March 11th, 2018
The core teaching in the scripture reading for today is found in the awesome words of Jesus to his new found friend Nicodemus; ‘ God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world , but in order that the world might be saved through him.’ St. Paul echoes this wonder when he reminds us; ‘by grace, by a gift, you have been saved through faith and this is not your doing, it is a gift of God.
Through the life giving passion, death and resurrection of Jesus each of us becomes and intimate friend of God – it is a gift. We don’t earn that friendship we are invited into it. The frightening part about all this is, we can say yes or no to God’s invitation. God can’t stop loving us, it’s God very nature to do so but we have the freedom to ignore or reject that love and end up losers.
I have a nephew who years ago when he was in grade three had a bad cold and had to stay home from school. He was bored and frustrated and became quite cranky. He was driving his mother crazy. Out of her own frustration she said to him, ‘Peter if you don’t behave yourself God is not going to love you anymore.’ Peter looked at her and said ‘who needs him’? His mother was on the phone with me convinced she’s raising an atheist. Here he is in a Catholic school and he’s asking ‘who needs God.’?
I didn’t help matters by telling her, ‘Mary, Peter is a better theologian that you’ll ever be.’ Who needs him? Who needs a moody, spiteful God carrying a big stick ready to get us when we get out of line? At that she went ballistic.
God sent his son into the world not to get us but to embrace us. Christ’s nail pierced hands hold us fast in an embrace of love. Unfortunately we have the ability to squirm out of that embrace and go our own way.
There was a little book out years ago titled, ‘Your God is too small’. From hearing such nonsense as, if you don’t behave yourself God is not going to love or God will punish you, or God is watching you, which makes God a spy satellite in the sky.
And we make God as small and stingy and spiteful as we sometimes are. Worse still is when we tell ourselves that God has had enough of us as we fail time and again to get our acts together. Such messages, such thoughts really distort how we imagine God’s relationship with us and our relationship with God.
God sent his son to us, as one of us, not to condemn us but to be in a loving, life giving friendship with each of as we struggle to live Christ’s great commandment, ‘love one another as I have love you’ As we continue to celebrate our Mass Christ invites us to take and eat, receive his body, our bread of nourishment that strengthens us to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God.
| Posted in Homily |
March 10th, 2018
Our parish is very excited to share that we will be taking part in next year’s World Youth Day (WYD). World Youth Day is a worldwide encounter with the Pope which is celebrated every 3 years. The next World Youth Day is taking place in Panama City, Panama from January 22nd to 27th, 2019.
“WYD is open to young people who want to take part in a festive encounter with their contemporaries centered on Jesus Christ. This event is an opportunity to experience in first person the universality of the Church. WYD is a unique way to deepen your faith and grow closer to Christ, by means of prayer and the sacraments, together with thousands of other young people around the world who share your interests and ambitions”.
This event is open to young adults in the parish ages 18-30. If you are interested in attending, please contact sgpyouthgroup@gmail.com for more information.
Stations of the Cross will take place each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 PM. We also encourage your attendance at our daily Mass throughout Lent.
Stations of the Cross Friday Evenings at 7:30 PM
Individual Confessions Wednesday, March 14th From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Reconciliation Service Wednesday, March 21st at 7:30 PM
Palm Sunday, March 25th Masses Sat., 4:30 PM Sun., 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM
Holy Thursday, March 29th No 9:00 A.M. Mass Mass of the Lord’s Supper -7:30 PM Adoration until 10:00 PM
Good Friday, March 30th 10:00 AM Morning Prayer 3:00 PM Solemn Passion of Our Lord 7:30 PM Stations of the Cross
Holy Saturday, March 31st No 4:30 PM Mass 8:00 PM Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday, April 1st Masses 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM
Easter Monday, April 2nd No 9:00 AM Mass Office Closed
EXTRA PARKING AT ELKHORN PUBLIC SCHOOL
March 12th – March 17th, 2018
MONDAY – RUBIN DIMOSKI – Requested by Staff of St. Gabriel’s TUESDAY – JOSEPHINE BADALI – Requested by John, Sal & Patsy WEDNESDAY – PATRICIA CLYDSALE – Requested by Nora Kerr THURSDAY – ALICE MICHAEL – Requested by Charmaine Michael FRIDAY – SPECIAL INTENTION – Requested by Teresa Sheldrick SATURDAY – GIUSEPPE & CLEMENTINA INTINI – Requested by Chiara & Tina Intini
Wednesday, March 14th from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Individual confessions will be heard at St. Gabriel’s Church on Wednesday, March 14th from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Saturday, March 17th at 10:30 AM
St. Gabriel’s Church
First Reconciliation for children attending St. Gabriel’s School and those in the Children’s Faith Program and children attending other Catholic schools will be held at St. Gabriel’s Church on Saturday, March 17th at 10:30 AM.
Wednesday, March 21st at 7:30 PM
This is an opportunity to spend some time in peace and quiet, to reflect upon how we are responding to our call to be sons and daughters of God.
Recognizing the fact that we are “good people”, we also accept the fact that good people can sin.
Through an examination of conscience we face those sins, admit them and are reconciled to God. For those who wish, individual confessions will be celebrated after the service. We encourage you to take advantage of this celebration.
Interviews for children who are preparing to receive their First Communion are now being scheduled.
Interviews will begin on Monday, April 23rd and continue until Friday May 4th. They are scheduled every 15 minutes from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866-to book your appointment with Fr. Brando or Fr. John as soon as possible.
Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre. Your food donations are very much appreciated.
Lately we have found several food donations that have expired. Kindly check the dates carefully since we cannot pass on food which has expired.
Living the Gospel by supporting ShareLife
How do we “Live the Gospel” toward others when our daily lives are so busy? For some it’s volunteering at a soup kitchen, or it may be caring for an elderly relative. If we do not have the time to actively participate, we can support the many ShareLife-funded agencies within our community that bring the hands of Christ to those in need. Next Sunday is the first ShareLife collection. Over the next week, reflect on your ability to help “Live the Gospel” through Catholic agencies, and make a decision to support our ShareLife parish campaign.
Next Sunday, March 18th is ShareLife Sunday. Please give generously.
Weekend of March 17th /18th
Fair trade organic coffees will be on sale after all the Masses next weekend. Regular ground coffee: $5.50 Decaffeinated: $6.00 Whole Beans: $5.50 Chocolate Bars: $4.50 incl. Taxes Hot Chocolate and Cocoa: $6.00 Teas: $4.25
Sunday, March 18th at 3:00 PM
Blessed Trinity Church, 3220 Bayview Avenue
The Tamil Centre for Performing Arts Canada presents “The Way of Passion” play at Blessed Trinity Church, 3220 Bayview Avenue on Sunday, March 18 at 3:00 PM. Come and join them. All are welcome.
Friday, March 23rd, 6:30 PM, to Sunday, March 25th, 1:30 PM
St. Augustine’s Seminary:
The Office of Vocations invites single Catholic men 17 years and older, to a Come and See Weekend at St. Augustine’s Seminary from Friday, March 23rd at 6:30 PM to Sunday, March 25th at 1:30 PM. Come and cultivate a deeper prayer life and relationship with Jesus Christ; leading to a better discernment of God’s call for their lives. There will be time for prayer, reflection and information on the process of becoming one of Christ’s disciples as a Catholic priest.
Register online at www.vocationstoronto.ca. Registrants 17 years old require parental consent. For more information, please contact the Office of Vocations at: 416 968 0997 or you may email vocations@archtoronto.org.
Saturday, March 24th from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
John Paul 2 Polish Cultural Centre,
Dynamic Women of Faith will be hosting its 9th annual conference for Catholic women on Saturday March 24th at the John Paul 2 Polish Cultural Centre, 4300 Cawthra Road. There is limited seating! Register at http://dynamicwomenfaith.com/
Registration $ 60.00
Light Breakfast, lunch and free parking are all included.
There is also a special event for Mothers and daughters on Friday, March 23rd, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Monday, March 26th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Duke of York Pub, 39 Prince Arthur Avenue
All young adults (19-39) are invited to join us for an evening of thought-provoking conversation on theological topics!
The special guest: To be announced.
Munchies are provided and a cash bar is available. Come and bring a friend!
For more information: visit our Toronto Theology on Tap web page, or contact Kataryna Ryba by phone 416-467-2645 or e-mail faithconnections@csj-to.ca.
Friday, April 6th to Sunday, April 8th
Bishop Malloy Retreat House, Jamaica, New York
Passionist priests and brothers take a unique vow to promote the memory of Christ’s Passion and God’s redeeming love for us through their life of contemplation, community and ministry to the crucified of today.
Founded by St. Paul of the Cross, Passionists reach out with compassion to those who suffer or are marginalized-the disabled, the sick, the dying, the impoverished, those who grieve or are alone-and offer opportunities for all to experience spiritual growth and healing.
Want to know more about the Passionists? Want to explore your vocation?
For more information on the Passionist Come and See Weekend, please contact Fr. Brando or Vocations@cpprov.org.
Friday, April 6th at 7:00 PM
Forest Grove United Church, 43 Forest Grove Drive
Learn how to protect your family and your home in the event of an emergency. The Bayview Village Association in partnership with Forest Grove United Church will host the City of Toronto Office of Emergency Management on Friday, April 6th at 7:00 PM.
To reserve a seat, please RSVP to Sue Wires by March 26th by email at suehalftime@yahoo.com or by phone at 416-733-2520.
St. Gabriel’s Parish
Weekend of September 21st, 22nd and 23rd, 2018
A Marriage Preparation course will be offered here at St. Gabriel’s the weekend of September 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, 2018. 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.
| Posted in Bulletin |
March 3rd, 2018
Daylight Savings Time begins next weekend. Please remember to set your clocks forward 1 hour on Saturday evening, March 11th.
We want to say a special thank you to all those who worked to make this year’s Lunar New Year Party a wonderful celebration. This is one of the nicest events we have throughout the year and, as always, it was a huge success.
Many thanks to those who donated the delicious food, those who decorated so beautifully and everyone who worked to make this celebration a truly memorable event. All who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
March 5th – March 12th, 2018
MONDAY – FERNANDO LASA – Requested by Ana Maria Lasa TUESDAY – GREG McEACHREN – Requested by the Staff of St. Gabriel’s WEDNESDAY – GREG McEACHREN – Requested by the Staff of St. Gabriel’s THURSDAY – CHIU SHI GON – Requested by the Chiu Family FRIDAY – TULIO RAMIREZ – Requested by Anna Ramirez & Family SATURDAY – PETER & BRIDGET PEREIRA – Requested by Sophie Pereira
St. Gabriel’s Church First Reconciliation for children attending St. Gabriel’s School, those in the Children’s Faith Program and children attending other Catholic Schools will be held at St. Gabriel’s Church on Saturday, March 17th at 10:30 AM.
Recognizing the fact that we are “good people”, we also accept the fact that good people can sin. Through an examination of conscience we face those sins, admit them and are reconciled to God. For those who wish, individual confessions will be celebrated after the service. We encourage you to take advantage of this celebration.
Interviews for children who are preparing to receive their First Communion are now being scheduled. Interviews will begin on Monday, April 23rd and continue until Friday May 4th. They are scheduled every 15 minutes from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.Please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866-to book your appointment with Fr. Brando or Fr. John as soon as possible.
Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre. Your donations are very much appreciated. Lately we have found several food donations that have expired. Kindly check the dates carefully since we cannot pass on food which has expired.
Living the Gospel by providing for homeless youth
On any given night, 6,000 people across Canada between 16 and 24 have nowhere to call home. This represents 20 per cent of the total homeless population. The ShareLife-supported Rights of Passage program at Covenant House has been active in making a positive difference in the lives of homeless youth on the streets of Toronto. The program matches adolescents with mentors, who help them build life skills. By supporting ShareLife, you’re helping at-risk youth prepare for life on their own.
March 18th is ShareLife Sunday. Please give generously.
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 44 casseroles for February. For March, your prepared frozen casseroles will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of March 24th/25th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre. Please note that this is a week earlier due to Easter.
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. Casserole pans are also available in the Parish Office. If you require more information please contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.
Sign-Up Sunday! March 3rd/4th
We Need Your Help!
Cardinal Collins and bishops across Ontario are asking for an email address from every Catholic family in their community.
This information will be used locally by Cardinal Collins and trusted faith partners to communicate periodically (approximately 6-8 times each year) on issues of particular importance for the Catholic community.
The first campaign of 2018 is the Call for Conscience, inviting our elected Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) and those seeking office this June to increase funding/access to palliative care, to protect health care workers wishing to abstain from any involvement in euthanasia/assisted suicide and to protect faith-based facilities from participation in euthanasia/assisted suicide. The work builds on a similar campaign in 2017.
Please visit http://bit.ly/SignUpSundayRegistration to register for this initiative. Thank you for living a faith that acts!
March 6th and 7th
Cardinal Carter Theatre, 36 Greenfield Avenue Cardinal Carter Academy of the Arts will present Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Its family-friendly story and catchy music tells the story of Joseph and his coat of many colours. Show dates are March 6th and 7th.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased from loreana.trabona@tcdsb.org. Call 416-393-5556 ext. 87214 for more information.
Saturday, March 10th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
West Entrance, West Island Cinesphere
Saturday, March 17th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
St. Augustine’s Seminary, 2661 Kingston Road
The Office of Vocations is hosting a high school retreat for young men (Grades 11 & 12) at St. Augustine’s Seminary, Saturday, March 17th, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, helping young men cultivate a deeper prayer life and relationship with the Lord. Seminarians offer reflections on practical aspects of faith. The Retreat offers opportunities for Mass, Adoration, Confession and socializing. Registration for the retreat is to be done online at: www.vocationstoronto.ca. For more information, please call 416-968-0997 or email: vocations@archtoronto.org.
St. Gabriel’s Parish Weekend of September 21st, 22nd and 23rd, 2018
A Marriage Preparation course will be offered here at St. Gabriel’s the weekend of September 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, 2018. 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
February 25th, 2018
In St. Paul’s letter to his disciple Timothy Paul urged him to preach the gospel – the good news – be persistent whether the time is favorable or not, rebuke and encourage with upmost patience. Paul saw himself as one chosen by God to proclaim the good news of our salvation in and through the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This past week a great preacher of the gospel died at the age of 99 – the Rev. Billy Graham. Many of you may never heard of him but many too may remember the famous Billy Graham crusades. He preached the gospel holding an open bible in his hand, to millions of people around the world. His message, his invitation to people was to accept Jesus Christ into their lives as their personal Lord and Savior. He invited them to open their hearts to an intimate relationship with the Crucified Christ. He was famous for his call to the altar and hundreds of men and women would come down from all over the stadium and knell before him as he prayed over them.
Rev. Billy Graham never claimed to heal anyone like other evangelical preachers do. He just invited them to accept the invitation of Jesus – come to me all you who labor and are heavily burdened.
Most Christian churches are sacramental communities. We have baptism, reconciliation, confirmation, Eucharist, marriage and the anointing of the sick. Our Eucharist, this Mass is the most important for us. Here we make present the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ. We proclaim the mystery of our faith: when we eat the bread and drink this come we proclaim your death of Lord until you come again.
Billy Graham saw our relationship with Christ as a one on one relationship, very personal. Paul the Apostle wrote of himself, ‘I live now, not I but Christ lives within me and the life I live I live trusting in the Son of God who loved me and gave his life for me. Paul was blessed to be deeply aware of his personal relationship with Christ.
Paul was aware too that his personal relationship was best lived in community. He wrote to the early Church,’ do you not know that you – the community – are the body of Christ and that the Spirit of God lives in you?’ Then he goes on to say,’ if anyone destroys the body of Christ, by spreading discord and division in the community, God will destroy him.
In this season of Lent the Church, our community offers each of us the opportunity through the times we set aside for personal prayer, our efforts we make to cut back on the things we enjoy and being more mindful of other people’s needs – the pillars of Lent – prayer, fasting and alms giving – to deepen our personal, our one on one, relationship with Jesus, our Lord, our Savior.
As we continue to celebrate this Mass we pray for a great preacher of the gospel of Jesus. Rev. Billy Graham, and we pray for ourselves and for each other that we may come to a time in our lives when we may say, “I live now, not I but Christ lives in me and the life I live I live trusting in the Lord Jesus who loved me and gave his life for me.
February 24th, 2018
Tuesday, February 27th is the feast of St. Gabriel.
St. Gabriel, a member of the Passionist Community, was born Francis Possenti on March 1, 1838 in Assisi. In September, 1856, he entered the Passionist novitiate but before his ordination, he contracted tuberculosis. He died February 27, 1862 at the age of 24. Francis had a special devotion to Mary and chose as his religious name Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin. He is remembered for his enthusiasm in life and his extraordinary generosity. Pope John XXIII proclaimed him as a special Patron of Youth. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 AM and at 1:15 PM with the children from St. Gabriel’s School.
Saturday, March 3rd from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM
The Lenten season will soon be upon us, calling us to look deeply into our lives, and to return to the Gospel. Our Lenten retreat this year will be held on Saturday, March 3rd from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM. The theme of the retreat is “Turning Tables: Our Walking and Working with Jesus.”
Our preacher will be Father Jim O’Shea, an inspiring and engaging Passionist working in New York City. Along with pastoral work, Father Jim focuses also on community development, paying particular attention to the housing and education needs of the community, especially those who are marginalized. In 2010, he founded Reconnect Brooklyn with the mission of engaging young people through entrepreneurship, education and service. The project operates Reconnect Café and Reconnect Graphics, and has employed over 150 young people.
Using stories from the Gospel and his neighbourhood work in Brooklyn, NY, Father Jim will invite us to embrace the liberating and creative spirit of Jesus in changing the world and ourselves.
For more information on the retreat, please call the Parish Office at (416) 221-8866, or email Fatima Lee at fatimalee@bellnet.ca.
Sunday, February 25th after 12:30 PM Mass
Friday, February 16th marked the beginning of Lunar New Year. This year is the Year of the Dog. For many years, the Asian community in our parish has gifted our parish community with a wonderful Lunar New Year Party.
Our Lunar New Year Celebration will take place this Sunday, February 25th after the 12:30 PM Mass in the Gathering Space. All are welcome.
February 26th – March 3rd, 2018 MONDAY – BRIGIDA CORTEZ – Requested by Cheryl Rancati TUESDAY – THANKSGIVING FOR BLESSINGS IN THE WORLD – Requested by the Chiu Family WEDNESDAY – THE FUNG FAMILY LIVING & DECEASED – Requested by the Chiu Family THURSDAY – FRIDAY – SPECIAL INTENTION – Requested by Teresa Sheldrick SATURDAY – GUS CALDERONE – Requested by Marie Calderone
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome: Connor Cabado, Jasmine Leonie P. Poscablo, Isla Elizabeth McDonald Laura Lucia Sisco-Chacon.
These children received the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, February 18th. Congratulations!
Wednesday, February 28th at 7:30 PM
There will be a Faith Renewal Meeting for all parents of the Confirmation candidates here on Wednesday, February 28th at 7:30 PM.
Sunday, March 4th at 11:30 AM in the Gabriel Room
On the first Sunday of each month, the Passionist Centre for Ecology and Spirituality facilitates a 30 minute reflection and discussion prompted by the readings for that Sunday’s liturgy.
All are welcome to attend.
Friday, March 2nd from 9:30 AM – 12 Noon
English: Saturday, March 3rd at 3:15 PM in the Gabriel Room. Chinese: Sunday, March. 4th at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room For information, please contact Linda Law at 416-918-8029.
Sign-Up Sundays! February 24th/25th and March 3rd/4th.
Cardinal Collins and bishops across Ontario are asking for an email address from every Catholic family in their community, with a goal of 100,000 email addresses collected by the end of February 2018. This information will be used locally by Cardinal Collins and trusted faith partners to communicate periodically (approximately 6-8 times each year) on issues of particular importance for the Catholic community.
Be Informed & Reach Out to Your MP
The federal government has introduced new requirements for employers applying for the Canada Summer Jobs grant. To be eligible for funding, employers must attest that both the job and the organization’s core mandate respect certain “values” as determined by the federal government including the government’s position on abortion, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.
Organizations unable or unwilling to make this attestation in whole or in part will be deemed ineligible for the grant. This requirement is clearly unjust. Many Catholic organizations throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto and many other faiths involved in charitable activity at soup kitchens, shelters, refugee welcome centres or summer camps are impacted by this decision. Please take a moment to visit www.archtoronto.org/summerjobs for more information and to find a template letter to send to your MP and the Minister responsible for this portfolio.
Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre. Your donations are very much appreciated. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired.
Your commitment to these organizations lets these young families and people in need know that they are not alone.
Beginning Tuesday, February 27th at 2:00 PM
St. Roch’s Church, 2889 Islington Avenue
New Beginnings and St. Roch’s Church will be starting a bereavement support group for all who have experienced loss through the death of a loved one. It will begin on Tuesday, February 27th at 2:00 PM, at St. Roch’s Church in North York. This group will run for 5 weeks. For more information, please contact St. Roch’s Church at 416-749-0328.
Friday, March 2nd at 1:30 PM
St John’s York Mills Anglican Church, 19 Don Ridge Drive
You are cordially invited to the annual ecumenical World Day of Prayer Service which will be held at St. John’s York Mills Anglican Church on Friday March 2nd at 1:30 PM. The theme this year, “All God’s Creation is Very Good” was written by the women of Suriname. St. Gabriel’s is one of three Catholic churches involved but has very little representation at the service. Please join us, along with our neighbouring Christian churches, in prayer and reflection. A reception will follow.
Register online at www.vocationstoronto.ca. Registrants 17 years old require parental consent.
For more information, please contact Fr. Brando or Fr. John or the Office of Vocations at: 416 968 0997 or you may email vocations@archtoronto.org.
The 2018 Offertory Boxed Envelopes are available in the Parish Office. If you have not yet picked yours up, please do so as soon as possible. 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.
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
