December 21st, 2024
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
December 23rd to December 29th, 2024
MONDAY – CARMELA GRECH CAIA ✞ – Requested by the Grech Padova Family FRIDAY – CARMELA STANISCIA ✞ – Requested by Joanne Marchese SATURDAY – CHIARA INTINI ✞ – Requested by the Annibale & Oakie Families SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – THERESA LOUISY – Requested by Karen Crichton SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – GABRIELE FOSSALUZZA ✞ – Requested by Janet Candido
Wednesday, December 18th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Tuesday, December 24th̶ 5:00 PM Family Mass 8:00 PM Mass 12:00 AM Midnight Mass No 9:00 AM Mass Office open – 8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
Wednesday, December 25th 10:30 AM Mass 12:30 PM Mass No 8:30 or 9:00 AM Mass
Thursday, December 26th No 9:00 AM Mass Office Closed
Tuesday, December 31st 5:00 PM Vigil Mass No 9:00 AM Mass Office open ̶ 8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
Wednesday, January 1st 10:30 AM Mass 12:30 PM Mass No 8:30 or 9:00 AM Mass
While parking at ground level is limited to 51 spaces, there is plenty of space in the underground parking lot. Please follow the instructions of the attendants. Do not park in front of the Church since this is a fire route and must be kept clear. Additional parking is available on the east side of Elkhorn Public School and in the bus loop. Again, please follow the instructions of the attendant. The school requests that we do not park on the grass. Many thanks to the Principal of Elkhorn Public School for allowing Us the use of the school property.
There will be a Nativity Play during the 5:00 PM Family Mass on Christmas Eve. Children grades 5 and under are invited to participate where they will dress up in costumes as they reenact the birth of Jesus. There will be a dress rehearsal on Sunday December 22nd at 11:30 AM (after the 10:30 AM mass). Please contact our Youth Minister at youth@stgabrielsparish.ca to participate.
Children ages 7 and up are invited to sing carols and hymns before and during the Christmas Eve Family Mass on December 24th at 5:00 PM. There will be a mandatory rehearsal on Sunday, December 22nd from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
The Advent time of preparation, for the God-with-us that is Christmas, ends at our Christmas celebration.
Today’s psalm responds to Micah, reminding that: God is ever with us. God shepherds his people. Psalm 80 introduces the “man of the Lord’s right hand”; “the son of man”. Jesus refers to himself in the Gospels as the son of man.
Our prayer in these last few days before Christmas: O shepherd of Israel, rouse your power and come to save us.
Sunday, December 29th at 5:00 PM
St. Michaels Cathedral Basilica
All are welcome to attend this special Mass on Sunday, December 29th at 5:00 PM at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica to formally launch the Jubilee Year in the Archdiocese of Toronto. The theme of the Jubilee Year is “Pilgrims of Hope”. More information is available in the letter and document from Archbishop Leo which is available in the parish office.
Weekend of December 28th/29th
Your prepared frozen casseroles will be collected at the Masses next weekend, December 28th/29th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
More volunteers are urgently needed to help feed the hungry in our city. Please get a copy of a casserole recipe and a pan and give it a try. Recipes are available in the parish office or on our website. Remember to mark the label on the pan lid with the name of the casserole.
Warming hearts with your support for ShareLife
Your gift will double in value! From November 1st until year end, your contribution to our parish’s ShareLife campaign will be matched by an anonymous donor up to a total of $500,000.
As we shelter from the winter storm, we’re thankful for your ShareLife support, keeping many off cold streets and igniting hope for a brighter future. Wishing you a warm and safe Christmas season, and thanking you for your enduring compassion that extends the same to others.
How much does Santa pay for parking?
Nothing…It’s on the house.
Offertory envelopes for 2025 are now available in the Gathering Space. If there is no box with your name on it and you wish to use envelopes, please advise the parish office either in person, by email or by phone.
If you are donating via Pre-Authorized Giving or Donate Now via the Archdiocese, you might not have an envelope box assigned to you. If you would like envelopes for Maintenance and Special Collections, they are readily available from the pews or the Parish Office.
On the first few 2025 envelopes, please write your name and complete address so that the office can ensure they have your correct information when sending out 2024 tax receipts.
Please note: All donations for 2024 must be received in the Parish Office by Tuesday, December 31st, 2024 to be included in your 2024 Tax Receipt.
To ensure the proper recording for tax receipt purposes, please do not use any envelopes from 2024 or any prior year for any 2025 donations.
| Posted in Bulletin |
December 14th, 2024
Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!” Amen.
Fr. Henri J.M. Nouwen
December 16th to December 22nd, 2024
MONDAY – DR. EUGENE JUWAH ✞ – Requested by Prescilla Juwah TUESDAY – CONVERSION OF ALL SINNERS IN THE WORLD – Requested by the Chiu Family WEDNESDAY – CHRISTOPHER CHOW – Requested by Jenny Lo THURSDAY – TINA INTINI ✞ – Requested by her Family FRIDAY – MARGARET HUI ✞ – Requested by Howa Hui SATURDAY – ANDREW HUI ✞ – Requested by Howa Hui SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – VICTOR PAUL ✞ – Requested by Sophie & Candida Pereira SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – MARGARET HUI ✞ – Requested by Howa Hui
Wednesday, December 18th
On Wednesday, December 18th, we will all have the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Confessions will be heard from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
This week, the Liturgy does not take our response to the First Reading from the Psalms. Rather our song of praise is from Chapter 12 of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah.
Using the words of the prophet we sing with Jesus and Mary, all the saints and countless others over the centuries, of our confidence and lack of fear because the Lord gives us strength, courage and joy.
And so our attitude is total thanks and praise.
“For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”
Could God be calling you to be a priest, a deacon, a brother or a sister and announce the Good News to His People asJohn the Baptist did?
Contact Fr. Matt McCarthy, Director of Vocations, Archdiocese of Toronto at 416-968-0997. Email vocations@archtoronto.org www.vocationstoronto.ca
Living the Gospel through ShareLife Your support of ShareLife is improving the lives of our brothers and sisters in the Deaf and hard of hearing community.
“If you ever wonder what impact you are making – you are sending Deaf kids to an accessible American Sign Language (ASL) camp in the summer; you are connecting Deaf kids with Deaf mentors; you are inspiring Deaf kids to achieve their dreams; you are teaching family members ASL so they can communicate with their Deaf children. When you give, it goes a long way.” – Kelly Mackenzie, Silent Voice
Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
What do you call a snowman who plays the piano?
Meltin John
Thursday, December 19th from 1:30 to 3:00 PM
Enjoy an afternoon of singing your favourite Christmas carols while enjoying tea, coffee and cookies on Thursday, December 19th from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM. To register please contact stgabrielmma@gmail.com or call the Parish Office.
November 11th, 2024 to January 13th, 2025
Theme: “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26)
High school students aged 13 to 19 from the Catholic School Boards in the Archdiocese of Toronto are invited to participate in this annual event, which honours the global Week of Prayer for Christian Unity taking place from January 18 to 25.
Write a five-hundred-word essay that explores the 2025 theme. Great prizes await the top three submissions.
Students are encouraged to explore the resources at https://bit.ly/3zOVHly to gain insight into the meaning and purpose of the theme. They should also refer to the focus question available on the poster at https://bit.ly/3XCGGgo. Entries are to be submitted at https://www.catholicregister.org/writingaward.
Email ecumenical@archtoronto.org or call 416-934-3400 ext. 527 with any questions, or for more information.
December 9th, 2024
| Posted in Events |
December 8th, 2024
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome the following children who were baptized during the month of November:
Julia Isabel Kervin-Nyland Ademilade Keon Okubanj Rafael Jason Chen Pimentel
Congratulations to the children and their families!
December 9th to December 15th , 2024
MONDAY – DR. EUGENE JUWAH ✞ – Requested by Prescilla Juwah TUESDAY – THE DESTITUTE, THE SICK & THE DYING – Requested by Lydia McGrann WEDNESDAY – LAYLA AMIN & NAJAT AMIN ✞ – Requested by Khalid Amin THURSDAY – VANDA ZAMPARINI ✞ – Requested by her Family FRIDAY – DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE OATWAY FAMILY ✞ – Requested by Pat Oatway SATURDAY – UMBERTO INTINI ✞ – Requested by his Family SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – BRUNO CORTESE ✞ – Requested by Antonietta Cortese SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – FLORA CUSI ✞ – Requested by her Family
Psalm 25 focuses our hearts on our need for the Lord, and on the steadfastness of the Lord in caring for us. We wait all day long for the Lord, for him to show us his ways and lead us in his truth.
Our confidence is secure: the Lord is good and upright; the Lord teaches us, leads us in his paths of steadfast love and faithfulness. The Lord is kindness, constancy, and friendship for us always.
Prepare the way of the Lord
The Social Justice Committee will be selling Fairtrade Coffee the weekend of December 21st and 22nd.
The price of the coffee is $7.00. Thank you for your continued support.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
During Advent, the St. Gabriel Conference of the Society of St Vincent de Paul will have a Giving Tree in the Gathering Space. The tree will be decorated with gift stars.
We invite you to take a star, and donate a $50 gift card from Walmart, the Dollar Store, Canadian Tire or Tim Hortons. All gift cards should have payment receipts to ensure they are activated. Gift cards should be left at the parish office by December 15th with the star ornament attached.
Rosalie Hall
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 little ones, age 6 months to 5 years. Sweaters or hoodies would also be very welcome.
Unwrapped items with the original stocking tag attached can be left in the box provided near the giving tree no later than Sunday, December 15th. 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 McDonald’s. These can be placed in the cards provided and brought to the Office. Thank you for your continued generosity.
Living the Gospel through ShareLife
NEW: Your gift will double in value!
From November 1st until year end, your contribution to our parish’s ShareLife campaign will be matched by an anonymous donor up to a total of $500,000. Your support of ShareLife is improving the lives of our brothers and sisters in the Deaf and hard of hearing community.
Thursday December 12th, 2024
The National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples, an initiative of the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council, takes place each year on December 12th, the liturgical feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The prayer and introductory text to commemorate this year’s National Day can be found by searching: 2024 National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples – Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
Saturday, December 14th at 7:00 PM
Massey Hall
St. Michael’s Choir School presents GLORIA! A magical blend of secular and sacred choral repertoire to usher in this Christmas season. A Toronto holiday tradition, this is the Choir School’s 59th annual Christmas concert, packed with exceptional works including Vivaldi’s Gloria, Carol of the Bells, and The Star Carol. With close to 300 voices, 5 choirs consisting of students, and alumni, taking the stage, this year’s programme is sure to be one of the best yet!
Tickets are now available at www.masseyhall.com. Please use Promo Code: STARLIGHT.
For more information, please call 416-397-6367.
Please consider giving your offertory by picking up Envelopes, enrolling in Pre-Authorized Giving (PAG), or Donate Now (through the Archdiocese of Toronto website).
One of the most financially sound ways to support the Archdiocese of Toronto is a gift of securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds).
To donate securities, go to archtoronto.org and download the“How to Gift Securities Info Sheet” and “Letter of Direction.”
For more information, contact our office at development@archtoronto.org.
What do you call a sleepwalking nun?
A roamin’ Catholic
November 30th, 2024
Thank you to all parishioners who took part in Crocheting for a Cause these past two months – almost 50 scarves were made! 30 youth and young adults went downtown last Sunday to distribute these crocheted scarves to individuals in need. Thank you as well to the parishioners who donated hats, socks, and dental hygiene products. This initiative was a great success and we look forward to having more collaborative activities in the future.
We are in need of more Ministers of Hospitality. This ministry is performed by men, women and older students who welcome and usher those in attendance at Mass and other liturgies. They are responsible for collecting the Offertory, and communion processions. They also attend to special needs as required. If you are interested in becoming a Minister of Hospitality, please email hospitality@stgabrielsparish.ca or call the parish office at 416 221-8866.
December 2nd to December 8th, 2024
MONDAY – DR. EUGENE JUWAH ✞ – Requested by Prescilla Juwah TUESDAY – FADIE AMIN – Requested by his Father & Mother WEDNESDAY – LYDIA McGRANN – Requested by Ron & Anne Ackber THURSDAY – MARGARET DIDIODATO ✞ – Requested by her Family FRIDAY – PAT BRISTOL-CLARKE – Requested by Karen Crichton SATURDAY – DR. EUGENE JUWAH ✞ – Requested by Prescilla Juwah SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – MARIA LUISA & ELMER CABACUNGAN – Requested by their Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – STEPHEN & BERNADETTE HIGGINS ✞ – Requested by Agnes
We invite you to take a star, buy a Walmart or Canadian Tire gift card for about $50 and bring it with the star attached to the Parish Office.
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 49 casseroles for November. For December, your prepared frozen casseroles will be collected at all the Masses on the weekend of December 28th/29th to be delivered to the Good Shepherd Centre.
You may pick up a copy of a casserole recipe and a pan from the Parish Office. Three recipes are also available on St. Gabriel’s parish website. Please remember to mark the label on the pan lid with the name of the casserole.
More volunteers are urgently needed to help feed the hungry in our city. For more information, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791.
ShareLife-funded agencies turn no one away
NEW: Your gift will double in value! From November 1st until year end, your contribution to our parish’s ShareLife campaign will be matched by an anonymous donor up to a total of $500,000.
Did you know no one is turned away from ShareLife-funded agencies due to inability to pay? This is all thanks to your compassionate and generous heart. Through your support, ShareLife agencies are helping the most vulnerable in our community and around the world. Thank you for living the Gospel!
Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate
Thursday, December 05, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM Newman Centre Catholic Mission
Celebrate the Joy of Advent at the Newman Centre! Join them for a cozy and festive evening at the Annual Advent Dinner & Dance! Connect with friends, reflect on the spirit of the season and enjoy a delicious meal together followed by dancing! There will be prizes too!
Please contact Marie Frassica at 416-979-2468 ext. 230 or email: office.administrator@newmantoronto.com
For more information, go to https://www.newmantoronto.com/
To register go to https://bit.ly/4exqUIQ
Thursday, December 7th at 7:30 PM
St. Gabriel’s Parish, North York.
Unwrap the spirit of the season with the Seraphim & Cherubim Chorus! We invite you to our 14th annual “Stockings by the Tree” concert, packed with festive cheer, beloved carols, and surprises.
Experience a night of timeless carols, Broadway hits, Disney classics, and unexpected favorites as we celebrate the magic of Christmas together. Join us on Thursday, December 7th at 7:30 PM.
Advanced tickets available at seraphimandcherubim.ca.
What type of car would Jesus drive? A Christler.
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.
Learn about Passionists and our insignia »
Companion for the Walk of the Stations of the Cosmic Earth
St. Gabriel’s Garden – Guided Sensory Reflective Walk
