October 7th, 2017
O, heavenly Father: We thank thee for food and remember the hungry. We thank thee for health and remember the sick. We thank thee for friends and remember the friendless. We thank thee for freedom and remember the enslaved. May these remembrances stir us to service, that thy gifts to us may be used for others. Amen.
Mass will be celebrated on Thanksgiving Day, Monday, October 9th at 10:00 AM.
The Parish Office will be closed on Monday.
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.
The first meeting will be held this Sunday October 8th in the Gabriel Room at 1:30 PM. We hope to see you there!
Thursday, October 12th at 7:30 PM. St. Gabriel’s Church
There will be a meeting here at the Church on Thursday, October 12th at 7:30 PM. for parents of children who will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation this year.
October 9th to October 14th
MONDAY – THANKSGIVING DAY – Mass at 10:00 AM TUESDAY – EVA BARDOWELL – Requested by Teresa Marchie and Family WEDNESDAY – LUENPONG WONG – Requested by Teresa Marchie and Family THURSDAY – BERNADETTE SEDGWICK – Requested by Teresa Marchie & Family FRIDAY – GUS CALDERONE – Requested by Marie Calderone SATURDAY – PASQUALE GATTI – Requested by Linda Gatti & Family
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.
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. Each month some of the food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall.
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 teabags ground or instant coffee, sugar cookies and crackers, canned tuna, soups, stews, meats, fruits and vegetables. Please no fresh or frozen foods. We thank you for your generous support!
Over the course of the past several weeks, hurricanes, tropical storms and violent earthquakes have devastated a number of countries in the Caribbean and Mexico.
Hurricanes Irma, Jose, Maria destroyed thousands of homes, businesses and churches and left thousands of people without water, shelter or power. Places such as Anguilla, Antigua, The Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Florida, Puerto Rico, St. Martin, the Turks and Caicos Islands all suffered crippling damage. As well, on September 19th, a massive earthquake hit Mexico City, causing 286 deaths – just two weeks after an earthquake leveled buildings and killed at least 90 people in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. The situation remains grave for the injured and displaced.
In an effort to support people in that region who have been impacted by these disasters, the Archdiocese of Toronto is accepting funds that will be sent through Catholic relief channels. Contributions can be made through our parishes and through the Archdiocese of Toronto online portal at www.archtoronto.org.
Relief workers from the official Catholic relief agency, Caritas Internationalis, are on the ground. Caritas Mexico teams are determining how the earthquakes have affected local populations. Catholic partners in other affected regions are also actively caring for the victims of these disasters and determining the long-term needs for recovery.
Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways: • Online through the Archdiocese of Toronto website: www.archtoronto.org • By phone through the Development Office – 416-934-3411 • Through the parish, making cheques payable to:
St. Gabriel’s Parish – 2017 Hurricane, Earthquake – Disaster Relief.
We offer our prayers for all those impacted by these tragedies. Thank you for your ongoing efforts to assist those in crisis.
Wednesday, October 18th from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM 26 Mallard Road, Toronto
Northmount School is holding an Open House on Wednesday, October 18th from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. To R.S.V.P. for the Open House or to book a private tour please contact the school at 416-449-8823, Ext. 114 or email info@northmount.com.
Thursday, October 19th at 7:00 PM Blessed Trinity Parish, 3220 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
As we celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Toronto, Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, extends an invitation for all to join him for Mass and a reception to commemorate this historic milestone. The Central Pastoral Region celebration will take place at Blessed Trinity Parish on Thursday, October 19th at 7:00 PM. For more information, visit www.archtoronto.org/175.
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!
October 22nd from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Jaffari Islamic Centre, 9000 Bathurst Street, Thornhill
MOSAIC Interfaith (of which St. Gabriel’s is a member) invites you to attend the annual Peace Meal on Sunday October 22nd from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Mulla Ashgar Memorial Library and Islamic Resource Centre in Jaffari Islamic Centre 9000 Bathurst Street,Thornhill.
The theme will be “An Interactive Experience of the Golden Rule” – a presentation and workshop by Kathy Murtha, Director of Scarboro Missions Retreat Centre. This will be followed by the Peace Meal. Attendees are asked to bring a nut-free (and alcohol free) dish for the vegan supper – i.e. no meat, poultry, eggs, fish or dairy products.
To RSVP please contact Nora at 416-218-0680 by October 18th. For more information see poster on bulletin board.
Thursday, October 26th at 7:00 PM 211 Steeles Avenue East
Brebeuf College is holding an Open House for students who are entering high school. It will be held on Thursday, October 26th at 7:00 PM. Parents/Guardians and students are cordially invited to attend. Join them at 211 Steeles Avenue East, just west of Bayview on the south side of Steeles. The school can be reached at 416 -393-5508.
Five Weeks beginning Saturday, October 28th From 9:45 AM to Noon Blessed Trinity Parish Hall
Join the Kolbe ‘KNOW YOUR FAITH’ series for a five-week Salvation History study on ‘The Psalms: The School of Prayer.’ Through prayer, study and informative DVDs, deepen your awareness of God’s merciful love in your own lives.
Classes begin Saturday October 28th from 9:45 AM to noon at Blessed Trinity Parish. For more information visit www.kolbeapostolate.com.
June, 2018
Are you interested in witnessing the work of the Passionist Community in East Africa in June 2018? Travel in a small group and visit some of the Passionist Communities in Kenya and Tanzania. Have the experience of a lifetime on an East African Wildlife Safari.
For more information please contact Steve Carey at carey@travelonly.com or call 416-278-9346.
| Posted in Bulletin |
September 30th, 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.
The St. Gabriel’s Youth Group is now welcoming new members. Our first meeting will be held on Sunday October 8th in the Gabriel Room at 1:30 PM. We hope to see you there!
October 1st after 12:30 PM Mass
Robert Cordy, our landscape designer, will hold a gardening workshop this 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.
October 2nd to October 7th
MONDAY – FR. ADRIAN LEE – Requested by Jeanne Robinson TUESDAY – SR. VIVIAN ADAMS IBVM – Requested by Margaret Anne Leckie WEDNESDAY – SEMINARIANS – Requested by Jeanne Robinson THURSDAY – CLIVE BERNARD OSBORNE – Requested by Ursula Holt FRIDAY – ANDREW SHEN – Requested by Natalia Harispuru SATURDAY – RICHARD GARDIAN – Requested by Sally Gardian
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.
Friday, October 6th from 9:30 AM to 12 Noon
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.
“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
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.
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.
We thank you for your generous support!
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 24 casseroles for September. For October, your prepared frozen casseroles will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of October 28th/29th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
More volunteers are urgently needed 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.
Please give it a try! If you require more information please contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.
Sunday, October 1st from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Intersection of Bayview and Sheppard
Join thousands across Canada standing up against abortion in this peaceful witness. For more information please visit www.campaignlifecoalition.com/lifechain.
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, ages16–29, will have the opportunity to respond to Pope Francis’ questions in preparation for the Synod! Your voice is important!
• October 2nd at 7:00 PM at St. Stanislaus, Toronto with Cardinal Collins • October 11th at 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 416-467-2645or kkuzar@csj-to.ca.
Precious Blood Church 1737 Lawrence Ave. E., Scarborough Wednesday, October 4th at 7:00 PM
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.
Wednesday, October 11th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM De La Salle College, 131 Farnham Avenue, Toronto
De La Salle College, a Catholic co-educational, independent school for students in grades 5 to 12, will be hosting an Open House on Wednesday, October 11th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM for prospective students and their families for the academic year 2018-2019. The school is located at 131 Farnham Avenue. Please contact the Office of Admissions at 416-969-8771 Ext. 223 or 224 for more information.
As we celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Toronto, Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, extends an invitation for all to join him for Mass and a reception to commemorate this historic milestone. The Central Pastoral Region celebration will take place at Blessed Trinity Parish. on Thursday, October 19th at 7:00 PM. For more information, visit www.archtoronto.org/175.
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!
Worldwide Marriage Encounter is a weekend getaway that helps married couples rediscover themselves as individuals and as a couple. The Weekend format helps couples communicate openly and honestly without group sharing, therapy or marriage counselling.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
Robert Cordy, our landscape designer, will hold a gardening workshop on Sunday, October 1st after the 12:30 PM Mass.
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
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.
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.
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
