February 11th, 2018
Today’s short gospel tells the story of the cure of the man afflicted with the dread disease of leprosy. The exchange between the leper and Jesus is very simple; if you want to, you can make me clean.. And Jesus responds, ‘of course I want to, be clean, and Jesus touched him and he was made clean. To touch a leper made the toucher ‘unclean’. Jesus made himself one with the man he cleansed.
Our first readings tells us how men and women where to be treated. They were to live away from any human contact lest they infect the whole community. In touching this leper Jesus restored him to his family and his community. Jesus told the cured man to keep this to himself but of course that was a waste of time, he couldn’t keep himself from telling family and friends the wonderful news that he was cured, he was free to come home to family and friends.
This Sunday is the World Day of the Sick. Every Sunday in our prayer of the faithful we pray for the sick and those who care for them. We pray for the sick, all those who are ill in any way; people suffering from lingering illness, and those who are going or have gone through surgery. We pray for those who suffer in mind of body. We pray for those who care for them, their doctors and the nurses and nurse’s aide in our hospitals.
Those who care for them; so often these good people are the forgotten ones, the daughters and sons caring for parents still living at home. Family members who want to keep the family together as long as possible, patiently working with forgetful and frustrated mothers of fathers. Parents who still resent having their car keys taken away, frustrated at needing help. We pray for the many wonderful live-in caregivers who are so faithful and loving to those in their care.
Years ago on my Friday rounds at North General Hospital the chaplain’s secretary told me that before I saw anyone else I was to go to the 8th floor to Mr. Bernstein’s room. He’s Jewish and he’s dying. But his care-giver is Philippino and Catholic and she needs help. I found out she had been his care giver for over ten years and they were close friends and she was grieving his dying. I spent some time with her but the truth of the matter was that after he died she’d have to start looking for a new job. That’s the reality of many of these wonderful women.
We are all sick, wounded in one way or another. We struggle with our weaknesses, our unwillingness to forgive and forget the bigotry and prejudices of our narrowmindedness, our coping with personal issues, whatever they may be. In our own way we say, ‘if you want to you can make me clean’.
It is good to remember that this Mass makes Calvary present – this is my body, this is my blood given for you. It is good to remember that it is by his wounds we are healed, we are made whole. That healing will come to us in Christ’s time and Christ’s ways.
| Posted in Homily |
February 10th, 2018
Saturday, March 3rd from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM
St. Gabriel’s Church
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.
Monday, February 19th
Monday February 19th is Family Day, a day to celebrate our families. The Parish Office will be closed and there will be no 9:00 AM Mass on that day.
Sunday, February 25th after 12:30 PM Mass
Friday, February 16th marks 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 on Sunday, February 25th after the 12:30 PM Mass in the Gathering Space. All are welcome.
February 12th – February 17th, 2018
MONDAY – IN THANKSGIVING FOR CLAIRE – Requested by the Burke Family TUESDAY – TONINO DI DIODATO – Requested by the Oakie Family WEDNESDAY – ASH WEDNESDAY – No 9:00 AM Mass THURSDAY – IN THANKSGIVING – Requested by John Chan FRIDAY – NIKOLA VUKOVIC – Requested by the Family SATURDAY – VIOLET PREVIDSA – Requested by Steve Previdsa
Wednesday, February 14th, 2018
February 14th is Ash Wednesday. Special Masses will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon and 7:30 PM. There will be no 9:00 AM Mass.
Thursday, February 15th from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Gabriel Room
On Thursday, February 15th at 7:30 PM. there will be Faith Renewal meeting for all parents of those children receiving the sacrament of First Reconciliation this year.
Weekend of February 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
Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre. Your food donations are very much appreciated.
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.
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.
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.
A big thank you to all who baked and purchased goodies at our D & P bake sale. It was huge success and the proceeds will be put towards future D & P education and endeavors.
Sunday, February 18th
Our Organic Horticulturalist, Robert Cordy, will continue to hold workshops in the series entitled Organic Garden Design 1, 2 and 3, on Sunday, February. 18th. All parishioners are welcome. Workshop will be held in the Gabriel Room after the 12:30 Mass.
Tuesdays – until April 24th 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
St. Bonaventure’s Parish – Francis Room
St. Bonaventure’s Ministry with Maturing Adults is offering several programs on Tuesday Mornings from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
February 20th – Advanced Care Planning February 27th – Understanding Islam – Being in Dialogue with your Neighbors March 13th – Homeless in Toronto March 20th -The Wisdom of Teresa of Avila April 24th – Special Event with Luncheon
There is no cost for this program. For more information, please go to Maureen@st-bonaventure.ca or call her at 416 447 5571 Ext. 550 or check the flyer on the bulletin board.
This Sunday, February 11th at 3:00 PM
Blessed Trinity Church, 3220 Bayview Avenue
The Office of Formation for Discipleship at the Archdiocese of Toronto is happy to announce the Celebration of Marriage Mass at Blessed Trinity Church this Sunday, February 11th at 3:00 PM. Cardinal Thomas Collins will preside over this special Mass where couples celebrating their milestone 25th, 40th, 50th and 60+ wedding anniversary will be honoured.
February 13th to April 3rd from 4:30 to 6:30
Central Office, 1155 Yonge Street
Catholic Family Services of Toronto is offering a psycho-educational program for those dealing with the stress of the ending of a relationship.
The sessions facilitated by a clinical social worker will be held February 13th to April 3rd, 2018 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. at 1155 Yonge St. There is a $30 fee per session.
Please contact Alpana Das at 416-921-1163 x2232 or email adas@cfstoronto.com for more information.
Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga Friday February 16th to Sunday February 18th
A Women’s Lenten Retreat will be held at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre on the weekend of February 16th to 18th. The retreat will be preached by the Centre team – Oblate Father Pawel Ratajczak and Mrs. Anne Hales. This is a beautiful way to begin the season of Lent. For information or registration please call 905-278-5229.
Agatha Christie’s “Appointment with Death”. Thursday, February 22nd & Friday, February 23rd at 7:30 PM 1515A Queen Street West
The Francis de Sales Centre Drama Club’s will present Agatha Christie’s “Appointment with Death”. Find out “whodunit” on February 22nd & 23rd at 7:30 PM! Mary Mother of God School is at 1515A Queen Street West. Admission is by donation. For more detail go to www.marymotherofgodschool.org.
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.
February 4th, 2018
We all know the story of Job – a man who was so blessed by God. He was wealthy beyond imagining, he owned thousands of sheep and goats. He had vineyards and plentiful crops. Job and his wife were blessed with beautiful daughters and hard workings sons. God said of Job,’ There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil.’ But Satan had other ideas about Job. He’s good because God is good to him but let him know hard times and see how upright and faithful he his. To prove Job would be faithful and true in any circumstance in his life God brought Job low – his sons and daughters died, his crops failed, his cattle and sheep died – Job was totally reduced, he was covered with open sores, his friends avoided him. They tried to convince Job he was being punished by God. Job believed God was testing him and he would not speak against God.
How often have felt like Job felt? Life can seem so unfair. Maybe you feel life is nothing but hard service, you get no positive feedback for all you hard work. You have your sleepless nights as you worry about job security, unpaid bills. You may be facing health issues and the possibility of having to give up your independence and go a retirement home.
You can understand Job’s discouragement, his depression. If there is a light at the end of the tunnel, it’s probably a train heading right for you. Each one of us at this Mass is struggling with one or another issue, be it a health or financial issue, or an inter-personal problem, or a personal struggle. None of us is worry free. And hopefully none of us is alone, though some may be.
In today’s short gospel we hear of Jesus, at the end of a long day is besieged by people burdened by with various diseases and demons. At dawn Jesus slipped away for some peace and quiet and prayer. The apostles found him and wanted him to get back to work, maybe not so much preaching but certainly healing the wounds of the people. But Jesus insisted he had to move on to other towns and villages preaching the good news of God’s special love for the downtrodden and healing the sick.
This is the same Jesus who is with us at the Mass, the same Jesus who is one with us as we receive his body at communion time. Like the men and women and probably children who crowded around the house of Peter at Capernaum bringing Jesus their wounds and worries, in faith, trust, we bring Jesus our wounds and our worries trusting he will give us the grace and strength to face and cope with our issues never doubting the love and the care he has for each one of us.
February 3rd, 2018
Saturday, March 3rd from 12:30 to 4:00 PM
This year’s Parish Lenten Retreat will take place on Saturday March 3rd from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM. The preacher will be Father Jim O’Shea, Passionist priest from New York, who has been ministering to low-income families and youth for the past two decades. Father Jim is inspiring, but at the same time, very down-to-earth. More details about the Retreat to come.
This is an opportunity not to be missed. Please mark your calendar!
February 5th – February 10th, 2018
MONDAY – HARRY MURPHY TUESDAY – FRIENDS & RELATIVES OF THE CHIU FAMILY – Requested by the Chui Family WEDNESDAY – MARIAN & PAT GALLIGAN – Requested by Jacqui Doran THURSDAY – PAUL SAI BUN CHAN – Requested by Helen Chan FRIDAY – RODOLFO ROSALES SR. – Requested by the Family SATURDAY – ANTHONY & AGATHA PAUL – Requested by Sophie & Candida Pereira
Thursday, February 15th from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM Gabriel Room
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 61 casseroles for January. For February, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of February 24th/25th 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. You may pick up casserole pans at the Parish Office. If you require more information, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.
Catholic Family Services of Toronto offers walk-In counseling services aimed at helping individuals, couples, or family clients address their concerns. No appointment is required. Counseling is available at Central office, 1155 Yonge St. Suite 100, Toronto every Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. To contact, phone 416 921-1163. Counseling is also available at North office, 5799 Yonge Street, Suite 300, North York every Thursday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Contact 416 222-0048 or email: info@cfstoronto.com for more information.
February 4th, February 18th Gabriel Room
Our Organic Horticulturalist, Robert Cordy, will continue to hold workshops in the series entitled Organic Garden Design 1, 2 and 3, on the following dates: Sunday, February.4th and Sunday, February. 18th. All parishioners are welcome. Workshops will be held in the Gabriel Room after the 12:30 Mass.
St. Bonaventure’s Parish – Francis Room St. Bonaventure’s Ministry with Maturing Adults is offering several programs on Tuesday Mornings from 9:30 to 11:30.
Mary Ward Centre, 70 St. Mary’s Street Wednesday, February 7th from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Professor Heather Eaton, professor at St. Paul’s University in Ottawa, will hold a public lecture on Wednesday, February 7th from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the Mary Ward Centre. She will speak on “Flourishing of Life for All: How are we called to be a prophetic voice for action on climate change?” All are welcome.
Sunday, February 11th at 3:00 PM Blessed Trinity Church, 3220 Bayview Avenue
The Office of Formation for Discipleship at the Archdiocese of Toronto is happy to announce the Celebration of Marriage Mass at Blessed Trinity Church on Sunday, February 11th at 3:00 PM. Cardinal Thomas Collins will preside over this special Mass where couples celebrating their milestone 25th, 40th, 50th and 60+ wedding anniversary will be honoured.
February 13th to April 3rd from 4:30 to 6:30 Central Office, 1155 Yonge Street
A Women’s Lenten Retreat will be held at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre on the weekend of February 16th to 18th. The retreat will be preached by the Centre team – Oblate Father Pawel Ratajczak and Mrs. Anne Hales. This is a beautiful way to begin the season of Lent.
For information or registration please call 905-278-5229.
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.
Tax receipts for 2017 have been mailed out this past week.
Tax receipts for the Family of Faith Campaign or for any donations made by credit card through the Archdiocese will be receipted by the Archdiocese.
| Posted in Bulletin |
January 27th, 2018
January 29th – February 3rd, 2018
MONDAY – TUESDAY – MOI BENG KOON – Requested by Wai Chin, Paul & Family WEDNESDAY – THURSDAY – FRIDAY – BERTHA RICKETTS – Requested by her Family SATURDAY – GUS CALDERONE – Requested by Marie Calderone
Sunday, January 28th at 3:00 P.M.
Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen Street
An ecumenical prayer service will be held at Metropolitan United Church this Sunday, January 28th at 3:00 PM with His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Anglican Archbishop Colin Johnson, and Coptic Orthodox Bishop Anba Mina, accompanied by other city-wide religious leaders. The homilist will be His Eminence Cardinal Thomas Collins. Refreshments will follow in the parish hall. Parking is available. For further information, please contact the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs at 416-934-3400, Ext. 344 or Ext. 527 or email vkwok@archtoronto.org.
Sunday, January 28th, at 3:00 PM.
St. Paul’s Basilica, 83 Power St., Toronto
On Friday, February 2nd, the Church celebrates the World Day for Consecrated Life. In the Archdiocese of Toronto we are blessed to have living and serving among us more than 900 religious men and women of 100 different religious congregations. This World Day for Consecrated Life is a wonderful opportunity for us to thank God for the gifts of these religious sisters, brothers and priests and to pray for God’s blessing upon them in their efforts to faithfully live the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick will preside at a special Mass on Sunday, January 28th, at 3:00 PM. at St. Paul’s Basilica, 83 Power St., Toronto in celebration of the vocation and witness of these special men and women religious who are such a vital and important part of the life and ministry of the Church in our Archdiocese. All are welcome to attend.
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome Nia Carmen Forbes and Aiden Alexander Padua Limon.
These children received the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, January 21st. Congratulations!
Sunday, February 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.
English: Saturday, Feb 3rd at 3:15 PM in the Gabriel Room. Chinese: Sunday, Feb. 4th at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room For information, please contact Linda Law at 416-918-8029.
Each month food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.
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.
This Sunday, January 28th is World Leprosy Day. When leprosy is diagnosed and treated early, the healing time is much faster and permanent disabilities are prevented. The average person can be diagnosed and cured for just $99.
Please bring us your used postage stamps. These are passed on to Effect Hope helping them work towards the day when leprosy is eradicated. They are happy to accept any and all trimmed stamps, leaving no less than ¼ inch and no more than ½ inch paper border. Stamps may be deposited in the basket on the cabinet just outside the Parish Office. For more information please see posters on the bulletin board or go to www.worldleprosyday.ca.
February 4th, February 18th
Our Organic Horticulturalist, Robert Cordy, will be holding a series of workshops entitled Organic Garden Design 1, 2 and 3, on the following dates: Sunday, February.4th and Sunday, February. 18th. All parishioners are welcome. Workshops will be held in the Gabriel Room after the 12:30 Mass.
The Toronto Catholic District School Board is now welcoming families with kindergarten-aged children to register for the September 2018 school year. Your local Catholic school will offer one evening of extended registration hours during the month of January. Please contact your local school for this date. Parents may also complete an application at http://soar.tcdsb.org. The TCDSB is proud to provide a wide range of programs and services to students in 201 publicly-funded Catholic schools from kindergarten to Grade 12. For registration information, please call 416-222-8282, ext. 5314.
Monday, January 29th, 2018 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Duke of York Pub, 39 Prince Arthur Ave, Toronto
Faith Connections invites young adults (19-39) to join them for an evening of thought-provoking theological discussion in a comfortable and relaxed setting, with special guest: Joseph Marquez, CFP, Member, Board of Directors, VIDES International. Munchies will be provided and there is a cash bar. Come and bring a friend! For more information visit www.faithconnections.ca or call Kataryna Ryba at 416-467-2645- a ministry of Fontbonne Ministries, Sisters of St. Joseph, Toronto.
Tuesdays – January 30th to April 24th
9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
St. Bonaventure’s Ministry with Maturing Adults is offering several programs on Tuesday Mornings from 9:30 to 11:30.
January 30th – Creating Circles of Care February 20th – Advanced Care Planning February 27th – Understanding Islam – Being in Dialogue with your Neighbors March 13th – Homeless in Toronto March 20th – The Wisdom of Teresa of Avila April 24th – Special Event with Luncheon
Sunday, February 11th at 3:00 PM
June, 2018
Are you interested in joining the group of parishioners from St Gabriel’s who are travelling to Kenya and Tanzania in June to witness the work of the Passionist Communities? There are two spots available! Please contact Steve Carey for more details at 416-278-9346 by January 30th!
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.
Tax receipts for 2017 are being mailed out this week. Tax receipts for the Family of Faith Campaign or for any donations made by credit card through the Archdiocese will be receipted by the Archdiocese.
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
