May 24th, 2024
Please note that there will be no access through the south entrance on the weekend of May 25-26, 2024 due to construction work on the south corridor.
Please use the north entrance via Elkhorn Drive to enter the church.
Apologies for the inconvenience caused.
| Posted in Notice |
May 18th, 2024
Monday May 20th, 2024 is Victoria Day. There will be no 9:00AM Mass and the parish office will be closed.
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in our parish this Sunday, May 19th, 2024 at 3:00 PM.
Some news about Fatima and her Ministry in the Northwest Territories has been posted on our website. Find it on our Home Page, titled “Father Tim Boyle’s Visit with Fatima” (May 6th). The post is also available through a link on the sidebar, under the same title and with more photos.
May 20th – May 26th, 2024
MONDAY – VICTORIA DAY – No 9:00AM Mass TUESDAY – JASON CRICHTON – Requested by Karen Crichton WEDNESDAY – CHUCK GRECH ✞ – Requested by The Grech-Padova family THURSDAY – VALERIE GAUGHAN – Requested by Agnes Gaughan FRIDAY – DAVID ANTHONY CASHMORE ✞ – Requested by The Cashmore Family SATURDAY – JOHN O’NEILL ✞ – Requested by Patrick O’Neill SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – ANTONIO MARCHESE ✞ – Requested by Catarina Marchese SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – TINA LEITH ✞ – Requested by Janet Candido
Pentecost Sunday 1st Reading: Acts 2.1-11 2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 12.3b-7, 12-13 or Galatians 5.16-25 Gospel: John 20.19-23 or John 15.26-27; 16.12-15 – Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit
On this feast day of Pentecost let us reflect on the words of St. Cyril of Alexandria who says that those who’ve received the Holy Spirit are “in a sense blended together with one another and with God.” We are firstly connected to one another and so as stewards we should strive to create a charitable and hospitable community for all of our parishioners. Secondly, we are all connected with God, so we should strive to forgive those who’ve hurt us in order to foster a divine community free of all anger and resentment.
Why did the Holy Spirit go to the party? Hint: Because the party needed a breath of fresh air …
On January 21, 2024, Pope Francis inaugurated a Year of Prayer ahead of the 2025 Jubilee, calling on the faithful “to pray more fervently to prepare ourselves to live properly this grace-filled event and to experience the power of hope in God.”
The Year of Prayer, the Holy Father explained, is dedicated “to rediscovering the great value and absolute need for prayer, prayer in personal life, in the life of the Church, prayer in the world.”
Visit http://www.archtoronto.org/prayer for more information on this event.
ShareLife-funded agencies turn no one away
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!
Thus far we have raised $38,688 toward our goal of $193,500. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre. Your food donations are always so important as numbers of people in need continue to increase.
Rosalie Hall is an accredited children’s mental health facility focusing on the needs of pregnant and parenting youth ages 12-25, their children, and their families.
Good Shepherd provides hot meals, clean clothes and shelter for the homeless in our city They help find housing and provide follow up support. They support the homeless who are working to overcome addictions and provide a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs.
Please check the expiry date before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired.
Your prepared frozen casseroles are being collected at the Masses next weekend, May 25th/26th, for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
Good Shepherd provides more than 240,000 meals a year to people who would otherwise go hungry. Please think about volunteering to help feed our less fortunate sisters and brothers. Three different recipes are available in the Parish Office or online at the Parish website. Casserole pans are also available in the Parish Office.
Your support is a tremendous help and is appreciated in the fight to end hunger and chronic homelessness. For more information, you may contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.
Maya Land: Listening to the Bees tells the story of the conflict that erupted between Maya beekeepers and the Mexican government in 2011, fomented by the planting of genetically modified soy in the Yucatan peninsula. The film focuses on the role that Mayas’ pre-colonial and ongoing relationship with the bees and the bees themselves had in this conflict and how in the end the struggle transformed thinking about development in the region.
You choose your level of participation, from simply watching the movie at home to having a thoughtful and illuminating discussion with other parishioners at the following date, time and place:
Gabriel Room on Wednesday May 29th at 7:30 pm.
Note that the film is to be viewed at home ahead of the meeting. It is available on YoutTube and Netflix.
Please contact the office if you have any questions regarding the Movie Club.
JUNE 15TH/16TH
Bundle Up for Saint Vincent de Paul!
Bring your gently used textiles, shoes, clothing, bedding, draperies, and small household goods (no dishes please) to share with others on June 15th /16th. A Saint Vincent de Paul truck/bin will be in the church parking lot so please share what you can with those less fortunate. Your donations will be used and/or sold to support outreach efforts.
The truck/bin will be open all day Saturday from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Volunteers will assist with the loading before and after each Saturday and Sunday Mass.
Please note that donations can only be accepted when the truck is open. Out of consideration for the volunteers who load the truck, please do not bring donations before or after the hours listed above.
A list of items that can or cannot be accepted is available by the Poor Box in the Gathering Space, or by calling the office.
Thank you for your continued support!
Saint Michael’s Cathedral Basilica Sunday, June 2, 2024 (following Noon Mass) All are welcome!
All are welcome to join the Most Reverend Francis Leo, Archbishop of Toronto, for a Corpus Christi Mass & Procession at Saint Michael’s Cathedral Basilica (65 Bond St.) on Sunday, June 2, 2024 following the Noon Mass. A short procession (30-45 minutes) will take place in the vicinity surrounding the cathedral followed by Solemn Benediction followed by fellowship.
Saturday June 8th, 2024 at 10:00AM
Blessed Trinity Parish, 3220 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
Bring your family members or friends who are experiencing the trials of illness and affliction to come and receive God’s blessing and strength, and the Holy Spirit’s gift of peace and courage.
Please register at the Blessed Trinity church office or by email to Kay Booker at kaymax@sympatico.ca
Saturday, June 1, 2024: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Manresa Jesuit Spiritual Renewal Centre, 2325 Liverpool Rd., Pickering
This day of reflection will provide parents with an opportunity to share their stories, listen to presentations from an experienced Catholic chaplain, reflect on the gifts and talents of their children, and participate in group discussions. The day ends with Mass.
We hope to provide a relaxed and supportive environment for parents to meet and interact with other parents, reflect and discuss concerns, learn about resources, strengthen their love, and grow closer to God.
Facilitator: Kelly Stephen – chaplain of Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School. Fr. Bernie Carroll, S.J. – Superior of the Pickering Jesuit Community.
Suggested offering of $65 per person. Includes lunch.
For more information or to Register: Call Mike Hyland – 647-296-2499
Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
Learn: How to avoid problems: in your Will, in the Powers of Attorney, and through proper Estate Trustee selection
How to create your own legacy
About our Catholic traditions around cremation, burials and funerals.
TO REGISTER:
Follow this QR link: qrco.de/WebJune08
Or send an email to: Development@ArchToronto.org and write “Webinar June 8” in the title line + your name(s) in the body of the message.
| Posted in Bulletin |
May 11th, 2024
Wishing all mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, single mothers, foster mothers and mothers-in-law a very happy and wonderful Mother’s Day.
“Without mothers, not only would there be no new faithful, but the faith itself would lose a good part of its simple and profound warmth…” Francis, Amoris Laetitia n.174
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in our parish on Sunday May 19th, 2024 at 3:00 PM.
In preparation for this Sacrament, a Confirmation retreat will be held here on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Candidates are reminded to bring a signed letter from their service Ministry Coordinator or a parent stating the completion or anticipated completion of volunteer service hours.
May 13th – May 19th, 2024
MONDAY – JOHN JOE HIGGINS – Requested by Agnes Gaughan TUESDAY – MARIA DIDIODATO ✞ – Requested by The Family WEDNESDAY – TERRY CLARKE – Requested by Karen Crichton THURSDAY – FRANCISCO KIT SANTOS ✞ – Requested by Levy and Erlinda Abalos FRIDAY – TINA INTINI ✞ – Requested by Chiara Intini SATURDAY – SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – GEORGE EGERTON HALE ✞ – Requested by His Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – JOSEPH LO ✞ – Requested by Jenny Lo
Ascension of the Lord 1st Reading: Acts 1.1-11 2nd Reading: Eph 1.17-23 or Eph 4.1-13 Gospel: Mark 16.15-20 – Jesus Commissions the Disciples
Before His ascension, Jesus tells His apostles, and us, to go into the world and spread the Gospel. To be authentic stewards we can’t hang up our faith on the door as if it were a jacket we took off when we walked into the office. Rather, we should realize that living as a disciple of Christ at all times and showcasing the joy of being a Catholic is perhaps the greatest good we can do in evangelizing our neighbour.
SHARELIFE AND WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY
On this World Communications Day, 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.
Thus far we have raised $38,146 toward our goal of $193,500. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
Note that the film is to be viewed at home ahead of the meeting. It is available on Youtube and Netflix.
Sunday, June 2, 2024 (following Noon Mass) Saint Michael’s Cathedral Basilica All are welcome!
Blessed Trinity Parish, 3220 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON.
September 8–15, 2024
Join the Archdiocese of Toronto Delegation!
Traditionally every four years, the Holy Father invites pilgrims from around the world to join in an International Eucharistic Congress. This year’s event will take place in Quito, Ecuador from September 8–15, 2024. Limited spaces are available for pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Toronto to join with other Canadian delegates to travel to Ecuador. To learn more about the pilgrimage, visit www.archtoronto.org/iec. Registration deadline is June 6 with early bird pricing available until May 6, 2024.
If you are planning to be a teacher, it is important for you to know that to be hired to teach in any Catholic school board in Ontario, there must be a letter of reference from your pastor as part of your application. The letter explaining that you belong to and participate in the community cannot be written if your pastor does not know you. It is recommended that you have a conversation with him early in the process well before the applications are to be submitted.
The Spring issue of our newsletter “Growing News” is now available from the home page and the Garden Ministry page of the Parish website. We hope you will enjoy it and look forward to your “letters to the editor”.
If you would like to receive the latest copy as soon as it is printed send us an email and we will gladly put you on our email list. Email us at: garden@stgabrielsparish.ca
If you are an experienced gardener, or interested in learning and would like volunteer or take on the leadership of St. Gabriel’s community garden, growing vegetables for the Good Shepherd Ministries, please get in touch. You will be welcomed with open arms.
To volunteer or to obtain more information please email garden@stgabrielsparish.ca
How did Jay’s computer catch a cold? Hint: What did mum say about leaving your Windows open …
May 6th, 2024
God has given our church enough ministerial vocations. Many of them have been given to women. Fatima Lee received one of those calls. Born in Hong Kong supported by a mother who believed in education, Fatima’s call to serve God was shaped when as a young women she left Hong Kong to study theology at Louvain in Belgium. Her vocation to serve the church was put on hold when she married Bernard and together they raised their two sons, eventually settling in Toronto. In the course of time she found her way back into ministry and served the People of God in a parish for many years. The sudden death of her husband eight years ago resurrected her original vocation to be a missionary. When the Archdiocese of Toronto invited local priests to serve in the north, Fatima asked Bishop Kasun if they would sponsor a layperson.
Six years ago she began a new chapter in the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith. She serves as the Diocesan Religious Education Coordinator, creating and offering sacramental preparation programs for catechists, working with lay leaders and on various projects for the Bishop.
But her true heart’s work is as the spiritual leader of Village of Gameti where she shares reflections on scripture and leads their Sunday communion service whenever she can.
When I first visited the village with her, I thought of the winter north as something similar to their picturesque winter castle festival. The ice road is seen from the air as a straightforward, simple, smooth drive. But accompanying Fatima this year, I have begun to see that ministering in the north is a mix of breathtaking beauty and heartbreaking challenges.
On Wednesday of Holy Week, we drove the 300 km six-hour winter ice road to Gameti. Driving the winter ice road captures ministry in the north better than any other experience. We went through sections of forest surrounded by skeletons of trees destroyed by the fires.
Across vast frozen lakes where you could look down at a meter of the bluest ice fractured by fissures reflecting the sunlight at all angles.
Later using her hand drawn map of Mageti, Fatima explained the many different family ties and connections and I caught a glimpse of their closeness as well as similar fissures and fractures running through the four generations who have settled there. Her love of these people and her desire to serve them has inspired her many trips to St. Paul’s church over these years.
We like to think of ourselves as Easter people, but the people of the North, in many ways, have bonded more with Good Friday. Last year, we celebrated Cory Junior’s baptism. This year, Chantal introduced us to the newest member of the family. Cai is only a month old, but he’s already been on the winter ice road returning after his birth in Yellowknife. There will be health challenges in Cai’s future, but for now, he is simply being loved. And Fatima will be there to support this family as they work through those challenges.
On Good Friday we learned that the winter road was closed to day time travel. That kind of setback is a familar event to this ministerial pioneer. Fatima has had to deal with having many of her hopes for growth closed for different reasons. On Easter Sunday, it snowed all afternoon, and the wind shaped new drifts in the yard outside the trailer. Thankfully the snow ended around 9 pm, and a guardian angel had left tracks for us to follow.
Gone was the beautiful clear ice.. the open skies. The lakes and the forest we travelled through were now snow-covered, and the night was silent.
Gazing out into the landscape lit only by our headlights, Fatima remarked that having faith and ministering in the north was like driving the winter road at night. You can only see what the headlights show you. Only by trusting and moving forward will you discover that God has prepared a path for you.
Written by Fr. Tim Boyle for Faithfully. Fr. Tim is the Vicar for Clergy for the Diocese of Calrgary, and he also serves as the Bishop’s Delegate.
| Posted in Events |
May 4th, 2024
Please join us to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the ordinations of Fr. Stephen Dunn, C.P. and Fr. Bernard McEachern, C.P. this Sunday, May 5th, 2024. There will be a reception after the 12:30PM Mass with an opportunity to congratulate Fr. Steve and Fr. Bernard on this milestone and to share our gratitude for all that they have contributed to the life of St. Gabriel’s Parish.
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in our parish on Sunday May 19th, 2024 at 3:00 PM. In preparation for this Sacrament, a Confirmation retreat will be held here on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
May 6th – May 12th, 2024
MONDAY – LYDIA MCGRANN – Requested by Ron & Anne Ackber TUESDAY WEDNESDAY – LAU KOON TING ✞ – Requested by Linda Law & Family THURSDAY – ALEMMA THOMAS ✞ – Requested by The Family FRIDAY – THE DESTITUTE, THE SICK, AND THE DYING – Requested by Lydia McGrann SATURDAY – RICHARD – Requested by Jack & Wanda Wrobel SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – FR. JOSEPH PAUL ✞ – Requested by Sophie & Candida Pereira SUNDAY – 12:30 PM
6th Sunday of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 10.25-26, 34-35, 44-48 2nd Reading: 1 John 4.7-10 Gospel: John 15.9-17 – No Greater Love
As stewards, we are called to befriend Christ and lay down our lives for Him for there is “no greater love than this.” Since it’s unlikely that we’ll be called to martyrdom, we are instead called to lay down our lives by sacrificing our own wills and own comforts for the sake of the Kingdom. Let us strive to accomplish this through a renewed commitment to stewardship.
Live the Gospel by supporting our vulnerable brothers and sisters.
We call upon your compassionate hearts to support ShareLife. Through your love, Catholic agencies bring the hands of Christ to the most vulnerable members of our community.
Thus far we have raised $36,905 toward our goal of $193,500. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
Weekend of May 12th, 2024
Chalice is coming to St. Gabriel’s Passionist parish! Canada’s largest Catholic Child Sponsorship organization will provide you the opportunity to begin a relationship with a child in the developing world through the benefits of Child Sponsorship. It is a powerful way to reveal God’s love for those most in need. Please visit chalice.ca for more information about Chalice and its mission.
Saturday, May 11th, 2024, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Hosted by Father Ed Murphy at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church – 3220 Bayview Ave. Toronto M2M 3R7. This retreat is presented at no cost. Email the parish office to register – office@blessedtrinityparish.ca
SEPTEMBER 8–15, 2024
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 51 casseroles last month.
May 5 to 10, 2024
“We Are Called To Love”
During Catholic Education Week (May 5 – 10, 2024), we give thanks for the gift of publicly funded Catholic Education in our province. Catholic schools foster supportive communities where children can experience the joy of God’s love and understand the Christian mission in the world. Together, our parishes, educators and families sow and nurture the seeds of faith with the next generation of Catholics, encouraging them to live lives of holiness and Christian witness as one body in Christ. To indicate your support of Catholic education and sign-up for email updates, visit: www.togetherinfaith.ca.
St. Gabriel’s Parish has received a Canada Summer Jobs grant from the federal government for a Youth Gardening Helper, to assist with gardening tasks 30 hours per week for 9 weeks, beginning mid-May. Work can include, but not be limited to watering, weeding, planting, transplanting, soil preparation, pruning, harvesting, mulching, cleaning up debris and care of garden tools. Applications will be accepted until May 8, 2024.
To apply, please send your resume to francisng@stgabrielsparish.ca.
Who do you think Maurice and Bertrand might be? Hint: We are celebrating them.
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