learn more about the programs and other initiatives leading up to November 18th visit www.archtoronto.org/dayofpoor for more information. Please join us in prayer and outreach as the global church lifts its collective voice to support the poor among us.

THE GIVING TREE

Saturday, December 1st to Sunday, December 16th

During Advent, the Society of St Vincent de Paul will have a Giving Tree in the Gathering Space.

The tree will be decorated with gift tags. Each tag will have the gender and age of a child. We invite you to take a tag, buy a gift or a gift card of about $25.00 for that child and return the unwrapped gift, with the tag attached, to the box provided in the Gathering Space. If you choose an older child, please buy a gift card. Return it with the tag to the Parish Office. If you are a knitter, there will be mitten tags. Please take one and return mitts to the box in the Gathering Space.

At this time of the year, we are also thinking of the young mothers and babies of Rosalie Hall. If you wish to help, you may choose a “Christmas Stocking” from the tree to purchase pyjamas or undershirts for babies ages 6 months to 4 years.

Unwrapped Items with the original stocking tag attached can be left in the box provided near the “mitten” tree no later than Sunday, December 16th. Toys or books for these little ones would also be appreciated.

For the Moms, we are suggesting gift cards from Tim Horton’s, Walmart or MacDonald’s. These can be placed in the envelopes provided and brought to the Office. Thank you for your generosity.

CHRISTIANS OF THE HOLY LAND

I am very grateful that so many of you came to meet me after Mass on November 3rd/4th 2018. Your community and Fr. Brando made me feel so very welcomed and appreciated. Many of you expressed kind and sincere words of gratitude and praise; your kindness to our cause is very humbling. I appreciate that many of you purchased the olive wood religious articles. Thank you.

Many Christian Palestinians will soon be hard at work to replenish what you have purchased. This in turn creates a virtuous cycle of simple commerce, all because you chose to participate. One of the major problems we face as Christian Palestinians is lack of awareness about us. I pray that I’ve left a positive impression on you regarding our community. Remember you are in our prayers and we need your prayers for peace and a political solution.
Peace, Laith (Leo) Qumsieh

THE GARDEN SHED

With the 2018 growing season at an end, I want to give all of you who weeded, pruned and planted, donated perennials, planted spring bulbs, attended workshops, informed parishioners, participated in meetings and cheered from the sidelines, a huge and heartfelt thank you! God bless you! We are now planning for an exciting 2019 season. Heather

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

Posted in Bulletin | Comments Off on Bulletin – November 18, 2018

Homily – November 11, 2018

Sunday, November 11th, 2018

In our opening pray we ask God to keep from us all adversity so that unhindered in mind and body we may pursue in freedom of heart the things that are God’s. Good luck. Keep from us all adversity. Can you imagine going through a day without some kind of conflict or misunderstanding? Even on the best of days there always seems to be a fly in the ointment. Carefree days are to be treasured. Look at the forces impacting our daily lives. The political and social chaos south of our border is in our face whether we like it or not. It impacts our lives too. We can buy into the rhetoric of racism and bigotry, the fear of the stranger, the resentment toward immigrants, the belief that our taxes go to support a bunch of Freddie free-loaders. We don’t appreciate the possibilities of where these negative attitudes can lead us. We fail to learn from past histories.

November 11, 1918. The end of the war that was to end all wars. Today we remember the millions upon millions of young men who died or were wounded during four years of conflict. We remember the countless civilians who lost their lives and homelands. All these victims were on both sides of this war.

In a way that war to end all wars was a family feud. Nicholas, the Tsar of Russia, Wilhelm the Kaiser of Germany, George V, the king of England were all first cousins, descendants of Queen Victoria. November 11, 1918 was the beginning of the end of the German Empire, the Austro- Hungarian Empire, the Russian Empire, the Ottoman Empire and the beginning of the end of the British Empire. As one poet wrote, ‘The paths of glory lead but to the grave.’

The war to end all wars? No. Within 40 years the Europe was at war again. World War 2 ended when the atomic bomb was dropped on two Japanese cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Since then we’ve had the Korean War, the Indo China War, the Vietnam War followed by the phony war on weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, followed by the Afgan War, the elusive war on terrorism and the civil wars in Syria and the civil war in Yemen, wars fostered by outside interests.

Remember Pete Seager’s protest song? Where have all the flowers gone? Where have all the young men gone, long time passing, gone to grave yards everyone, when will they ever learn, when will we they ever learn?

Are you all thoroughly depressed? Me too. How do political leaders convince ordinary men and women that they should go to war? By demonizing people of other nations.

We’ve had the savage Huns, the Russian Tartars, the Japanese who eat raw fish, the Afghans were the rag heads, the Viet Cong were the little men in pajamas, and we know every Moslem is a terrorist.

We’re told refugees are streaming into our country illegally. These people are a threat to our social and our financial stability. They don’t speak English, they don’t speak French. They’ll try to impose their laws and values on us. We have problems enough of our own we don’t need to import them. Don’t trust strangers.

All this rhetoric is so un-Christian. All this rhetoric leads to distrust and alienation. Such rhetoric has led us to all the wars of the last century and all this rhetoric is still part of our daily conversation.

Our Christian faith tells us we are children of God; we are brothers and sisters in the human family. Our Christian tells us the Jesus our Christ died on the cross for all of us.

Nov. 11, 2018 is an important anniversary of an event from which we have learned so little because we allow ourselves to buy into fear of the stranger, fear of change, fear of something new.

We sing ‘let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.’

As we continue to celebrate our Mass we pray for ourselves and for each other that we refuse to listen to calls to distrust and reject the stranger and be instruments of God’s peace in our homes and in our communities and in our nation.

Posted in Homily | Comments Off on Homily – November 11, 2018

Bulletin – November 11, 2018

Saturday, November 10th, 2018

LEST WE FORGET

This Sunday, November 11th is Remembrance Day, a day to remember all who have served, and continue to serve in our armed forces, especially those who have died and those wounded in battle. We pray for healing and peace; that one day, all peoples will lay down their arms and embrace one another as brothers and sisters in one human family.

SAVE THE DATE!

The Parish Advent Retreat will be held on Saturday, December 8th

YOUTH TALENT NIGHT

Sunday November 25th at 6:00 PM

St. Gabriel’s Church

The St. Gabriel’s Youth Group would like to invite you, your friends and your families to their Youth Talent Night, taking place in Sunday, November 25th. Join them for a lovely evening as they showcase the talent of the youth in our parish.

Admission is by donation. All proceeds will support 9 of our young adults and their trip to Panama this January for World Youth Day. Thank you for all your continuous support of the Youth Group. Hope to see you there!

SHEPHERD’S TRUST COLLECTION

November 18th/19th

As members of our Catholic community, we regularly benefit from the tireless service of our priests. Called by God and ordained to care for His people, our priests serve our families, in churches, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, missions and on the streets.

On November 18th and 19th there will be a second collection for The Shepherds’ Trust. The mission of The Shepherds’ Trust is to help ensure that elderly and disabled priests are provided with sufficient financial resources to lead a dignified life after many years of ministry. Your generous gift will help our priests to maintain a modest but active and independent lifestyle in their retirement years. For priests who are ill or otherwise infirm, the Trust ensures they have access to nursing home facilities and medical care. Thank you for your support of this important work

NOVEMBER IS THE MONTH OF ALL SOULS
BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE

A Book of Remembrance has been placed on the altar for the month of November. You are invited to write the names of your deceased relatives and friends in the book. They will be remembered at all the Masses celebrated in November.

BEAUTIFUL 2019 CALENDAR FROM THE CANADIAN NORTH

Available the Weekend of December 1st/2nd
On the weekend of December 1st/ 2nd our Parish’s Development and Peace Group will be selling 2019 calendars. This is a beautiful and unique calendar showcasing sceneries from the Arctic north. The pictures are taken by Bishop Jon Hansen of the MacKenzie-Fort Smith Diocese on his missionary trips to the arctic communities.

Through the sale of these calendars, funds will be raised for the missions in the Arctic. Our Lady of Victory Church in Inuvik (the famous igloo church) and three of its missions: Tuktoyaktuk on the Beaufort Sea,Tsiigehtchic and Paulatuk. These remote communities are striving for self-sufficiency, but it is not easy. During the harsh winter months, the heating of the churches would cost over $4000 a month.

Perhaps in the comfort of our well heated homes, we can think of these communities in the Arctic and try to support them in ways we can – the calendars at $20 each will be great for personal use; they will also make wonderful gifts, since they are unique and not easily available.

FIRST COMMUNION INFORMATION MEETING

Thursday, November 15th at 7:30 PM.
St. Gabriel’s Church

There will be a meeting here at the Church on Thursday, November 15th at 7:30 PM. for parents of children who will be receiving the Sacrament of First Communion in 2019.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

November 12th to November 17th

MONDAY – W. BERNARD COMER – Requested by Jeannine Comer
TUESDAY – WAHIBA BALADI – Requested by Mary Zakher
WEDNESDAY – MARIA JULIA MARTINS – Requested by Maria Martins
THURSDAY – RONNIE FRANCIS – Requested by His Family
FRIDAY – BERTHA RICKETTS – Requested by the her Family
SATURDAY – JOHN POWELL – Requested by Kathleen Olden Powell

SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN PREPARING FOR BAPTISM

If you have, or know of, school age children (ages 7 to 14) who wish to prepare for Baptism, please contact the Parish Office at 416-221-8866. Classes for them will begin soon

R.C.I.A. AND ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT

Meetings in preparation for the R.C.I.A. (Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults) will begin soon. These meetings are for persons interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. The exploration may lead the candidate to seek baptism, and become a member of the Catholic Christian community; or for Christians already baptized into another Christian denomination, the reception into the Catholic Church.Adult Catholics who have not received the sacrament of Confirmation but who wish to do so are also encouraged to attend these sessions.

As well, these meetings may be an opportunity for “Born Catholics” to deepen their understanding of our faith. Very often, especially for those of us who received our religious instruction at an early age, we tend to grow physically, mentally, psychologically etc., but the understanding of our faith does not grow correspondingly. The RCIA may serve as a good opportunity for us to ask questions and to develop a more adult understanding of our faith.

If you are interested in joining the RCIA meetings or if you would like to have more information about it, please contact the Parish Office at 416-221-8866.

DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE

Share the Journey Campaign
Did you know?
“31 people are forced to flee their home every minute!”

JUST COFFEE

Weekend of November 17th/18th

Fair trade organic coffees will be on sale after all the Masses next weekend.
Regular ground coffee: $5.50
Decaffeinated: $6.00
Whole Beans: $5.50
Chocolate Bars: $4.50 incl. Taxes
Hot Chocolate and Cocoa: $6.00
Teas: $4.25

GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE CASSEROLES

Thank you to the volunteers who prepared casseroles for October. For November, your prepared frozen casseroles will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of November 24th / 25th 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.

FOOD FOR LESS FORTUNATE

Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre. Your food donations are very much appreciated. With everyone struggling at this time, your food donations are more important than ever. Please check expiry dates as we cannot pass on expired food.

‘GUIDANCE MATTERS’

Wednesday, November 21st, at 7:00 PM

St. Timothy Parish Hall, 21 Leith Hill Road

St. Michael’s College School, the leader in Catholic boys’ education, will be hosting an evening for students in elementary, middle, and high school, and their parents entitled ‘Guidance Matters’ on Wednesday, November 21st at 7:00 PM

Experienced St. Michael’s College School guidance counselors and members of the Student Affairs team will be present to share information and answer your questions about academics, mental health. The event is free and refreshments will be served. Seating is limited. Reserve your spot today at: guidancematters@smcsmail.com

MOSAIC INTERFAITH- FROM ABRAHAM 3 FAITHS

Can Violence in our Scriptures Justify Violence in Today’s World?
Sunday November 25th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Jaffari Islamic Centre, 9000 Bathurst Street, Thornhill

MOSAIC Interfaith, co-sponsored by the Organization of Islamic Learning invites you to attend a discussion “Can the Violence in the Scripture Justify Violence in Today’s World? On Sunday November 25th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Mullah Asher Memorial Library and Islamic Resource Centre, Affair Islamic Centre.
They welcome back the Rev. Canon Hill, Rabi Michael Stroh and Dr. Liyakat Takim. There will be a round table discussion and question period following the presentation. For further information please contact Nora Kerr at 416-218-0680. An RSVP would be appreciated.

THE GARDEN SHED

“What does the Earth Desire…
To be admired in her loveliness,
To be tasted in her delicious fruits,
To be listened to in her teaching,
To be endured in the severity of her discipline,
To be cared for as a maternal source from whence we come, a destiny to which we return.”
– Thomas Berry
– For more information on the Garden Ministry, email Heather Bennett at heathermjb@gmail.com

Posted in Bulletin | Comments Off on Bulletin – November 11, 2018

Homily – November 4, 2018

Sunday, November 4th, 2018

I’m sure you’ve heard or used the statement, ‘let’s get down to basics.’ Let’s get to the heart of the matter.

For the Israelites delivered from centuries of slavery in Egypt the basic, the heart of the matter, was ‘behold Israel the Lord our God is one.’ They were to love their liberating God with all their heart, all their soul and all their strength. From the beginning of their journey into freedom the Israelites had difficulty believing or trusting this ‘basic’, the Lord thy God is one. For centuries they’d lived among a people who worshiped many gods and that tainted their concept of God. To hedge their bets they crafted a golden calf as their deliver, not the God of Moses.

As Christians we believe in one God and we believe our one God involves the mystery of Father, Son and Spirit. Like the Israelites of old we too are tempted to follow other gods; so we idolize power, wealth and pleasure. These powerful idols lure us away from the God we are to love with all our heart, with all our mind and with all our strength.

In Hebraic thought the heart and soul and strength are not separate human facilities but the person in the totality of his or her being. God is totality ours and we are to be totality God’s.

In our first reading we’re told to ‘fear the Lord all the days of our lives.’ This doesn’t call us to a cowering relationship with God. The word fear is best understood as awe or wonder. The Jewish people awed, overcome with wonder that God choose them as his own people. ‘I will be your God and you will be my people.’ We are told that God lives in light inaccessible. But our inaccessible God became flesh and dwelt among us. As John the Evangelist tells us ’what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, this we declare to you. Our inaccessible God came to us as obedient slave to his father’s will, an obedience that brought him a shameful death as a crucified common criminal.

And our crucified Christ us a new commandment, ‘love one another as I have loved you.’ We all know that is not an easy thing to do. Men and women may disappoint us, break vows to us, lie about us with gossiping tongues, cheat or rob us. They break our hearts and we want to get even. Tit for tat. That only diminishes us, makes us less than we are meant to be. Every day we are challenged by the words, ‘forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.’scary.

This time last week we were shocked by the murder of 11 Jewish men and women who were praying in the Living Water synagogue in Pittsburgh. Some blame this tragedy on the divisive political speeches going on in the States and in Canada, speeches that demonize other people from other lands or live by other convictions. But we experienced a similar tragedy in Montreal last year when a fanatic bigot killed 10 Moslem men praying in their local Mosque.

Demonic politicians around the world are setting neighbour against neighbour for their own purposes as they worship at the idols of power. Love one another as I’ve loved you calls us to give life not take a life. Love one another as I’ve love you calls us stand up for and protect good men and woman who are different from ourselves in what they believe, in their social or cultural backgrounds, and in their life styles and not see them as less than ourselves.

Love one another as I have loved you challenges us to see beyond the hostile words that call us to be suspicious of men and women different from ourselves and try to understand why good men and women fall into bigotry and discrimination toward others. Basically these preachers of hate and discrimination play on the fears and insecurity of people. They lure them into believing that the outsiders, these newcomers are going to take away their jobs, they are going to lower the real estate value of the neighbourhood, live on welfare, up our health care costs and cost us higher taxes. Such talk is devious.

As we continue to celebrate our Eucharist we can pray for ourselves, family members and friend that we be graced to see through the seduction of bigotry and suspicion and believe in the goodness of good men and women who seek to come into our country, our neighbourhood and our parish. Whatever you do to one of these the least of my brothers and sisters, you do to me.

Posted in Homily | Comments Off on Homily – November 4, 2018

Bulletin – November 4, 2018

Saturday, November 3rd, 2018

LEST WE FORGET

Next Sunday, November 11th is Remembrance Day, a day to remember all who have served, and continue to serve in our armed forces, especially those who have died and those wounded in battle. We pray for healing and peace; that one day, all peoples will lay down their arms and embrace one another as brothers and sisters in one human family.

NOVEMBER IS THE MONTH OF ALL SOULS

BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE

A Book of Remembrance has been placed on the altar for the month of November. You are invited to write the names of your deceased relatives and friends in the book. They will be remembered at all the Masses celebrated in November.

DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE

Share the Journey Campaign
Did you know?
“31 people are forced to flee their home every minute!”

YOUTH GROUP MONTH IN REVIEW

The St. Gabriel’s Youth Group is excited to share a quick recap of our great events that took place this past month.

At the beginning of October, 30 youth took to the streets of downtown Toronto and distributed almost 100 meal packages consisting of a homemade sandwich, granola bar, and juice box to those in need. It was a very eye-opening and heart-warming experience. Our second outreach initiative was aimed towards helping the environment. We participated in the City of Toronto’s Community Stewardship Program and planted more than 20 trees and shrubs in Sunnybrook Park. Finally, we wrapped up this month’s festivities with a Halloween social filled with food, music, costumes, and games.

We also held two fundraisers to support the 9 young adults attending World Youth Day in Panama this January. Our Silent Auction was a huge success in which a total of $3800 was raised. We would like to thank all who helped organize the event, all who donated items to auction off, as well as all those who participated and placed bids. We also held our annual Halloween Bake Sale and raised more than $1800. Thank you to all who helped bakes, decorated, and purchased delicious baked goods.

We are so blessed to be a part of such a generous parish community and are grateful for your ongoing support!

COMING. UP……

We look forward to all that is in store for the youth group in the coming weeks, particularly our Talent Night that is taking place on Sunday November 25th. Please save the date and join us for a lovely evening as we showcase the talent of the young people of our parish.

FIRST COMMUNION INFORMATION MEETING

Thursday, November 15th at 7:30 PM.

St. Gabriel’s Church

There will be a meeting here at the Church on Thursday, November 15th at 7:30 PM. for parents of children who will be receiving the Sacrament of First Communion in 2019.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

November 5th to November 10th

MONDAY – ALL SOULS IN PURGATORY – Requested by John Chan
TUESDAY – VLADO PETRANOVIC – Requested by Mira Petranovic
WEDNESDAY – JOAN RUEST – Requested by her Family
THURSDAY – DON POWER – Requested by Fergus O’Connell
FRIDAY – PAULINE CHIU – Requested by the Chiu Family
SATURDAY – ALL DECEASED – Requested by Chiara & Tina Intini

R.C.I.A. AND ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT

Meetings in preparation for the R.C.I.A.

(Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults) will begin soon. These meetings are for persons interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. The exploration may lead the candidate to seek baptism, and become a member of the Catholic Christian community; or for Christians already baptized into another Christian denomination, the reception into the Catholic Church.

Adult Catholics who have not received the sacrament of Confirmation but who wish to do so are also encouraged to attend these sessions.

As well, these meetings may be an opportunity for “Born Catholics” to deepen their understanding of our faith. Very often, especially for those of us who received our religious instruction at an early age, we tend to grow physically, mentally, psychologically etc., but the understanding of our faith does not grow correspondingly. The RCIA may serve as a good opportunity for us to ask questions and to develop a more adult understanding of our faith.

If you are interested in joining the RCIA meetings or if you would like to have more information about it, please contact the Parish Office at 416-221-8866.

SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN PREPARING FOR BAPTISM

If you have, or know of, school age children (ages 7 to 14) who wish to prepare for Baptism, please contact the Parish Office at 416-221-8866. Classes for them will begin soon.

HUMANITARIAN RELIEF

Areas of the Philippines were devastated by Typhoon Mangkhut on September 15th, with winds of up to 225 km/h. More than 80 people died as a result of the storm and related landslides, flash floods and destruction of homes, infrastructure and crops.

Days later, on September 28th, an earthquake off the coast of Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, caused a tsunami with waves six meters high. To date, more than 1300 people have been confirmed dead and many, many more remain missing.

In an effort to support the survivors of these two significant disasters, the Archdiocese of Toronto is accepting funds that will be sent through Caritas Internationalis, the official relief network of the Vatican. In both countries, Caritas agencies have deployed workers to provide food, drinking water, temporary shelter and medical support.

Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways:
• Online through the Archdiocese of Toronto website: www.archtoronto.org
• By phone through the Development Office – 416-934-3411
• Through the parish, making cheques payable to:
St. Gabriel’s Passionist Parish – 2018 Philippines / Indonesia – Disaster Relief

We offer our prayers for all those impacted by these natural disasters. Thank you for your ongoing efforts to assist those in crisis.

GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE CASSEROLES

Thank you to the volunteers who prepared casseroles for October. For November, your prepared frozen casseroles will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of November 24th / 25th 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.

FOOD FOR LESS FORTUNATE

Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre. Your food donations are very much appreciated.

Rosalie Hall provides a wide range of child services for young parents and their children. Good Shepherd provides hot meals and shelter for the homeless in our city.

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.

THE GARDEN SHED

Would you like to see spring flowers scattered throughout the gardens next April? Join us on Saturday, November 10tn at 1:00 for a bulb-planting bee. No experience necessary. Children are welcome to get involved too.

Gardening workshops will resume in January. Stay tuned for topics and schedules. For information on the Gardening Ministry, contact Heather Bennett at heathermjb@gmail.com

‘GUIDANCE MATTERS’

Wednesday, November 21st, at 7:00 PM

St. Timothy Parish Hall, 21 Leith Hill Road

St. Michael’s College School, the leader in Catholic boys’ education, will be hosting an evening for students in elementary, middle, and high school, and their parents entitled ‘Guidance Matters’ on Wednesday, November 21st at 7:00 PM

Experienced St. Michael’s College School guidance counselors and members of the Student Affairs team will be present to share information and answer your questions about academics, course selection, high school preparation, student mental health and wellness and more. You can also email your questions in advance. The event is free and refreshments will be served. Seating is limited. Reserve your spot today at: guidancematters@smcsmail.com

DAY OF SPIRITUAL RECOLLECTION

Monday November 26 from 9:30 to 4:00 PM

Villa Colombo, 40 Playfair Avenue

In the beautiful surroundings of Villa Colombo, a day of Recollection will be held on Monday, November 26th from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Under the direction of Fr. Raffaele Paonessa, it will be a preparation for the holy season of Advent. The cost is $42. Including lunch and two coffee breaks. Please reserve in person or by sending a cheque or money order, payable to Villa Colombo, attention Mirella (416 789 2113) before Tuesday, November 20th Tickets will not be sold at the door.

QUEEN OF APOSTLES ACTS RETREAT

Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre
1617 Blythe Rd., Mississauga

Women’s ACTS Retreats
Thursday, November 15th at 7:00 PM to Sunday, November 18th at 12:00 PM

Men’s ACTS Retreat
Thursday, November 29th at 7:00 PM to Sunday December 2nd at 12:00 PM.

The ACTS retreat is a three-day retreat led by those who have attended prior ACTS retreats. Men present men’s retreats; women present women’s retreats. The retreat focuses on adoration, community, theology and service. Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church are the guidelines. The goals are to renew yourself spiritually, to strengthen your faith and to apply it in your daily life, and to create lasting and supporting friendships.

Please contact Willy Klaudusz by phone at 647-281-5990 or on the website at https://actscanada.org/

Posted in Bulletin | Comments Off on Bulletin – November 4, 2018

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »