AN ADVENT EVENING OF REFLECTION
“Truth and Reconciliation: An Opportunity for All Canada”
November 25, 2015 (Wednesday), 7:30 pm, at St Gabriel’s
Bishop Mark MacDonald, the first National Indigenous Bishop of the Anglican Church of Canada, will be the speaker for the evening. As we prepare for Christmas, the season of Advent asks us to focus on how Jesus, the God who dwelled among us, brings light and hope in darkness and suffering. Last May, the Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada brought to light the suffering and pain of our Aboriginal brothers and sisters in Canada, and suggested paths for moving forward towards reconciliation. Advent seems to be the right season to reflect on how we can move towards reconciliation in our own lives, as well as on how we, as a country, can work towards reconciliation, especially with our First Nations peoples.
Educated in both Canada and the U.S., Bishop MacDonald has had a long and varied ministry in different dioceses in both countries. He has published widely in areas of faith and environment, and inter-cultural ministry, including ministries to Native American youth. He is also a Third Order Franciscan.
We are most privileged to have Bishop MacDonald coming to our parish to speak about the suffering and pain that the indigenous peoples have experienced, and to shed light on a path of reconciliation on which all Canadians can embrace together in solidarity, equality, and mutual respect. It is an opportunity not to be missed, please mark your calendar and join us for the evening.
To facilitate our planning, please let us know if you plan to attend. You can call the Parish Office (416) 221-8866 or email Fatima Lee at fatimalee@bellnet.ca.
FILM AND VIDEO EVENING ON CANADA’S ABORIGINAL PEOPLES
Wednesday, November 11 from 7:30 to 9:00 PM
In preparation for the Advent Evening of Reflection led by Bishop Mark MacDonald, for parishioners who are interested to learn more about the history of the Native peoples, the treaty relationship, the residential schools, we’ll have a film and video evening on Wednesday, November 11 at 7:30 PM in the Gabriel Room.
OUR PARISH’S RESPONSE TO THE SYRIAN CRISIS
Special Collection – October 31st/November 1st
The situation in Syria and the news about the plight of Syrian refugees have touched many of our hearts. As reported earlier, the parish is considering sponsoring a refugee family again.
A big “Thank You” to all those who volunteered to help with the application and settlement process.
The parish has also been receiving financial donations to support this cause. To date, $21,425 has been received.
We thank all who have already donated.
This is a real humanitarian crisis. Donations are being collected specially for our refugee sponsorship this weekend,October 31st/November 1st. Please consider and help as your means allow.
CHOIR NEWS!
Tuesday, November 3rd from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
On Tuesday, November 3rd from 7:30 to 9:00 PM the choir will be hosting a hymn sing! In preparation for full singing participation at all our masses, we will wander through our new blue Gather Hymn books. We will be focusing on new hymns for Advent and Christmas. Please join us for a good ol’ sing-a-long!
PASSIONIST CHRISTMAS CARDS
Christmas cards will be available after all the Masses on the weekend of November 7th/8th. The suggested cost is $1.50 per card.
All donations will go directly to support the Passionist Missions in Haiti, Honduras and Jamaica. Your support is invaluable in caring for the needy in some of the poorest communities of North America.
CONCERT
St. Gabriel’s Church
Sunday, November 8th at 3:00 PM
Many of you know Alex Seredenko, our pianist/organist for the 4:30 Saturday and the 12:30 Sunday Masses. On Sunday, November 8th at 3:00 PM, Alex is holding a concert in the main space of St. Gabriel parish.
The concert will feature a piano quartet by W.A. Mozart. Joining him are members of the Nova piano trio, and
Laurence Schaufele.
Admission is free. Any donations will be forwarded to the St. Gabriel Youth Group.
NOVEMBER IS THE MONTH OF ALL SOULS
BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE
There will be a Book of Remembrance 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.
ANNOUNCED MASSES
November 2nd to November 7th, 2015
MONDAY – GERRY BAVINGTON – Requested by Diana Bavington
TUESDAY – ALL SOULS IN PURGATORY – Requested by John Chan
WEDNESDAY – NELLIE & JIM ATREO – Requested by Anne & Fran & Family
THURSDAY – TONY AGARD – Requested by Peter & Kathleen Donegan
FRIDAY – ABANDONED SOULS – Requested by the Nguyen Family
SATURDAY – JOAN RUEST – Requested by the Family
MEETING FOR FIRST RECONCILIATION
Wednesday, November 18th at 7:30 PM
St. Gabriel’s Church, Gabriel Room
On Wednesday, November 18th 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, November 22nd at the 12:30 PM Mass
The Confirmation Enrollment Ceremony for all Confirmation candidates will be held on Sunday, November 22nd 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 15th.
SHEPHERD’S TRUST COLLECTION
November 14th/15th
The Shepherds’ Trust has a mission to provide, comfort and care for those who have steadfastly cared for us – our retired priests. As parishioners, we have our own memories of a Catholic priest who made a positive, meaningful and lasting impact in our lives.
Each year, thousands of people contribute to the Shepherds’ Trust. The collection will take place in all parishes in the Archdiocese on the weekend of November 14th/15th
Envelopes are in the pews.
We want our priests to retire safely and with dignity. The Shepherds’ Trust allows us to help achieve this goal.
Your generosity is deeply appreciated.
FOOD FOR ROSALIE HALL AND THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE
Each month food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.
Rosalie Hall assists young parents in need and their children to realize their potential through the provision of a wide range of community, residential, educational and child development 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.
GOOD SHEPHERD CASSEROLES
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 42 casseroles for October. For November, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of November 28th/29th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
More volunteers are encouraged 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.
If you require more information or would like to get a copy of a recipe and a casserole pan, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE
St. Gabriel’s Parish
Weekend of February 12th to 14th, 2016
A Marriage Preparation course will be offered here at St. Gabriel’s the weekend of February 12th to 14th, 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. Note that this course usually fills up quickly and spaces are limited.
ONE DAY PILGRIMAGE
Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica, Lackawanna, New York
December 12, 2015
Blessed Trinity Parish invites you to attend a one day pilgrimage to Our Lady of Victory, National Shrine and Basilica in Lackawanna, New York on Saturday, December 12th.
For further information, please contact Mary at 416-497-7059.
Please note: a valid passport is required.
FINANCE CORNER
Weekly Offertory
Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
Collection for last weekend:
Envelopes 379 $ 8,471
Loose Change 949
Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 163 3,060
Total 542 $ 12,480
If you are moving out of the Parish or have a change of address, please contact the Parish Office at 416-221-8866 so that we can update our records. Thank you.
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.
