A MESSAGE FROM CARDINAL COLLINS
Contact Your Member of Parliament!
New Euthanasia Legislation Introduced in Canada
Legislation that would expand access to euthanasia in our country has been introduced by the federal government. Among the alarming changes are amendments to expand euthanasia to those without a terminal illness, including those with disabilities. Only 30 per cent of Canadians have access to quality palliative care which would significantly reduce the number of people wanting to end their lives. Every life has value – visit www.helptheliving.ca to send a letter (prepared for you) to your Member of Parliament. 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.
IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM CARDINAL COLLINS MESSAGE ON COVID-19 – MARCH 17, 2020
“In view of the requirements of the Government of Ontario, during this medical emergency, beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020, I instruct that all public Masses be cancelled, both during the week and on the weekend. Churches will be available for individual private prayer.
The priests of the archdiocese will celebrate Mass every day privately for the intentions of the people.
The faithful will be able to watch, via livestream, a Mass which will be celebrated every day at 7:30 a.m. at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, which will be followed by the Angelus and the Rosary. I will personally celebrate this Mass as much as is possible. This Mass, Rosary and Angelus will also be available on the Archdiocese of Toronto’s YouTube channel for those who cannot join at 7:30 a.m. These Masses and prayers will be offered for the intentions of everyone as we go through these trying times.
In addition, Mass will be broadcast daily on Salt & Light Catholic Media Foundation, VisionTV (Daily TV Mass) and EWTN.
Baptism – At this time, communal celebrations of Baptism are not allowed. Individual Baptism is allowed with immediate family and following the regulations established by the health authorities.
RCIA – I dispense the catechumens from the scrutinies. Information will be sent out later on the Triduum and reception into the Church.
First Holy Communion, First Reconciliation and Confirmation will be postponed for the duration of the emergency.
Sacrament of Reconciliation – Communal celebrations of the Sacrament of Reconciliation are not allowed at this time. All those who wish to receive the sacrament should contact a priest. The sacrament is to be celebrated not in a confessional but rather in another location, where confidentiality may be ensured and where the distance required by the health officials can be maintained.
Marriage – Marriages without Mass may take place with the immediate family members, provided they follow the regulations established by the health authorities. The postponement of the wedding may be requested given these circumstances, but if this is granted there may be a need for revision of the canonical requirements.
Marriage Preparation is very important. At this time, however, marriage preparation classes are cancelled and pastors are to arrange for individual couples to be prepared properly for marriage.
Visits to the Sick and Homebound should continue as much as possible. As previously communicated, visiting clergy and volunteers should take direction from the health care facility. Parishes should also take care to contact the homebound and vulnerable.
Funerals – During this emergency, there will be no vigils or wake services. The Rite of Committal will take place with the immediate family at the cemetery. There will be no funeral Mass at this time, but we encourage the celebration of a funeral Mass at a later date when it is possible.
Parish Meetings and Events are cancelled at this time.
Parish Offices – While parish offices may offer more limited operating hours, they should maintain an active presence in the community and be accessible to the faithful. The Archdiocese of Toronto’s Catholic Pastoral Centre will also follow this practice, ensuring that offices remain accessible.”
COVID-19 UPDATES
As directed by Cardinal Collins, all communal celebrations of the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Marriage and Funerals are not allowed at this time.
Please contact the Pastor should you have plans for Baptism, Reconciliation, Marriage, Marriage Preparation or Funerals.
Please contact the parish office should you know of someone vulnerable or homebound that need assistance.
Emergency provisions are reviewed regularly in accord with the requirements of the public health officials and updates are provided at: www.archtoronto.org/covid19
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION CELEBRATION
This event scheduled for Sunday, April 26th from 2:00 PM to 5:00PM has been postponed.
CONFIRMATION CLASS
Confirmation class on Saturday, March 28th from 2:00 to 3:30 PM is cancelled.
WELCOME! BAPTISM
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome:
Norah Tze
Ching Ho
Aliyah Rachele
Juliete Morrison
Noah Finn Tarvairen
These children received the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, March 15th. Congratulations!
ANNOUNCED MASSES
March 23rd to March 29th, 2020
MONDAY – ABANDONED SOULS IN PURGATORY – Requested by the Nguyen Family
TUESDAY – FR. STEVE, FR. BRANDO & THE STAFF OF ST. GABRIEL’S – Requested by a grateful Mother
WEDNESDAY – EAMON GAUGHAN – Requested by the Gaughan Family
THURSDAY – THANKSGIVING FOR THOSE CELEBRATING THEIR 75TH BIRTHDAY – Requested by Linda Law
FRIDAY – INTENTIONS OF MARK DESROCHES – Requested by Mark DesRoches
SATURDAY – DOREEN YOUNG – Requested by Noreen Chen
SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – FERNANDO LASA – Requested by Ana Maria Lasa
SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – MANUEL NUNEZ SANTA CRUZ – Requested by Jimena Nunez
DAILY TV MASS
With masses being cancelled across the country the Daily TV Mass offers Mass each day on television and the internet.
Vision TV
Sunday – 8:00 AM
Monday – Friday 8:00 AM & 12:00 PM
Saturday – 8:00 AM & 9:30 AM
Salt + Light
Sunday – 11:00 AM & 10:30 PM
Monday – Saturday – 6:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 10:30 PM
yesTV
Sunday – 10:30 AM
Monday – Saturday – 1:00 PM
Internet
www.dailytvmass.com
www.youtube.com/dailytvmass
SHARELIFE
How can you “Live the Gospel” when life is so busy?
Many people help those in need by volunteering at a local organization. But if your schedule doesn’t allow for it, you can still make a huge impact in your community by supporting ShareLife-funded agencies. Next Sunday is the first ShareLife collection. Over the next week, please reflect on your ability to “Live the Gospel” by making a sacrificial gift to our parish ShareLife campaign.
Next Sunday, March 29 is ShareLife Sunday.
Please give generously.
THE GIFT OF RECONCILIATION
We have already begun the preparation for the greatest feast of all: The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. During this time of prayer, almsgiving, and fasting, the Church endeavors to remind parishioners of the gift of Reconciliation, as a loving act through which the Father restores us to the fullness of life and to call them to full participation in the Holy Week and Easter liturgies. Our Day of Confession will be March 26th from 3:00 PM to 6:00PM. Please contact the Pastor for individual Confession.
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.
Please check the expiration on food package to avoid passing food that has expired. Thank you for your generous support!
CASSEROLES FOR THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE
Delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre has been suspended for the time being. We will post a notice when the pick up resumes.
You may consider to prepare casseroles when pick up resumes, the 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.
The Garden Shed
For more information on the Garden Ministry, please email Heather Bennett at heathermjb@gmail.com.
FINANCE CORNER
During this time of uncertainty, please remember that the expenses of operating and maintaining the church and its premises continue. Our Church remains open and our outreach programs and pastoral presence remain active.
Because there will be no masses, there will no offertory collections taken up.
Monthly contributions to the Parish by monthly Pre-Authorized Giving would have continued automatically.
Please consider changing your offertory giving, at this time, to monthly Pre-Authorized Giving. Forms are available at the Parish office or on-line at the Parish website in the “Weekly Giving” section under the Finances tab.
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.
