Bulletin – November 20, 2016

November 20th, 2016

“LEANING INTO THE LIGHT” ADVENT RETREAT

Preacher: Fr. Bob Joerger CP
Saturday, December 10th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
St. Gabriel’s Church

In a few weeks, we will begin the season of Advent, a time to prepare ourselves for the celebration of Christmas. In Advent, we are called to stay awake as we keep vigil, with our eyes set on the light, and not let ourselves be too carried away by the unnecessary care and concerns of the Christmas Season. Please consider joining us for a few hours of quietude in prayer and reflection.

The preacher for our Advent Retreat this year will be Father Robert Joerger, CP. Father Bob is the Provincial of the Passionists of the St. Paul of the Cross Province. Many of you have met him when he last visited St. Gabriel’s. He has touched many hearts with his preaching.

The topic of our Advent Retreat is “Leaning into the Light”. It will be held on Saturday, December 10th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at St. Gabriel’s Parish. Come and be prepared to be inspired and be challenged to a deeper relationship with God.

All are welcome. There is no cost to attend. However, donations will be gratefully accepted. For more information, please call the parish office at 416-221-8866, or email fatimalee@bellnet.ca

The retreat will begin at 1:00 PM sharp. Please plan on arriving a little earlier.

“A CONVERSATION WITH FATHER BOB ON THE PASSIONIST CHARISM”

Saturday, December 10th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

Gabriel Room

We as a parish have been blessed with the ministry of the Passionists priests for over six decades. Have you ever wondered what the Passionists are about? Do you want to find out more about their spirituality and their work?

If you are interested, please join us for a conversation with Father Bob, the Provincial Superior of the St. Paul of the Cross Province of the Passionists. (The Province covers Canada, Eastern USA, Jamaica, W.I. and Haiti.) The meeting will be held on Saturday, December 10th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, in the Gabriel Room.
This is an opportunity not to be missed. Please mark your calendars.

YOUTH GROUP WREATH RAFFLE

November 19th/20th

The youth group will be raffling off advent wreaths after all the Masses this weekend. They have been crafted by our very own youth group members. Raffle tickets are being sold in the gathering space.

CHOIR NEWS!

Tuesday, November 22nd from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

On Tuesday, November 22nd from 7:30 to 9:00 PM the choir will be hosting a hymn sing. We will be focusing on new hymns for Advent and Christmas. Please join us for a good ol’ sing-a-long!

ANNOUNCED MASSES

November 21st to November 26th, 2016

MONDAY – ALBINO GERARDI – Requested by Stella & Isabel Luke
TUESDAY – FR. DON SANVIDO – Requested by Jeanne Robinson
WEDNESDAY – TULIO RAMIREZ – Requested by the Family
THURSDAY – PHILIP BRADLEY – Requested by Moira McCarthy & Bob Torpey
FRIDAY – DAVID SHELDRICK – Requested by Teresa Sheldrick
SATURDAY – DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE CHUCHRA & WROBEL FAMILIES – Requested by Jack & Wanda

CASSEROLES FOR THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE

Your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses next weekend for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.

More volunteers are needed to help feed the hungry in our city. Please get a copy of a casserole recipe and a pan and give it a try. Three recipes are available on St. Gabriel’s web site. Printed copies of the recipes are also available in the Parish Office.

Please remember to mark the label on the pan lid with the name of the casserole. For more information, you may contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791.

THE GIVING TREE

During Advent, the Society of St Vincent de Paul will have a Giving Tree in the Gathering Space.

The tree will be decorated with gift tags. Each tag will have the gender and age of a child. We invite you to take a tag, buy a gift or a gift card of about $25.00 for that child and return the unwrapped gift, with the tag attached, to the box provided in the Gathering Space. If you are a knitter, there will be mitten tags. Please take one and return mitts to the box in the Gathering Space.

At this time of the year, we are also thinking of the young mothers and babies of Rosalie Hall. If you wish to help, you may choose a “Christmas Stocking” from the tree to purchase pyjamas or undershirts for babies ages 6 to 18 months.

Unwrapped Items with the original stocking tag attached can be left in the box provided near the “mitten” tree no later than December 10th. Toys for these little ones would also be appreciated.

For the Moms, we are suggesting gift cards from Tim Hortons, Walmart or MacDonald’s. These can be placed in the envelopes provided and brought to the Parish Office. Thank you for your generous support.

CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE

Saturday, November 26th to Sunday, December 10th

We are having a Christmas Toy Drive again this year for the Catholic Children’s Aid Society.

You can help by dropping off an unwrapped new toy for a child newborn to 12 years old.

Containers will be set up at the doors of the Church from Saturday, November 26th until Sunday, December 10th

ATTENTION KNITTERS

Winter is coming and many Out of the Cold Shelters will open their doors at night during the winter months. Scarves for their clients will be most welcome.

I use a very simple pattern, knitting while I watch TV. If you are interested, I can meet with you at your convenience and show you the pattern. Please leave your name and phone number with the Parish Office and I’ll arrange a meeting. Mary Landry

MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE

St. Gabriel’s Parish
Weekend of April 21st, 22nd and 23rd, 2017

A Marriage Preparation course will be offered here at St. Gabriel’s the weekend of April 21st to 23rd, 2017. 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.

THEOLOGY ON TAP

Grief – What’s Love Got to Do With It?

Monday, November 21st at 7:00 PM

Duke of York Pub, 39 Prince Arthur Ave, Toronto

Want to discuss faith and justice topics relevant to your life? Want to meet other young adults who share these interests? Faith Connections invites young adults 19-39 to join us for evenings of thought-provoking theological discussions and presentations in a comfortable and relaxed setting.

Munchies will be provided. There is a cash bar. Come and bring a friend! The special guest will be Florence Loh, Manager of Programs and Services, Catholic Family Services of Toronto.

SERAPHIM AND CHERUBIM CHORUS CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Friday, December 9th at 7:30 PM

St. Bonaventure Parish, 1300 Leslie Street

Christmas, Christmas time is near! Come join the Seraphim and Cherubim Chorus’ singing the Christmas songs you love as part of their That’s Christmas to Me! concert series. A mix of old favourites and twists on classics! Please join us at St. Bonaventure Parish on Friday, December 9th at 7:30 PM. Advanced tickets are available online at www.seraphimandcherubim.ca. Proceeds will go to the support of Camp Winston – camp for children with complex neurological disorders.

MOSAIC INTERFAITH ANNUAL PEACE MEAL

Sunday December 4th from 2:00 to 5:00 PM

Temple Har Zion, 7360 Bayview Ave.

MOSAIC Interfaith (of which St. Gabriel’s is a member) invites you to attend the annual Peace Meal on Sunday December 4th from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at Temple Har Zion.

Renu Mandhane, Chief Commissioner, Ontario Human Rights Commission will speak on “Creed and Human Rights: an evolving approach in an evolving world.”

Inter-faith panelists will be Mary Jo Leddy, founder of Romero House for Refugees, Ihsaan Gardee, Executive Director of the National Council of Muslims and Pardeep Singh Nagra, Executive Director of the Sikh Heritage Museum & Manager Employment Equity TDSB.

Attendees are asked to bring a nut-free dish (and alcohol free) for the vegan supper – i.e. no meat, poultry, eggs, fish or dairy products. Please RSVP to Nora at 416-218-0680 by November 30th. For more information see poster on bulletin board.

VOCATION DISCERNMENT RETREAT

December 9th to 11th

Manresa Spiritual Renewal Centre, Pickering.

The Office of Vocations invites single Catholic men, 17 years and older to attend a Vocations Discernment Retreat from December 9th to 11th at Manresa Spiritual Renewal Centre, Pickering. The retreat starts on Friday at 7:00 PM. This is a good retreat for men who are at crossroads in discerning God’s desired Vocation for them. The retreat offers Guided reflections, Holy Mass, Adoration, confession and the assistance of a vocations team. The suggested donation of $150 will help cover costs. For more information, please contact Fr. Brando or call 416-968-0997 or email vocations@archtoronto.org.

FINANCE CORNER

Weekly Offertory

Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.

Collection for last weekend:
Envelopes 369 $ 7,212
Loose Change 1050
Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 163 3,025
Total 541 $ 11,287
Shepherd’s Trust $12,582

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES FOR 2017

The 2017 Offertory Boxed Envelopes will be available in the Gathering Space next weekend.

If you are new in the community and would like a box of envelopes, you may contact the Parish Office. Please print your name and address on your envelope so that your donation may be properly accredited to you. Please do not use envelopes from previous years since that envelope number may have been reassigned to another parishioner.

Homily – November 13, 2016

November 13th, 2016

I think that when we Catholics hear the word ‘church’ we think of a building. What might come to mind is a picture of St. Peter’s in Rome with its massive dome that dominates the city of Rome. But as you know the church is all about people. As I mentioned before we were church long before we had buildings. But we do get tied up in buildings, especially our cathedrals.

Just supposing years from now, maybe a few hundred years from now, you were a visitor to Rome and the must see tourist cite is the ruins of St. Peters. Just as today people visit the ruins of the Roman Forum, the heart of the ancient Roman Empire. This once beautiful church, the pride and joy of Catholics around the world is now reduced to a pile of rubble. Did the life and faith of the people of God die when this building was destroyed by whatever means. No, the life of our church went on.

In today’s gospel we hear of people boasting about the beauty of the Temple with its precious stones and expensive gifts dedicated to God. It must have been a beautiful structure. But Jesus throws cold water on their enthusiasm, ‘The days will come when not one stone will be left upon another. All will be thrown down.’ The men and women who heard these words couldn’t believe them. The temple, God’s own house will last forever. It was built on the site of Solomon’s temple built centuries before. That temple was destroyed by the Babylonians then rebuilt by the Jewish people who came back from exile in Babylon. During his reign King Herod started adding to this second Temple wanting to make it more impressive. He meant his restoration and enhancement of God’s house to be a memorial to him. But 70 years after the death of Jesus the Romans came and reduced the temple to ruins and left not one stone upon another as the Roman punished the Jewish people who revolted against them.

Important though it was to Jewish faith and ritual celebrations the faith and observance of the Jewish people did not die, it just took on another way of expressing itself. It thrives today.

If every church in the world was left with not one stone upon another our Christian faith would survived, kept alive by good people like yourselves who strive to live out your faith in God, your faith in God’s Son, Jesus the Christ. Good people like you who know that we did not choose God but that before the world began God Choose us in Christ to be God’s adopted sons and daughters. Good people like you who believe that God sent his son into the world not to condemn us but that through Jesus we might be saved. Our Christian faith survives in and through good people like you who try to love and forgive family members and neighbours and fellow workers as Christ loves and forgives you.

This has happened before. Portuguese missionaries brought Christianity to Japan in the 16th century. The Christian community thrived for about 50 years until Christianity was outlawed and a great persecution followed. A good number of the people went underground and practice their faith in secret. In 1837 freedom of religion was restored and missionaries returned. They were surprised when after a few years they were approached by some people who asked the missionaries these questions; do you believe the Pope is the head of the church and do you believe Mary is the Mother of God?

When the missionaries said ‘yes’ to these people, they said ‘we too are Christians.’ These good people became known as the hidden Christians of Japan. In those many years of hiding they camouflaged their statues of Mary and the saints to look like Buddhists god and goddesses. Because of what we might call ‘inbreeding’ and because they were cut off from the universal church, some of the truths and practises of the faith became distorted but they still saw themselves as real Christian Catholics and many were gradually brought back to the church. The original hidden Christians have pretty well died out. But those dedicated good people kept the faith alive.

If the time comes when in the present reality of our church ‘one stone is not left upon another the church will survive because each Christian is, as St. Peter teaches, like a living stone built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood. St. Paul tells us that the foundation of this spiritual structure is the teachings of the apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ as our corner stone. It is Jesus Christ who holds the spiritual structure together so that we can grow into a holy temple in the Lord, a dwelling place for our God.

As we continue to celebrate this Mass, as living stones of this spiritual structure, we pray that each one of us, through the work we do, the prayers we pray and the service we give, always do our part, by God’s grace to be true living stones in the structure of the church.

Bulletin – November 13, 2016

November 12th, 2016

“LEANING INTO THE LIGHT” ADVENT RETREAT

Preacher: Fr. Bob Joerger CP
Saturday, December 10th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
St. Gabriel’s Church

In a few weeks, we will begin the season of Advent, a time to prepare ourselves for the celebration of Christmas. In Advent, we are called to stay awake as we keep vigil, with our eyes set on the light, and not let ourselves be too carried away by the unnecessary care and concerns of the Christmas Season. Please consider joining us for a few hours of quietude in prayer and reflection.

The preacher for our Advent Retreat this year will be Father Robert Joerger, CP. Father Bob is the Provincial of the Passionists of the St. Paul of the Cross Province. Many of you have met him when he last visited St. Gabriel’s. He has touched many hearts with his preaching.

The topic of our Advent Retreat is “Leaning into the Light”. It will be held on Saturday, December 10th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at St. Gabriel’s Parish. Come and be prepared to be inspired and be challenged to a deeper relationship with God.

All are welcome. There is no cost to attend. However, donations will be gratefully accepted. For more information, please call the parish office at 416-221-8866, or email fatimalee@bellnet.ca

The retreat will begin at 1:00 PM sharp. Please plan on arriving a little earlier.

“A CONVERSATION WITH FATHER BOB ON THE PASSIONIST CHARISM”

Saturday, December 10th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

Gabriel Room

We as a parish have been blessed with the ministry of the Passionists priests for over six decades. Have you ever wondered what the Passionists are about? Do you want to find out more about their spirituality and their work?

If you are interested, please join us for a conversation with Father Bob, the Provincial Superior of the St. Paul of the Cross Province of the Passionists. (The Province covers Canada, Eastern USA, Jamaica, W.I. and Haiti.) The meeting will be held on Saturday, December 10th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, in the Gabriel Room.

This is an opportunity not to be missed. Please mark your calendars.

YOUTH GROUP WREATH RAFFLE

Weekend of November 19th/20th

The youth group will be raffling off advent wreaths after all the Masses next weekend. They have been crafted by our very own youth group members. Raffle tickets will be sold in the gathering space.

CHOIR NEWS!

Tuesday, November 22nd from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

On Tuesday, November 22nd from 7:30 to 9:00 PM the choir will be hosting a hymn sing. We will be focusing on new hymns for Advent and Christmas. Please join us for a good ol’ sing-a-long!

MEETING FOR FIRST RECONCILIATION

Wednesday, November 16th at 7:30 PM

St. Gabriel’s Church, Gabriel Room

On Wednesday, November 16th at 7:30 PM there will be a meeting in the Gabriel Room for parents of children who will be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time.

CONFIRMATION ENROLLMENT CEREMONY

Sunday, November 20th at the 12:30 PM Mass

The Confirmation Enrollment Ceremony for all Confirmation candidates will be held on Sunday, November 20th at the 12:30 PM Mass. All Confirmation candidates must attend.

Candidates are reminded to submit their letters requesting Confirmation to Fr. Brando through the Parish Office by this Sunday, November 13th.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

November 14th to November 19th, 2016

MONDAY – MAURO FIONDI – Requested by the Benito Fiondi
TUESDAY – TAM WAI-YENG – Requested by Angela Wong
WEDNESDAY – MARGARET ALLORE & BERTHA RICKETTS – Requested by the Family
THURSDAY – FR. ADRIAN LEE – Requested by Jeanne Robinson
FRIDAY – EDWIN PINTO – Requested by Anne Pinto
SATURDAY – PATRICK McGROARTY – Requested by Bill & Carolyn Markle

SHEPHERD’S TRUST COLLECTION

This Weekend, November 12th/13th

As members of our Catholic community, we regularly benefit from the tireless service of our priests. In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, we remember how they have been tangible instruments of the Lord’s mercy in our lives. Called by God and ordained to care for His people, our priests serve our families, in churches, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, missions and on the streets. The Shepherds’ Trust ensures our priests can live their retirement years with dignity.

The Shepherds’ Trust collection will take place in all parishes in the Archdiocese this weekend, November 12th/13th. Envelopes are in the pews.

This fund does more than just support our priests in their retirement years; it represents a very tangible gesture of thanks for the blessings we have received. Your generosity
is greatly appreciated.

ATTENTION KNITTERS

Winter is coming and many Out of the Cold Shelters will open their doors at night during the winter months. Scarves for their clients will be most welcome.

I use a very simple pattern, knitting while I watch TV. If you are interested, I can meet with you at your convenience and show you the pattern. Please leave your name and phone number with the Parish Office and I’ll arrange a meeting. Mary Landry

JUST COFFEE

Fair trade organic coffees will be on sale after all the Masses next weekend.

Regular ground coffee: $5.50
Decaffeinated: $6
Whole Beans: $5.50
Chocolate Bars: $4.50 incl. taxes
Hot Chocolate and Cocoa: $5.00
Teas: $4.25

CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE

Saturday, November 26th to Sunday, December 10th

We are having a Christmas Toy Drive again this year for the Catholic Children’s Aid Society.
You can help by dropping off an unwrapped new toy for a child 0 to 12 years old.

Containers will be set up at the doors of the Church from Saturday, November 26th until Sunday, December 10th.

THE GIVING TREE

During Advent, the Society of St Vincent de Paul will have a Giving Tree in the Gathering Space.

The tree will be decorated with gift tags. Each tag will have the gender and age of a child. We invite you to take a tag, buy a gift or a gift card of about $25.00 for that child and return the unwrapped gift, with the tag attached, to the box provided in the Gathering Space. If you are a knitter, there will be mitten tags. Please take one and return mitts to the box in the Gathering Space.

At this time of the year, we are also thinking of the young mothers and babies of Rosalie Hall. If you wish to help, you may choose a “Christmas Stocking” from the tree to purchase pyjamas or undershirts, for babies ages 6 to 18 months.

Unwrapped Items with the original stocking tag attached can be left in the box provided near the “mitten” tree no later than December 10th. Toys for these little ones would also be appreciated.

For the Moms, we are suggesting gift cards from Shopper’s Drug Mart, Tim Hortons, Walmart or MacDonald’s. These can be placed in the envelopes provided and brought to the Parish Office. Thank you for your generous support.

MILK BAG WORKSHOP

Wednesday, November 16th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM

Gabriel Room

The next Milk Bag workshop led by Sharon Gusz will be held in the Gabriel room on Wednesday, November 16th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. No experience needed! All are welcome!

MUSIC AT TIMES OF LOSS

November 16th at 7:00 PM

Blessed Trinity Parish Hall 3220 Bayview Avenue

Music speaks to the heart. At times when words are difficult, music can help to evoke expressions of consolation, joy, and sorrow. Come and explore the role of music at times of loss with speaker Connie Price on Wednesday, November 16th, at 7:00 PM at Blessed Trinity Parish Hall,

For more information, contact Terry McDermott, RN, Parish Nurse. at 416-226-0262 ext. 8 or by email at btparishnurse@gmail.com.

BENEFIT CONCERT TO END ABUSE TO WOMEN AND GIRLS

Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Hugh’s Room, 2261 Dundas St West

Catholic Family Services of Toronto presents a Benefit Concert to End Abuse to Women and Girls. Join us at Hugh’s Room, 2261 Dundas St West, for a concert featuring Enrico Galante and Friends on Wednesday, November 23rd. Doors open at 6:00 PM. Enjoy live music, good food and a silent auction all for a good cause.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at Hugh’s Room (416-531-6604) for $40 or $45 at the door. All proceeds go to Catholic Family Services of Toronto’s Women Abuse Programs.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE

Weekend of April 21st, 22nd and 23rd, 2017
St. Gabriel’s Parish

A Marriage Preparation course will be offered here at St. Gabriel’s the weekend of April 21st to 23rd, 2017. 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.

FINANCE CORNER

Weekly Offertory

Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.

Collection for last weekend:
Envelopes 378 $ 7,990
Loose Change 1,001
Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 163 3,025
Total 541 $ 12,016

If you are new in the community please print your name and address on your envelope so that your donation may be properly accredited to you.

Please do not use envelopes from previous years since that envelope number may have been reassigned to another parishioner.

If you are moving out of the Parish or have changed your address, please contact the Parish Office at 416-221-8866 so that we can update our records. Thank you.

Homily – November 6, 2016

November 6th, 2016

This month of Nov. is the month of all souls. Every Sunday we rattle off the creed and end our statement of faith with the words, we believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.

What do we mean by the Communion of Saints? Fr. Ron Rolheiser describes it this way: We believe that the dead are still alive, still themselves, still living in a conscious and loving relationship with us and with each other. That’s our common concept of heaven and, however simplistic its popular expression is at times, it is wonderfully correct. That’s exactly what Christian faith and Christian dogma, not to mention our deep intuitive experience, invites us to. After death we live on, conscious, self-conscious, in communication with others who have died before us, in communion with those we left behind on earth, and in communion with the divine itself. That’s the Christian doctrine of the Communion of Saints.

In death life is changed not ended, when our earthly body turns to dust we gain an everlasting dwell place in heaven where the eye has not seen, nor has the ear heard nor has it entered into human mind the things God has prepared for us.

This new life of ours will not be a prolongation of our present earthly existence but it will be a totally new way of existence and there will be no need for the provision to perpetuate the human race – which was the concern of the Sadducees in their attempt to trip up Jesus with their questions.

Our new life with God can only be described in figurative language such as ‘shining stars, clothed in white robes or having a spiritual body.

What will our new life be like? Sometimes when I was called to the hospital for an emergency and arrived after the person died the family could be quite anxious about the spiritual wellbeing of the dead person. The only thing I could say about that was, if you tell me how he/she lived, I’ll tell you how he/she died.

When we think of it, there is not a discontinuity between this life and our afterlife. There is just life, some of it temporal and some of it eternal. In other words the way we live now is the way we will always live. Our present way of living and loving and relating to others is the promise of our eternal destiny.

We can say that God doesn’t lure us with the promise of heaven nor does God threaten us with the threat of hell, we fashion all this for ourselves by the choices we make during our lives.

If we lived our lives carrying for family, friends or strangers in the different ways we feed the hungry whether they hunger for food or acceptance – the ways we quench the thirst of others for water or for love – the ways we cloth people with clothes or with human dignity and respect – the ways we invite people into our homes or our hearts – our attitudes of openness and acceptance of friend or stranger, these will be the same mindset we bring to our lives beyond the grave and we will hearing the welcoming words of Christ – come, for as often as you did these things to one of the least of mine, you did it to me.

If we lived our lives in a ‘me first’ attitude, heedless and indifferent of the needs of other men and women, if we lived, uninvolved, selfish, uncaring, unloving lives, if we’ve borne grudges and refuse to forgive and forget, that means we’ve lived a hellish mean existence that will stay with us beyond physical death.

Again as Ron Rolheiser reminds us of something we’d rather not face, ‘as we and die, so we become eternally, outside the limits of time and space. There may not be marriage in the afterlife but there will be the fulfillment of what we have been in this life. Scary isn’t it?

Bulletin – November 6, 2016

November 5th, 2016

LEST WE FORGET

November 11th is Remembrance Day, a day to remember all who have served, and continue to serve in our armed forces, especially those who have died and those wounded in battle. We pray for healing and peace; that one day, all peoples will lay down their arms and embrace one another as brothers and sisters in one human family.

CONGRATULATIONS!

On Saturday October 29th, three altar servers from St. Gabriel’s Parish received the “Bishop’s Altar Server Award for Service during the 31st Annual Altar Servers Awards Ceremony at St. Paul’s Basilica. We offer our sincere thanks and congratulations to the following altar servers:
Derek Aubrey
Adrian D’Silva
David Colaco

The parish is truly grateful to all of its altar servers for their participation at the celebration of the Eucharist and ceremonies throughout the Church year.

HOLOCAUST EDUCATION WEEK

Monday, November 7th at 7:30 PM

St. Gabriel’s Passionist Parish

For many years, St. Gabriel’s Parish has participated in the Holocaust Education Week. This year, we will be co-sponsoring the event with the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.

On Monday, November 7th at 7:30 PM we will present the film Return to the Hiding Place. When the Nazis began killing Jews in Holland during World War II, a group of youth decided to save the lives of the innocent. Corrie ten Boom’s army of untrained teenagers navigate a deadly labyrinth of challenges to rescue the Jewish people in one of history’s most famous dramas. Suspected of breaking the rules, Corrie and her sister Betsie were eventually sent to a concentration camp. There it was their Christian faith that kept them from despair and bitterness. All, especially our young people, are encouraged to attend. Admission is free.

NOVEMBER IS THE MONTH OF ALL SOULS

BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE

You are invited to write the names of your deceased relatives and friends in the Book of Remembrance on the altar. They will be remembered at all the Masses celebrated in November.

MEETING FOR FIRST RECONCILIATION

Wednesday, November 16th at 7:30 PM

St. Gabriel’s Church, Gabriel Room

On Wednesday, November 16th at 7:30 PM there will be a meeting in the Gabriel Room for parents of children who will be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time.

“LEANING INTO THE LIGHT” ADVENT RETREAT

Preacher: Fr. Bob Joerger CP

Saturday, December 10th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

St. Gabriel’s Church

In a few weeks, we will begin the season of Advent, a time to prepare ourselves for the celebration of Christmas. In Advent, we are called to stay awake as we keep vigil, with our eyes set on the light, and not let ourselves be too carried away by the unnecessary care and concerns of the Christmas Season. Please consider joining us for a few hours of quietude in prayer and reflection.

The preacher for our Advent Retreat this year will be Father Robert Joerger, CP. Father Bob is the Provincial of the Passionists of the St. Paul of the Cross Province. Many of you have met him when he last visited St. Gabriel’s. He has touched many hearts with his preaching.

The topic of our Advent Retreat is “Leaning into the Light”. It will be held on Saturday, December 10th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at St. Gabriel’s Parish. Come and be prepared to be inspired and be challenged to a deeper relationship with God.

All are welcome. There is no cost to attend. However, donations will be gratefully accepted. For more information, please call the parish office at 416-221-8866, or email fatimalee@bellnet.ca

The retreat will begin at 1:00 PM sharp. Please plan on arriving a little earlier.

CONFIRMATION ENROLLMENT CEREMONY

Sunday, November 20th at the 12:30 PM Mass

The Confirmation Enrollment Ceremony for all Confirmation candidates will be held on Sunday, November 20th at the 12:30 PM Mass. All Confirmation candidates must attend.

Candidates are reminded to submit their letters requesting Confirmation to Fr. Brando through the Parish Office
by Sunday, November 13th.

“A CONVERSATION WITH FATHER BOB ON THE PASSIONIST CHARISM”

Saturday, December 10th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

Gabriel Room

We as a parish have been blessed with the ministry of the Passionists priests for over six decades. Have you ever wondered what the Passionists are about? Do you want to find out more about their spirituality and their work?

If you are interested, please join us for a conversation with Father Bob, the Provincial Superior of the St. Paul of the Cross Province of the Passionists. (The Province covers Canada, Eastern USA, Jamaica, W.I. and Haiti.) The meeting will be held on Saturday, December 10th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, in the Gabriel Room.
This is an opportunity not to be missed. Please mark your calendars.

ANNOUNCED MASSES

November 7th to November 12th, 2016

MONDAY – JOAN RUEST – Requested by the Ruest Family
TUESDAY – ERNIE KEEGAN – Requested by his Family
WEDNESDAY – MICHAEL MULLANE – Requested by Margaret Anne Leckie & Mary Alice O’Mahony
THURSDAY – BERNARDINO AGOR – Requested by Andrew Agor
FRIDAY – GUS CALDERONE – Requested by Marie Calderone
SATURDAY – INTINI & BELLISARI FAMILIES – Requested by Chiara & Tina Intini

SHEPHERD’S TRUST COLLECTION

November 12th/13th

As members of our Catholic community, we regularly benefit from the tireless service of our priests. In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, we remember how they have been tangible instruments of the Lord’s mercy in our lives. Called by God and ordained to care for His people, our priests serve our families, in churches, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, missions and on the streets. The Shepherds’ Trust ensures our priests can live their retirement years with dignity.

The Shepherds’ Trust collection will take place in all parishes in the Archdiocese during the weekend of November 12/13. Envelopes are in the pews.

This fund does more than just support our priests in their retirement years; it represents a very tangible gesture of thanks for the blessings we have received. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE CASSEROLES

Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 49 casseroles for October. For November, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of November 26th/27th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.

More volunteers are urgently needed to help feed the hungry in our city. You may pick up a copy of a casserole recipe and a pan from the Parish Office. Three recipes are also available on St. Gabriel’s web site. Please remember to mark the label on the pan lid with the name of the casserole.

For more information, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791.

PASSIONIST CHRISTMAS CARDS

There are still a few Passionist Christmas cards available for purchase in the Parish Office. The suggested cost is $2:00 per card.

All donations will go directly to support the Passionist Missions in Haiti, Honduras and Jamaica. Your support is invaluable in caring for the needy in some of the poorest communities of North America.

MILK BAG WORKSHOP

Wednesday, November 16th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM

Gabriel Room

The next Milk Bag workshop led by Sharon Gusz will be held in the Gabriel room on Wednesday, November 16th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. No experience needed! All are welcome!

BENEFIT CONCERT TO END ABUSE TO WOMEN AND GIRLS

Hugh’s Room, 2261 Dundas St West
Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Catholic Family Services of Toronto presents a Benefit Concert to End Abuse to Women and Girls. Join us at Hugh’s Room, 2261 Dundas St West, for a concert featuring Enrico Galante and Friends on Wednesday, November 23rd. Doors open at 6:00 PM. Enjoy live music, good food and a silent auction all for a good cause.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at Hugh’s Room

(416-531-6604) for $40 or $45 at the door. All proceeds go to Catholic Family Services of Toronto’s Women Abuse Programs.

WITNESSING THE WORK OF THE PASSIONIST COMMUNITIES IN AFRICA

Are you interested in witnessing the work of the Passionist Communities in East Africa in June 2017? Travel as a small group and visit some of the Passionist Communities in Kenya and Tanzania, plus have the experience of a lifetime on an East African Wildlife Safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

For more information please contact Steve Carey at carey@travelonly.com or 416-278-9346.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE

St. Gabriel’s Parish
Weekend of April 21st, 22nd and 23rd, 2017

A Marriage Preparation course will be offered here at St. Gabriel’s the weekend of April 21st to 23rd, 2017.

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.

FINANCE CORNER

Weekly Offertory
Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
Collection for last weekend:
Envelopes 378 $ 7,885
Loose Change 904
Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 163 3,025
Total 541 $ 11,814

If you are moving out of the Parish or have changed your address, please contact the Parish Office at 416-221-8866 so that we can update our records. Thank you.