March 6th, 2016
Today’s gospel contains one of the most famous of Jesus’ parables, the prodigal son. When we have our reconciliation service on Wed. evening March 16th I’ll be giving a reflection on this parable at that time.
This morning let’s look at the opening thoughts of today’s gospel. The Pharisees and the scribes were totally shocked by the fact that Jesus would break bread with the likes of tax collectors and sinners – with the riff raff of society. Why would he even want to be seen with such people? Crooks and thieves.
When Jesus eats with these outcasts, it is not because of some humanitarian broadmindedness, as though the laws of God or the Pharisaic regulations did not matter because they did, no – it is God breaking through the condemnation of his own law in order to reach out and save the lost
Breaking bread, sharing wine with people such as these, Jesus looked into their lives and saw an honesty and goodness and a willingness to be there for one another that their pompous judges could never imagine.
This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them. He still does. Jesus welcomes each one here, mistake making beings that we all are and shares with us the bread of life.
At this Mass we hear again the invitation to the disciples at the Last Supper – take and eat this is my body – take and drink this is my blood. When Jesus first offered us this a wonder ‘unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood you cannot have life in you,’these startling words challenged the faith, the trust his followers had in him, so much so that many of them said, ‘this is a hard saying and who can accept it’ and many of them walked with him no more.
That same invitation ‘take and eat, take and drink is offered to us, today. We know we are not worthy of such a gift – we are not worthy that Jesus should eat and drink with sinners such as we. We accept his invitation ‘come to me all you who find life burdensome and I will refresh you.’ We believe that bread is more than bread and wine is more than wine, it is the body and blood of Jesus, we receive the bread of life.
Over the years I’ve heard the complaint, ‘nobody goes to confession anymore but everybody goes to confession.’ Shocked that Jesus eats and drinks with sinners. Many people were shocked when Pope Francis said, ‘ the Eucharist is not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak. My own take on this is that Jesus gave us his body and blood as a gift and over the years the church has made it a reward – for those who are good enough.
We come to this Mass bringing with us the blessings with which we have been blessed and the self- inflicted wounds of our sins grateful for Christ’s invitation, ‘take and eat, take and drink.’
Gratefully we come as one to be nourished by Jesus, our bread of life finding in this food the grace we need to live this Mass outside these walls in the lives we live, the prayers we pray and the service we give.
| Posted in Homily |
February 27th, 2016
Just a few words on the fruitless fig tree in today’s gospel. I read somewhere that fig trees bear fruit for ten months of the year so it was reasonable to expect fruit at almost any time. The tree would grow for three years before it bore figs. Then according to the book of Leviticus any fruit tree that has been planted the fruit of it may not be eaten for three years, the fourth year the fruit will be offered to God and the next year the fruit may be eaten by the people.
In the parable Jesus tells us the owner of the vineyard had come three years looking for figs – that’s nine years since it was planted. He had it with this useless, fruitless tree. Dig it up and use it for fuel. The gardener asks for another year, give it a chance.
Obviously the fig tree is symbolic. This fruitless tree stands for every person who hears Jesus’ call for repentance and ignores it. Its fruitlessness signifies the life of a person who lives his or her life out of touch with God, as if God did not exist, the same God who wants us to bear fruit, fruit that will last.
The owner wants to root it out, throw it away. No mercy, no forgiveness for those who live fruitless lives. The gardener wants it left alone, given another chance; you never know what the future holds.
In this parable we can see Jesus not as the owner of the farm but is the gardener asking for mercy for this fruitless tree. This is exactly what he is doing during this Lenten season, during this year of mercy. He is calling all of us to be more faithful in our relationship with the Father, more faithful in our relationship him. He calls us to forgive those who wronged or harmed us just as he is willing to forgive us. He calls us to love all others as he has loved us, even to dying for us. He calls us to be there for others in need just as he is there for us in our needs. He calls us to be merciful just as our heavenly Father is merciful. He calls us to get our act together and believe the good news of God’s love for us. Patiently he waits for each of us to get our act together and let God’s grace work in our lives so that we will bear fruit, fruit that will last.
Maybe we could look into how we are living our daily lives, especially how we relate to family members and fellow workers and ask ourselves how we are responding to the care of Christ our gardener who is so willing and patient to help us grow in our Christian faith and be a source of nourishment to all those who come into our live. May we pray for ourselves and for each other that we all bear fruit – fruit that will last.
Encountering Christ, the King of Mercy, in the time of Lent
Father Nicholas Obiero, CP Wednesday March 2nd from 7:30 to 9:00 PM St. Gabriel’s Parish ALL ARE WELCOME!
Father Nicholas is a Passionist from Kenya. He is working towards a doctorate in Pastoral Theology at St. Michael’s College of the University of Toronto.
The St. Gabriel’s Children’s Faith Program is a Parish faith program for children in Grade SK to 8 who attend Public and Private schools. The program is run by volunteers. This program is an important ministry to the families that come to our parish. Many of our children were and are still part of the program and we know how valuable this ministry is to our parish life.
We are in need of volunteers to serve as coordinator of the program and as class teachers and assistants. If you are interested please call 416-221-8866 ext 224, email francis.ng@bellnet.ca or leave your name and contact number with the parish office.
Interviews for children who wish to receive their First Communion are now being scheduled. Those children attending the Children’s Faith Program, private schools or others are asked to choose one of the following dates: April 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th , 19th, 20th , 21st. 26th, 27th or 28th
Children from St. Gabriel’s School are asked to choose one of the following dates: May 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 17th, 18th, 19th or 20th.
Please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866 to book your appointment with Fr. Brando.
Sunday, March 6th 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.
Gabriel Room English: Saturday, March 5th at 3:15 PM Chinese: Sunday, March 6th at 3:30 PM For information, please contact Linda Law at 416-918-8029.
February 29th to March 5th, 2016
MONDAY – KING LUEN LAM – Requested by Michelle Wong TUESDAY – FERNANDO LASA – Requested by Ana Maria Lasa WEDNESDAY – CHIU SZE GONG – Requested by the Chiu family THURSDAY – JAMES WONG TING KEE – Requested by the Chiu Family FRIDAY – PANG YUEN – Requested by the Chiu Family SATURDAY – GORDON OATWAY – Requested by Patricia Oatway
Stations of the Cross Every Friday 7:30 PM
Lenten Evening of Reflection Wednesday, March 2nd 7:30 PM
Tenebrae Service Saturday, March 12th 7:30 PM
Day of Confession, Wednesday, March 16th: Individual Confession – 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Reconciliation Service – 7:30 PM
Palm Sunday March 20th Masses Saturday 4:30 PM Sunday 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM.
Holy Thursday March 24th No 9:00 AM Mass 7:30 PM Mass of the Lord’s Supper Followed by Adoration until 10:00 PM.
Good Friday March 25th 10:00 AM Morning Prayer 3:00 PM Solemn Passion of Our Lord 7:30 PM Stations of the Cross
Holy Saturday March 26th No 4:30 PM Mass 8:00 PM Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday March 27th Masses 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM
Easter Monday March 28th No 9:00 AM Mass Office closed
EXTRA PARKING AT ELKHORN PUBLIC SCHOOL
There will be no Eucharistic Adoration on March 4th since there will be a funeral Mass that morning.
Friday, March 4th at 2:00 PM Trinity Presbyterian Church
The annual ecumenical World Day of Prayer Service, entitled “Receive Children, Receive Me” will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Friday March 4th at 2:00 PM. The Church is located on the east side of Bayview Avenue just south of the 401.
Please join us, along with our neighbour Christian churches, in prayer and reflection. All are welcome to attend.
March 12th at 7:30 PM St. Gabriel’s Church
On Saturday, March 12th at 7:30 PM, we will be celebrating the ancient service of Tenebrae at St. Gabriel’s. Historically, this tradition was held the evening before the start of the Easter Triduum. Shrouded in shadow, Tenebrae evokes a sense of wonder and mystery as the Passion of Jesus is told through a series of readings, songs, and hymns. Fifteen 15 candles are extinguished one by one, marking the progression to our Lord’s crucifixion. The last candle, the Christ Candle, is not extinguished but rather removed from the view of the congregation. This signifies hope in the resurrection as the rest of the church is blanketed in utter darkness.
Please join us for Tenebrae held at St. Gabriel’s Parish. It will be a remarkable experience for this community to share. The gentlemen of the Seraphim Men’s Chorus will be present to provide musical settings of the readings composed by Msgr. Ronan, founder of St. Michael’s Choir School. A voluntary donation will be taken up as a collection in support of the Choir School. This tradition is a wonderful way to prepare ourselves to celebrate the mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Working wonders for those in our community…
“At Mary Centre, the residents of our homes have developed friendships, yet they maintain their own individuality,” says Denise Tremblett, Program Manager, “Although some of their relatives may have passed on, they love to remain active with healthy recreational activities and visiting regularly with the rest of their friends and family members. We enjoy cooking and providing for them so they can remain at home here and enjoy their lives. We are extremely grateful that ShareLife donors have helped to make a difference for these very special people!” Last year, over 1,500 people with special needs received outreach services from ShareLife-supported agencies.
Sunday March 13, 2016 is ShareLife Sunday
Please give generously. You can work wonders!
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.
Tuesday, March 8th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Scarboro Missions, 2685 Kingston Road
To encourage ongoing dialogue, Scarboro Missions is presenting a series of Jewish, Christian and Muslim Perspectives on Mercy. Join Dr. Murray Watson, Roman Catholic professor at Huron University College for the first in the series “Christian Perspective on Mercy” to be held on Tuesday, March 8th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Scarboro Missions.
There is no registration or admission fee. A voluntary offering is appreciated. For more information contact Sr. Lucy Thorson at 416-261-7135, Ext. 244.
Saturday March 12th St Augustine’s Seminary
The Office of Vocations is hosting a Young Men’s High School Day Retreat at St. Augustine’s Seminary on Saturday March 12th. The retreat provides a time to pray, to interact and socialize. Priests and Seminarians will deliver talks on practical aspects of faith. There will be opportunities for Prayer, Mass, Adoration & Confession.
For more information call 416-968-0997 or email: vocations@archtoronto.org.
LAUDATO SI’: LET’S REDEFINE “PROGRESS”
Monday, March 14th at 7:00 PM St. Basil’s Church, 50 St. Joseph Street, Toronto
Cardinal Turkson, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, is a passionate supporter of Laudato Si’: On Care for our Common Home, Pope Francis’ recent encyclical on the environment. He told attendees at last year’s UN Summit on Climate Change that we “cannot remain blind to the grave damage done to the planet, nor can we remain indifferent to the plight of the millions of people who most bear the burden of such destruction.
Free admission For tickets and more information go to events.usmctheology@utoronto.ca.
Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
Collection for February 21st, 2016: Envelopes 435 $ 8,303 Loose Change 998 Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 166 3,160 Total 601 $ 12,461
If you are contributing cash to the Offertory Collection without any identification, you will not receive credit for your contribution. If you are not currently using parish envelopes and wish to have a set issued for 2016, you may contact the Parish Office and we will prepare a box for you. This is the most effective way to keep track of your donations.
Please inform the Parish Office if you have recently moved, so that we may keep our parish records up to date. Please do not use any envelopes from any prior year as the number on it may have been reassigned.
| Posted in Bulletin |
February 21st, 2016
It was around this time in his ministry when Jesus began to tell the Apostles that his future would be fraught with open conflict with the religious authorities. In answer to the question – who do you say I am? – Peter had answered – ‘you are the Christ, the son of the living God.’ It was from that time on that Jesus began telling the apostles, warning them of the hard times ahead for him and for them. He must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly at the hands of the elders and chief priests and be killed. Peter wouldn’t hear of such things,’ this must never happen to you.’ Jesus called Peter Satan for trying to turn him away from his destiny which was to bear witness to the truth even if it cost him his life.
All this brings us to today’s gospel. Jesus takes Peter, James and John up on a mountain side to spend some time in prayer. What a prayer it would be. God gifted the three to see Jesus as they never saw him before. His whole appearance changed – even his clothes began dazzling white. There were gifted by a vision of Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus about his future trials in Jerusalem. Peter, James and John were awed by the whole experience and Peter blurted out,’ Lord it is good for us to be here.’ Let’s stay here as long as we can. We’ll build tents for the three of you. A voice repeated the message the three did not hear at Jesus’ baptism, ‘This is my son, my chosen, listen to him.’ Then it was all over. They saw only Jesus.
With that Jesus says, ’it’s time to go but keep this to yourselves.’ Coming off the mountain they meet a group of disciple and a desperate father whose son suffered from violent fits of epilepsy since he was a youngster. He wanted the disciples to cure his son but they were helpless. Jesus asks the father, ’do you believe I can to this?’ In desperation the father admits, ’I believe but help the little faith I have.’ The young man is healed.
Our lives are not lived on a mountain of spiritual highs. Our lives are lived in this valley of tears with it joys and sorrow, with sin and grace, with love and failure to love. Our lives are lived when there are time when things make sense and times when nothing makes sense. There are times when we are stunned by scenes of senseless violence and mass destruction and there are many times when we awed by people’s generosity and self-sacrifice. It is all part of the mix.
Remember it was the Peter, James and John Jesus took with him into the foreboding garden of Gethsemane. There they saw Jesus in desperate prayer, ‘if it is possible let this chalice pass me by’. They wanted to avoid Jesus’ struggle by escaping into sleep. They didn’t have the strength to watch and pray with him.’ No one said in Gethsemane, ‘Lord it is good for us to be here.’ It take great faith, great trust in God, great trust in Jesus to be able to say, in whatever circumstances we may find ourselves, ‘Lord it is good for me to be here because it is right here, right now you are with me and inviting me to trust your presence, your grace and especially your love for me. I trust in your promise, ‘I am with you always.’
As we continue to celebrate the passion, death and resurrection of Christ we pray for ourselves and for each that always and everywhere we have the faith in Jesus to say, ’Lord it is good for us to be here.’
February 20th, 2016
Saturday, February 27th is the feast of St. Gabriel.
St. Gabriel, a member of the Passionist Community, was born Francis Possenti on March 1, 1838 in Assisi. In September, 1856 he entered the Passionist novitiate but before his ordination, he contracted tuberculosis. He died February 27, 1862 at the age of 24. Francis had a special devotion to Mary and chose as his religious name Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin. He is remembered for his enthusiasm in life and his extraordinary generosity. Pope John XXIII proclaimed him as a special Patron of Youth. Mass will be celebrated as usual at 4:30 PM on Saturday.
The St. Gabriel’s Children’s Faith Program is a Parish faith program for children in Grade SK to 8 who attend Public and Private schools. The program is run by volunteer teachers who dedicate their time and service to this ministry. Over the last number of years, this program has been successfully coordinated by Lynette Fernandes and Mary Innocente. Both has worked as a team to oversee the program and ensured it ran smoothly.
Both have indicated that they would be retiring from the program. On behalf of our parish we wish to thank them for their great effort, service and dedication towards this good work.
This program is an important ministry to the families that come to our parish. Many of our children were and are still part of the program and we know how valuable this ministry is to our parish life. If you are interested in coordinating, or be a volunteer teacher/assistant at this program, you may call 416-221-8866 ext. 224, email francis.ng@bellnet.ca or leave your name and contact number with the parish office.
Saturday, February 27th at 10:30 AM
St. Gabriel’s Church
First Reconciliation for children attending St. Gabriel’s School, and those in the Children’s Faith Program and children attending Private Schools will be held at St. Gabriel’s Church on Saturday, February 27th at 10:30 AM.
This Sunday, February 21st after 12:30 PM Mass
For many years, the Asian community in our parish has gifted our parish community with a wonderful Lunar New Year Party. This year is the Year of the Monkey. Our Lunar New Year Party will take place this Sunday, February 21st after the 12:30 PM Mass in the Gathering Space. All are welcome.
Interviews for children who wish to receive their First Communion are now being scheduled. Those children attending the Children’s Faith Program, private schools or others are asked to choose one of the following dates: April 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th , 19th, 20th .21st, 27th or 28th
February 22nd to February 27th, 2016
MONDAY – ARMANDO DI NARDO – Requested by Pasqua Di Nardo & Family TUESDAY – EMMA ROSE MACARAEG – Requested by Albert Macaraeg WEDNESDAY – JIM LECKIE – Requested by Helen Leckie THURSDAY FRIDAY – WILLIE PEAKE – Requested by Sr. Jacqui de Verteuil SATURDAY – ADAM & JANET TRUDEL – Requested by Gilles Trudel
Working wonders for those entering the priesthood.
“I am aware that what is given to me here is because of the generosity of many benefactors, including ShareLife, to whom I am very grateful. Last year, I graduated from Philosophy at St. Philip Neri Oratory with Summa Cum Laude, and this would not have been possible without the contribution of many benefactors. I am sure that whatever is given to me is for the sake of the mission that the Lord is preparing for me, and I thank ShareLife for their generous contribution to the work that God has prepared for me.” Simon Ibrahim, Redemptoris Mater Seminarian.
At ShareLife-funded agencies such as Serra House, St. Augustine’s and Redemptoris Mater Seminaries, individuals undergo extensive theological education and practical field training. Through ShareLife, you are helping to sustain vocations for the priesthood and inspire discernment for God’s call. Last year ShareLife helped support 80 seminarians in their formation studies.
Next weekend, Sharon Gusz, a volunteer for Milk Bags Unlimited, will be available after all Masses to demonstrate the transformation of the outer milk bags into comfortable sleeping mats. As you continue to save your milk bags please ensure that they are dry and clear of any milk prior to bringing them to the church. For further details please feel free to contact Sharon at sharongusz@gmail.com.
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.
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: $5.00
Rosalie Hall assists young parents and their children to realize their potential through the provision of a wide range of community, residential, educational and child development 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
February 26th, 27th, March 4th, and 5th at 7:30 PM
Brebeuf College School 211 Steeles Ave., Willowdale
Toronto Catholic District School Board Staff Arts presents the Neil Simon comedy “Rumors.” Tickets are $20. To purchase go to www.tcdsb.org/staffarts or phone 416-222-8282, ext. 2787.
Blessed Trinity Parish Hall Tuesday, February 23rd at 2:00 PM
The next meeting of the North York Retiree’s will be feature guest speaker, Don McKay. His topic is “Remembering the Toronto Ice Storm, 2013”
All retirees are cordially invited to attend.
Friday, March 4th at 1:00 PM
The annual ecumenical World Day of Prayer Service, entitled “Receive Children, Receive Me” will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Friday March 4th at 1:00 PM. The Church is located on the east side of Bayview Avenue just south of the 401.
Beginning Friday February 26th at 7:00 PM
St. Augustine’s Seminary
The Office of Vocations is hosting a COME & SEE WEEKEND at St. Augustine’s Seminary from Friday February 26th at 7:00 PM to Sunday February 28th at 1.30 PM. Time will be provided to pray, to learn what seminary formation is about and time to interact and socialize with the Seminarians & Priests of the Seminary. The weekend offers opportunities for Communal Prayer, Mass, Adoration & Confession. For more information call 416-968-0997 or email vocations@archtoronto.org.
Saturday, February 27th from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, Mississauga
A Lenten Retreat for Men will be held at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre on Saturday, February 27th from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Deacon Doctor Greg DeMarchi will preach on the theme:”God’s mercy as an entrance to prayer and spiritual life.” A coffee cart with muffins will be available on arrival: and a full hot meal at lunch is included.
To register please call 905-278-5229.
Collection for February 14th, 2016: Envelopes 373 $ 6,450 Loose Change 940 Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 167 3,164 Total 540 $ 10,554
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