The Wise Still seek Him.
ANNOUNCED MASSES
January 4th to January 9th, 2016
MONDAY – TORREFRANCA FAMILY – Requested by Margarita Flores
TUESDAY – IN THANKSGIVING – Requested by Pacita Cadavez
WEDNESDAY – LEWIS ROYES – Requested by Helene Royes
THURSDAY – GEORGE OLDEN – Requested by Kathleen Olden-Powell
FRIDAY – FR. ADRIEN LEE – Requested by Jeanne Robinson
SATURDAY – RENATO BELLISARI – Requested by Chiara &Tina Intini
FROM THE DESK OF FR. BRANDO
THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Thank you, good people, for your overwhelming generosity this Christmas season. Thanks to you, St. Gabriel’s was able to provide toys, food and gifts to Rosalie Hall, the Catholic Children’s Aid, the Good Shepherd Centre and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
A very special thank you to our neighbours the St. Gabriel’s Village Condos for their generous support of our food and toy drives. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.
WONDERFUL NEWS!
The Syrian family sponsored by the parish arrived in Toronto late Sunday evening, December 20th in time for Christmas! The family is Armenian Christian from Aleppo, Syria. Father Brando and representatives of the refugee committee met them the next morning at the airport hotel where they stayed for the night.
The family of two adults and two young children, ages 10 and 3, joined us at the 12:30 PM Mass on Christmas Day, where they received a warm welcome from our community. They are so grateful to have this opportunity to come to Canada, and are determined to re-build their lives here.
THANK YOU FROM THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been overwhelmed by your generosity once again! Your contributions to our giving tree were wonderful. Thanks to everyone who offered help and gifts to our families in need. Your kindness has been deeply appreciated.
MEALS ON WHEELS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
The Volunteer organization Meals on Wheels, located at 80 Sheppard Avenue West is looking for drivers and runners for the organization. If you would like more information, please contact Karen Leung at 416-225-6041 ext 319 or by email at kleung@mowam.ca and she will provide the details.
THANK YOU FROM ROSALIE HALL
Dear Friends,
Thanks to you, Christmas this year was spent by our young mothers along with their children, surrounded by your kindness and generosity. Most importantly, these young families you have supported have the knowledge that help came from a caring and compassionate community of donors – people like you who value and care for others less fortunate.
On behalf of all the grateful recipients of your Christmas spirit, thank you for your kindness and consideration, making Christmas 2015 one of joy and hope for every young mother, father and child! We wish you peace and prosperity in 2016.
THEOLOGY ON TAP EAST:
PRAY IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT
Boston Pizza, 400 Progress Avenue, Scarborough,
Monday, January 18th at 7:00 PM
Faith Connections, the Office of Catholic Youth, and the local parishes invite young adults (19-39) to join them for an evening of thought-provoking conversation on theological topics!
Munchies are provided, and a cash bar is available. Come and bring a friend!
The Special guest will be Patrick Sullivan. For more information: visit our Toronto Theology on Tap web page,
or contact OCY by e-mail youth@ocytoronto.org, or phone 416-599-7676. RSVPs are appreciated!
“AN EVENING OF TAIZE PRAYER, SONG AND REFLECTION”
On Monday, January 18th, at 6:30 PM you are invited to gather in God’s presence at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1155 Yonge St., 4th Floor, for Taizé Prayer singing (chanting), listening to scripture readings and meditations with periods of silence. To this gathering, we bring our intentions, needs and in particular our experiences of loss.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE
St. Gabriel’s Parish
Weekend of April 22nd, 23rd and 24th, 2016
A Marriage Preparation course will be offered here at St. Gabriel’s the weekend of April 22nd to 24th, 2016.
The course will be held Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
For a registration package please email Marie Deans at deansm@sympatico.ca.
FINANCE CORNER
Collection for Christmas: $43,313
The Parish’s 2015 budgeted operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
Offertory Collection for December 27th, 2015:
Envelopes 340 $10,247
Loose Change 903
Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 164 3,058
Total 504 $14,208
If you are a regular Parish member and you do not contribute to the Offertory collection, the Finance Council reminds you that “the financial burden of the Parish is the responsibility of each and all parishioners to the extent that your means allow”.
For those parishioners who contribute to the offertory on a regular weekly basis, we thank you for your constant support.
Have you considered using PAG or Donate Now?
PRE-AUTHORIZED GIVING OPTION
The “Pre-Authorized Giving” Plan (PAG), authorized and supported by the Archdiocese of Toronto, is a direct debit program. It allows parishioners to make their regular offertory donations by automatic monthly bank withdrawal on or about the 20th of each month. Participation in the PAG provides a regular dependable cash flow of contributions to the parish and enables us to better manage the Parish finances. PAG brochures and sign-up forms are available in the Parish Office and on the tables at the back of the Church.
OFFERTORY ENVELOPES FOR 2016
The 2016 Offertory Boxed Envelopes are now in the hall near the Gabriel Room. Please pick yours up as soon as possible.
In 2016, please do not use any envelopes from 2015 or any envelopes from previous years as the number on it may have been reassigned to another parishioner.
If you are contributing cash to the Offertory Collection without any identification, you will not receive credit for your contribution. You must provide your full name and address.
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.
