September 24th, 2017
Just imagine for a moment that you are part of that labor pool standing in the market place hoping to be hired for the day. You have no education, no job security. You are at the mercy of the several land owners who are hiring that day. There is a lot of haggling going on, you’re hoping for the best wage possible, hopefully a fair wage. It’s a bargaining process. There are times when the harvest is a good one and the owner wants to get it off the fields as soon as possible. Because he needs you, you can ask for a better wage. If the harvest is poor then you take the best deal you can get. You’ve got a family to feed.
The working poor are always at the mercy of the market. Recently we read about a massive bakery here in the city that supplies most stores and restaurants in the city. The men and women who work in the plant are from a labor pool which acts as a go between the owners of the bakery and the people in the pool. The workers have no union and are paid the minimum wage, if they are lucky. Two such workers were killed on the job. No compensation. Totally unjust. The company was cited different times for failing to meet safety standards. They got a slap on the wrist. We don’t have to go to Asia for examples of the exploitation of the working poor.
In the gospel we have this landowner looking to hire men to work in his fields. He promises the men he hired,’ I’ll pay you whatever is right.’ At end of the day each man is given a full day’s wage. The men who worked in the heat of the day found this unfair. They were envious of the landowner’s generosity. That’s not the way it works.
We think of justice in terms of what is fair, of what people deserve. So we would say that the people who worked longer deserved more. But God doesn’t see it that way. God thinks of justice in terms of people’s dignity, their right to a decent life.
The people who came late had the same right to a decent life as those who had worked all day, so they are all treated equally. Nothing is taken from anyone, but all are treated in accord with their dignity, their right to a decent life. Such is God’s justice.
“My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.” Perhaps we would have a better world if we were to adopt some of God’s ways. After all, “the Lord is just in all his ways,” and that is something which cannot be said of all our ways.
There is another way of reading this parable beyond a moral lesson in labor relations.
What God is doing time and again in the public ministry of Jesus is giving the tax collectors and sinners, the outcasts and the prostitutes an equal share of God’s love and mercy. God has time for the riff raff and the unwashed. The righteous thought they were more worthy of Jesus’ time and attention. Jesus thought and behaved otherwise.
It is always good to remember that God’s ways are not our ways. We should thank God for that.
| Posted in Homily |
September 23rd, 2017
St. Gabriel’s School is looking for a Nutrition Program Co-coordinator for the school snack program.
If interested in this position, please call the school principal, Ms. Crispo at 416-393-5256.
Sunday, October 8th at 1:30 PM
Calling all youth Grades 5 and up!
The St. Gabriel’s Youth Group is now welcoming new members. To learn more information and to sign up, representatives will be available in the gathering space at all the Masses this weekend. Our first meeting will be held on Sunday October 8th in the Gabriel Room at 1:30 PM. We hope to see you there!
St. Gabriel’s Church Thursday, September 28th from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, Saturday, September 30th from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
Registration for children who wish to receive the Sacraments of First Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation will be held at St. Gabriel’s Church on the following times: Thursday, September 28th from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM Saturday, September 30th from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
Please Note: A copy of the child’s Baptismal Certificate is required if registering for First Communion or Confirmation. $30 is required at registration for Confirmation to defray related costs.
September 25th to September 30th
MONDAY – RENATO BELLISARI – Requested by Chiara & Tina Intini TUESDAY – BERNADETTE SEDGWICK – Requested by Teresa Sheldrick WEDNESDAY – SR. CARLOTTA WILLICK IBVM – Requested by Margaret Anne Leckie THURSDAY – CLIVE BERNARD OSBORNE – Requested by Camille Clist FRIDAY – IRENE XAVIER & IRENE CHUCHRA – Requested by their Families SATURDAY – VINCENZA GRECH – Requested by the Family
Those who sing pray twice.
Our senior choir practices on Tuesday evenings, from 7:30 to 9:00 P.M. and leads community song at the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass.
Our junior choir practices on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 PM and leads the music at the 12:30 PM Mass.
We always welcome new voices and hope you will consider joining us! For more information, please contact Marilyn Calderone at 416-618-2041.
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome: Henry Joseph Au Sofie Chiu Carmelo Viray Raz Sophia Yu
These children received the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, September 17th, 2017. Congratulations!
Friday, October 6th from 9:30 AM to 12 Noon
Sunday, October 1st 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. The guided reflection brings an ecological perspective to the readings. All are welcome.
Chinese: Sunday, October 1st at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room. English: Saturday, October 7th at 3:15 PM in the Library
For further information, please contact Linda Law at 416 -918-8029.
Pope Francis calls on us to sign the Laudato Si’ Pledge to: Pray for and with creation, Live more simply, Advocate to protect our common home.
If you would like to sign this pledge – please follow the link Http://livelaudatosi.org/
“There is a nobility in the duty to care for creation through little daily actions.” Laudato Si’ – Pope Francis
“Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue.” Laudato Si’ – Pope Francis
Meetings in preparation for the R.C.I.A. (Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults) will begin in October. These meetings are for persons interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. The exploration may lead the candidate to seek baptism, and become a member of the Catholic Christian community; or for Christians already baptized into another Christian denomination, the reception into the Catholic Church.
Adult Catholics who have not received the sacrament of Confirmation but who wish to do so are also encouraged to attend these sessions.
As well, these meetings may be an opportunity for “Born Catholics” to deepen their understanding of our faith. Very often, especially for those of us who received our religious instruction at an early age, we tend to grow physically, mentally, psychologically etc., but the understanding of our faith does not grow correspondingly. The RCIA may serve as a good opportunity for us to ask questions and to develop a more adult understanding of our faith.
If you are interested in joining the RCIA meetings or if you would like to have more information about it, please contact Fatima Lee at fatimalee@bellnet.ca or call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866.
If you have, or know of, school age children (ages 7 to 14) who wish to prepare for Baptism, please contact the Parish Office, or Fatima Lee directly, at fatimalee@bellnet.ca. Classes for them will begin after Thanksgiving.
Each month some of the food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall. Rosalie Hall assists young parents and their children to realize their potential through the provision of a wide range of child development, community, residential and educational services.
With everyone struggling at this time, these 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 outstanding support.
You can make a difference in the lives of the hungry and homeless this Thanksgiving by participating in the annual Good Shepherd Ministries Thanksgiving Food Drive.
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.
Urgently needed items include: rice, pasta and pasta sauces, peanut butter, jam oatmeal, pancake mix, cookies and crackers, teabags, ground or instant coffee, sugar canned tuna, soups, stews, meats, fruits and vegetables. Please no fresh or frozen foods.
We thank you for your generous support!
As the Synod on Youth, Faith, and Vocational Discernment approaches, we want to hear from you! Faith Connections and the Office of Catholic Youth will be hosting Live Listening Sessions with the Toronto Bishops. Young people 16–29 will have the opportunity to respond to Pope Francis’ questions in preparation for the Synod! Your voice is important!
• October 2nd , 7:00 PM at St. Stanislaus, Toronto with Cardinal Collins • October 11th , 7:00 PM at St. Christopher’s, Mississauga with Bishop Kasun
In order to guarantee a spot, please RSVP and tell us about yourself at: http://bit.ly/synodspeakup.
For more information, contact Kataryna Kuzar at 416-467-2645 or kkuzar@csj-to.ca.
Tuesday, September 26th, 2017 at 7:30 PM St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica
For the first time in its history, the Sistine Chapel Choir (commonly known as the Pope’s Choir) will visit Canada. The first stop of the Canadian tour will take place on Tuesday, September 26th at 7:30 PM at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica.
October 1st after 12:30 PM Mass
Robert Cordy, our landscape designer, will hold a gardening workshop on Sunday, October 1st after the 12:30 PM Mass.
There will be one more workshop, the date and subject to be determined. Everyone is welcome. If you are interested in attending, please register with Heather Bennett at heathermjb@gmail.com, or with the parish office.
Saturday, September 30th from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
This fall, Development and Peace is launching a new campaign: Women at the Heart of Peace. The campaign invites Canadians to learn more about the vital role women play in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Join us in paying tribute to the women who build peace in communities around the world.
To learn more about the campaign and how to be a part of it, please join us at a workshop on Saturday September 30th from 9:30 AM. to12:30 PM in the Gabriel Room. For more information, contact Anne Ray, (416 467-1722), Helen Pierre (416 221-9197) or Lily D’ Gama (416 733-3949).
Precious Blood Church Church 1737 Lawrence Ave. E., Scarborough Wednesday, October 4th at 7:00 P.M.
There will be a special Mass dedicated to ending abuse toward women on Wednesday, October 4th at 7:00 PM at Precious Blood Church. This event is dedicated to ending the cycle of violence towards women. For further information, please contact Mary Benincasa at 416-921-1163 or email info@cfstoronto.com
October 20th to 22nd, 2017 Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, Mississauga
Celebrate your love and take a fresh look at your marriage! Spend a very special weekend together. A Weekend of discovery…a lifetime of love!
The next weekend will be October 20th to 22nd, 2017 at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, Mississauga.
For more information and application, please go to www.wwme.org or contact Gerard & Marge McCauley at gerard.marge@rogers.com or (905) 792-1925.
Saturday, October 22nd from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM St. Bonaventure’ Church
St. Bonaventure CWL will hold their Annual Flea Market on Saturday, October 21st from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Come and see the treasures of all kinds. There will also be a live auction. Don’t miss it!
| Posted in Bulletin |
September 17th, 2017
The most common prayer for most Christians is the Our Father. One of the most demanding – maybe even frightening words in this prayer are ; forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. In other words show the same mercy and forgiveness to us as we show to those who have hurt and offended us.
Refusing to forgive is refusing to love, and it is never acceptable not to love. That is why it is never right to withhold forgiveness either.
It is not easy to forgive, especially we’ve been badly hurt or disappointed by someone we thought was friend. It is not easy to forgive and forget the pain and anger and the bitterness one knows as a couple go through a divorce. It is difficult to forgive a person who has defrauded us of what we’ve saved or what should have come to us as an inheritance. It is hard to forgive a friend who has betrayed a confidence. But if our lives, our friendships, our family relationships have known hurt and betrayal this is what our appeal for God’s forgiveness demands of us. Forgive us as we forgive.
It is good to remember that when we find it in our heart to forgive that in no way denies the reality that we have been hurt, hurt badly by a family member or friend. Forgiving does not erase the memories of being wronged or betrayed. We may forgive but the memories of the wrongs and hurts we’ve endured stay with us. It is impossible to forget.
Anger and wrath, these are abominations. Anger and wrath are like parasites that devour our inner peace. We may imagine that by withholding our forgiveness we are punishing someone. The truth is we are only diminishing ourselves.
Peter asked Jesus what are the limits to forgiveness – seven times? Jesus answered, not seven but seventy seven times. In other words the challenge to forgive is limitless.
His challenging answer has never changed – not seven but seventy seven times. I read an article recently and the author asked this question; how do I forgive someone from my heart when my heart still stings and I find it hard to respect them’? I still don’t really know, but I know it’s my job to keep trying.
May we be blessed with grace to keep trying.
September 16th, 2017
September 18th to September 23rd
MONDAY – LUKE VUKOVIC – Requested by the Vukovic Family TUESDAY – NICOLA RIOLO – Requested by Grazia Murdoch WEDNESDAY – FLORENTINO GIANNOTTA – Requested by Lina Giannotta THURSDAY – GERRY HATCH – Requested by his Family FRIDAY – MARIA REIS & DARKO SEIFERT – Requested by their Family SATURDAY – JOHN POWELL – Requested by Kathleen Olden-Powell
Our senior choir practices on Tuesday evenings, from 7:30 to 9:00 P.M. and leads community song at the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass. Our junior choir practices on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 PM and leads the music at the 12:30 PM Mass. We always welcome new voices and hope you will consider joining us! For more information, please contact Marilyn Calderone at 416-618-2041.
St. Gabriel’s Church
Wednesday, September 20th,from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM Thursday, September 28th from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM Saturday, September 30th from1.30 PM to 3.30 PM
Registration for children who wish to receive the Sacraments of First Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation will be held at St. Gabriel’s Church on the following times: Wednesday, September 20th, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM Thursday, September 28th. 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM Saturday, September 30th 1.30 PM to 3.30 PM
Began Last Sunday, September 10th at 10:00 AM St Gabriel’s School
Registration forms for the Children’s Faith Program are still available in the parish office. This program is for children of the Parish who attend other Catholic schools, public or private schools. Classes are held at St. Gabriel’s School every other Sunday beginning last Sunday, September 10th, 2017. The next class will be held on Sunday, September 24th at 10:00 AM at St. Gabriel’s School.
Please note that a separate Sacramental registration form is required if your child will receive the sacraments of First Communion, Reconciliation or Confirmation during the 2017/18 year. These forms are also available in the Parish Office.
Urgently needed items include: rice, pasta and pasta sauces, peanut butter, jam oatmeal pancake mix teabags ground or instant coffee, sugar cookies and crackers, canned tuna, soups, stews, meats, fruits and vegetables.
Please no fresh or frozen foods.
The June 25th, 2017, bulletin indicated we were close to reaching our parish goal of $194,200 for the 2017 ShareLife Campaign which ended on July 31st, 2017. Thanks to you good people of St. Gabriel’s, the final total collected for the 2017 Campaign was $217,507. Thank you for your generous support!
September 17th, October 1st after 12:30 PM Mass
Robert Cordy, our landscape designer, will be holding several gardening workshops this fall on Sundays after the 12:30 PM Mass: September 17th – Garden Design October 1st – Orchard Planting
There will be one more workshop, the date and subject to be determined.
Everyone is welcome. If you are interested in attending, please register with Heather Bennett at heathermjb@gmail.com, or with the parish office.
Sunday September 17, 2017 from 1:00 PM Veneto Centre 7465 Kipling Avenue, Woodbridge, Ontario
The 51st annual celebration in honour of St. Gabriel, under the direction of the Passionist Community will be held this Sunday, September 17th from 1:00 PM onwards at the Veneto Centre in Woodbridge.
All are welcome! Bring your own folding chair.
Friday, September 22nd to Sunday September 24th Queen of Apostles Retreat Centre 1617 Blyth Road, Mississauga, Ontario
A women’s fall retreat, Journeying with Women of the Bible, will be held at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre on the weekend of September 22nd to September 24th.
For further information, please call 905-278-5229.
Saturday September 23rd at 9:00 AM Holy Cross Cemetery & Funeral Home
Holy Cross Cemetery and Funeral Home will be hosting a Looking Ahead Seminar on Saturday, September 23rd at 9:00 AM. See the poster on the bulletin board for details. For further information, please call Holy Cross Cemetery at 905-889-7467.
Tuesday, September 26th, 2017 at7:3 0 PM St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica
For the first time in its history, the Sistine Chapel Choir (commonly known as the Pope’s Choir) will visit Canada. The first stop of the Canadian tour will take place on Tuesday, September 26th at 7:30 PM at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica. The Sistine Chapel Choir is considered one of the most prominent and oldest choirs in the world, dating back to the 7th century. The concert will also feature a performance by the students of St. Michael’s Choir School, one of only six choir schools in the world affiliated with the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music in Rome.
A limited number of free general admission tickets (maximum 2 per person) will be made available online at: bit.ly/sistineTO beginning Monday, September 11th, at 10:00 AM.
October 2nd , 7:00 PM at St. Stanislaus, Toronto with Cardinal Collins October 11th , 7:00 PM at St. Christopher’s, Mississauga with Bishop Kasun
Wednesday, September 20th from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM Gabriel Room
Volunteer milk bag weavers will be meeting Wednesday afternoon, September 20th from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room to continue their great work, making sleep mats for third world countries All are welcome!
For further information about this program please visit www.milkbagsunlimited.ca or contact Sharon Gusz at sharongusz@gmail.com.
There will be a special Mass dedicated to ending abuse toward women on Wednesday, October 4th at 7:00 PM at Precious Blood Church. This event is dedicated to ending the cycle of violence towards women.
For further information, please contact Mary Benincasa at 416-921-1163 or email info@cfstoronto.com.
September 10th, 2017
One of the greatest fears in many people’s minds these days is the situation between the US and North Korea. The posturing and the rhetoric of the two unstable leaders of these countries do nothing to ease the tension between these two nuclear powers. Both leaders don’t seem to be interested in any efforts at conflict resolution. It’s all very scary.
Most newspapers have a columnist who advises people who are in conflict with a family member or relative. The Dear Abby type. Misunderstandings seem to be part and parcel of family life and in our relationships with other people.
St. Paul was very concerned about maintaining the bond of unity in the church. He spent so much time trying to keep the peace and deepen the unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians.
Today’s short gospel is a great lesson on what is known today as conflict resolution.
Hurt feelings and misunderstandings can happen without our being aware of them. Friends may feel slighted or ignored. They can feel offended by something we said or did. Matthew teaches that if someone thinks another person has shown him/her disrespect, the offended person is advised to confront the other in private to talk things over, to get things straight. If there has been an honest misunderstanding then things are settled on the spot. It is over and done with. If the slight or offence is more serious the person might invite a third party in to try to sort things out, get an independent opinion. The hope in all this is that the independent person or witnesses will succeed where individual efforts failed and things will be made right.
If all these fail be bring about a reconciliation, in Matthew’s gospel the next step suggested is to bring the matter to the whole community. If the offended person will not accept the community’s judgement and persists in causing trouble, then he/she is asked to leave the community because they are disrupting the peace and order of the whole community.
The lesson is that we are to do everything, go to any lengths to resolve a conflict, keep the peace. It’s not all that easy. There was a book published years ago title, ‘Caring Enough to Confront.’ Can we care enough about another person, can we care enough about good people who are ‘put down’, belittled by racial jokes and remarks, to confront those who belittle other people’s dignity and speak up for men and women less fortunate than ourselves.
In our own family relationships do we care enough to confront misunderstandings or family feuds? Some families will go years before addressing a problem. Grudges or resentments within a family more often die with those who hold them rather than come to resolution in quiet conversation. Misdeeds of friends or relatives are usually discussed with everyone but the accused.
Willingness to communicate and forgive enhances a common life of faith and family. We know too that jealousy and envy rip families and communities apart.
Matthew teaches that the Christian community will to any lengths, walk the last mile to maintain community peace and unity. In our family life, our parish life, our community life are we willing to care enough to confront resentments, racism and bigotry in any form and work to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace and love and mutual respect? May we never let the sun go down upon our rifts and misunderstandings.
We pray too that the leaders of North Korea and the U.S will care enough to confront the possibilities of reconciliation and peace.
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.
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Companion for the Walk of the Stations of the Cosmic Earth
St. Gabriel’s Garden – Guided Sensory Reflective Walk