February 14th, 2016
Download the schedule as a PDF file.
| Posted in Events |
After John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River Jesus felt drawn to a desert place where he could be alone and sort out what he was to do with his life. He had to have quiet time to come to grips with the words God spoke over him as he came up out of the water. ‘You are my son, the beloved; with you I am well pleased.’
We can imagine that Satan heard these words too and suspected God had something special in mind for this carpenter’s son from Nazareth. He would do what he could to lure Jesus away from whatever God had in mind. Through tempting the hungry Jesus to turn stone into bread he tempted Jesus to seeking self – satisfaction, meeting his own needs first. When that didn’t work he tempted Jesus with the allure of power – I will give you the kingdoms of the earth –you’ll make Alexander the Great look like a wimp – if you worship me. That failed as well. Last try, how about popularity, be the rock star of the nation – throw yourself down from the pinnacle of the temple – you’re a special son to God – God will have his angels protecting you. Be gone Satan, I’m not into testing God.
Jesus would now begin his journey to find the full meaning of the words,’ you are my son; in you I am well pleased.’
But Jesus’ temptations did not cease in the desert.
Jesus resisted the temptation of his gaining a great reputation as a healer or wonder worker when fled from the crowd that wanted to take him by force and make him a king. Peter, the tempter, tried to talk him out the sufferings he was to face by urging him,’ this must never happen to you.’ His own family, when they heard of the murder of John the Baptist, tried to get him to tone down his rhetoric lest he get in trouble with the authorities. Jesus was tempted in his agony in the garden, when sweating blood he begged, if it is possible let this chalice pass.
Temptations are part and parcel of our lives. Usually we associate temptations with something sexual. There is a story told of a young monk asking an ancient monk, when to temptation cease?’ Only be told, ’a half hour after you’re dead.’
Temptation is defined as an allurement to something sinful under the appearance of being good. Eve saw the forbidden fruit and saw that it was pleasing to the eye. We face temptations every day. We’re tempted to be rude, impatient, dismissive of people we find bothersome. We’re tempted to dismiss from our lives people whose racial or social backgrounds, whose religious beliefs, whose life styles we don’t agree with. We’re tempted to block out of our consciousness the social ills that plague our city, street people, unemployed young people, inadequate housing, inadequate day care, food banks. These are no concern to me. We’re tempted to be fed up with or overwhelmed with daily news items of refugees in flight, refugee camps desperate for food or water. We’re tempted to the sin of indifference toward overwhelming human suffering. We’re tempted to throw in the towel as we seem to fail time and time again coping with our own personal struggles.
We pray every day, lead us not into temptation – but there are days when God seems to be on the far side of the moon. But giving up is not the answer. St. Paul reminds us- ‘We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we all are, yet without sin.’ Then Paul gives us this encouraging advice, ‘let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness so that we may receive mercy and find help in time of need.
May we all be graced with such boldness as we face and overcome the temptations that are ours in the course of our ordinary living of our ordinary lives.
| Posted in Homily |
February 13th, 2016
February 15th
Monday February 15th is Family Day.
The Parish Office will be closed and there will be no 9:00 AM Mass.
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. They have worked as a team to oversee the program and ensured it ran smoothly.
Both have indicated that they would be retiring from the program in May. 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 this program, or being a volunteer teacher/assistant, please call Francis Ng 416-221-8866 ext. 224, or email francis.ng@bellnet.ca as soon as possible.
Sunday, February 21st after 12:30 PM Mass
Monday, February 8th marked the beginning of Lunar New Year. 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 on Sunday, February 21st after the 12:30 PM Mass in the Gathering Space. All are welcome. Don’t forget to mark your calendar!
Volunteers and donations are also welcome.
Please contact Linda Law at 416-918-8029.
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.
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.
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.
February 15th to February 20th, 2016
MONDAY – FAMILY DAY – No 9:00 AM Mass TUESDAY – DOROTHY MITCHELL – Requested by Fran Moscall WEDNESDAY – DONNA BONNICK – Requested by her Family THURSDAY FRIDAY – CONNNIE RUSCICA – Requested by Paolina Ruscica SATURDAY – MR. WONG FOO CHUNG – Requested by his Family
Stations of the Cross will take place each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 PM. We also encourage your attendance at our daily Mass throughout Lent.
During Lent there are two days of Fast and Abstinence, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Abstinence means to abstain from eating meat. This applies to all Catholics 14 years of age and older.
Fasting means that your two smaller meals combined should not be larger than your main meal. There is no eating between meals. This applies to healthy people between the ages of 18 and 60.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has mailed out tax receipts for amounts of $20 and over. Receipts for amounts under $20 are available on request
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.
Together we are continuing to work wonders…
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” Matthew 5:7 (NRSVCE) Our Lord encourages us with a timely reminder about what our actions truly should be – to show mercy to others. Does showing mercy mean to take the time delivering food for the local food bank in our neighbourhood? Do we have time to help by serving on a weekend in the soup kitchen in our city or praying for a family who is dealing with a personal crisis? Or maybe the refugee family who needs some volunteer help resettling their family to a new life here in Canada. In essence, ShareLife becomes that connective bridge between the pulpit and the street. When we are called to action in the Catholic community, we know of so many ways we can make a difference by working together in the lives of those in need. Annually, we share in helping over 114,000 individuals, thanks to the support received through our collective efforts. Please help us celebrate our ShareLife’s 40th anniversary by supporting our annual Archdiocesan appeal during this Lenten season! —Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop of Toronto.
Sunday March 13th is ShareLife Sunday
Please give generously. You can work wonders!
Leprosy Mission of Canada Stamp Collection Program
Make a difference with your mail! You can get involved by collecting, trimming and sending them used postage stamps. They fill bags of stamps and sell them to stamp dealers by the kilogram. By donating your time or stamps, you can bring hope to people with leprosy. Stamps can be trimmed leaving no less than ¼ inch and no more than ½ inch paper border Your kindness and compassion are felt by the friends and staff of Effect Hope and by the many people we serve. We look forward to your continued partnership with this mission of healing and hope. Please place stamps in the basket provided outside the Parish Office.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Blessed Trinity Parish Church, 3220 Bayview Ave.
The Catholic Women’s League of Blessed Trinity Parish is hosting a Day of Recollection on Tuesday, February 16th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Blessed Trinity Parish Hall.
Tickets which include a hot lunch, are $20 each. All women are invited.
For tickets or more info, please call Louise 416-733-3946 or Gisele 416-223-7826.
Beginning Friday, February 19th at 8:00 PM
Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, Mississauga.
There will be a Women’s Lenten Retreat at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre on the weekend of February 19th to 21st. The retreat begins at 8:00 PM on Friday and concludes with Mass at noon on Sunday, followed by lunch. It will be preached by the Centre Team.
Please call 905-278-5229 for further information or to register.
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.
Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
Collection for February 7th 2016: Envelopes 389 $ 7,124 Loose Change 1,042 Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 166 3,160 Total 555 $ 11,326
Please pick up your 2016 envelopes in the Parish Office as soon as possible if you have not already done so. 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, please 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.
Tax receipts for 2015 were mailed last 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 |
February 7th, 2016
A while back I was visiting a family and enjoying a great meal. One of their daughters was home on a visit. She was an enjoyable free spirit but drove her parents crazy with her free and sometimes wild life style.
In the course of the evening she cornered me and asked – how can I be sure there is a God? Any priest is asked that question many times. I don’t know how it came about but I answered,’ well I’ll start with a man on a cross and we’ll go from there.
This is how St. Paul instructed the first Christians of Corinth. I handed on to you as of first importance – first importance-that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried and that he was raised on the third and that he appeared to Cephas and the twelve.
We start with the man on the cross Jesus the Christ. St. John tells us ‘in the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God and the word became flesh and dwelt among us.’ St. Paul tells us Jesus was in the form of God but did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited but emptied himself taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness and he became obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross. For this God highly exalted him – by raising Jesus from the dead – and gave him a name above every other so that every tongue should confess Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
The man on the cross, nails though hands and feet, crowned with thorns, his naked body showing the brutality of his scourging is the love of God made visible. For God so loved the world he sent his son to the world not to condemn us but to make us one again with God. By his wounds we are healed, by his wounds we are reconciled with God for Jesus made peace by the blood of the cross.
To make it clear the Jesus’ sacrifice of his life to the Father was acceptable the Father raised Jesus from the dead, death had no power over him anymore. The Risen Christ appeared to Peter and the 12 and finally to Paul and commissioned to proclaim to the world the good news of God’s love and mercy for all of us. This is the message of first importance.
How do know there is a God, how do we know there is someone, not a force or a power, but someone who made us and loves us and heals and sustains us and challenges us to be men and women of justice, love and peace? How do we know there is a God – some one – who sustains us when we, like the fishermen in the gospel who worked the boat and struggled with the nets all through the night and came up with nothing, just we struggle and strive to cope with our weaknesses, try to maintain healthy relationships, try to respect and accept men and women different from ourselves, try to be responsive to the poverty in our city, try to be sensitive to the sufferings of people have lost everything, people who are persecuted for their religious beliefs and yet we seem to make little progress in our prayer life, we still remain locked up in our own little worlds.
I don’t think I made much progress with this young lady. Maybe she asked the question just to keep the conversation going. Someone described a mindset like hers as an unrestrained celebration of choice, the human will is worshiped as the ultimate reality. So many people are convinced there is no standard of truth and goodness outside of ourselves before which we seek guidance. We make the truth, we decide what is good. Nobody, nobody has any right to tell what to do, how to love, how to live. We have no duty, no responsibility, no obedience to any authority other than ourselves.
The man on the cross means nothing to so many people. This is a great sadness. But for we who believe – Christ crucified is the power of God and the wisdom of God and the love of God made visible for all those who wish to see.
As we continue to celebrate this Mass at which we re-present the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ we pray for ourselves and for each other that the daily living or our lives will always be sustained and inspired by the life-giving death of the man on the cross.
February 6th, 2016
Monday, February 8th marks the beginning of Lunar New Year. 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.
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.
Wednesday, March 2nd at 7:30 PM
This year’s parish Lenten Evening of Reflection will be preached by Father Nicholas Obiero, C.P. Father Nicholas is a Passionist from Kenya. He is working towards his doctorate in Pastoral Theology at St. Michael’s College of the University of Toronto. Occasionally Father Nicholas helps out at our parish as well – many of you might have already met him.
Please mark your calendar. Details about the Evening will follow once they become available.
February 8th to February 13th, 2016
MONDAY – PAUL SAI BUN CHAN – Requested by the Family TUESDAY – LYN EGSGARD – Requested by Gerry, Molly, Helen & Kathi WEDNESDAY – ASH WEDNESDAY – No 9:00 AM Mass THURSDAY – MARION DES ROCHES – Requested by the Des Roches Family FRIDAY – JOVITA PINO – Requested by Josie Pino SATURDAY – GUS CALDERONE – Requested by Marie Calderone
February 10th 2016
February 10th is Ash Wednesday. Special Masses will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon and 7:30 PM with the distribution of ashes. There will be no 9:00 AM Mass that day.
Do not be afraid. If the Lord is calling you to the ordained or consecrated life, do not be afraid. Jesus calls and will give you the grace to respond wholeheartedly. If you think God is calling you to be a priest, religious or deacon, please contact Fr. Chris Lemieux, Vocations Director, Archdiocese of Toronto at 416-968-0997 or email vocations@archtoronto.org.
Development and Peace is proud to be a partner of ShareLIfe. Through our theme this year, Create a Climate of Change, we invite you to experience “the opening of our hearts to those living on the outermost fringes of society.” (Pope Francis)
Lent is a time to look within ourselves and reflect on our relationship with God and with each other. It is the opportune moment to open our hearts towards compassion and love and take action on the multiple crises that are affecting humanity.
This weekend, members of Development and Peace will distribute Lenten materials that highlight the difference that we can make in creating a Climate of Change.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Conference often meet Neighbours in Need who require professional help, but have no resources.
We are asking any of our parishioners who are Lawyers or who know Lawyers, specializing in immigration who would be willing to donate their time to contact the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Gabriel’s. Please call Brenda D’Souza 416-990-8892. Thank you very much for remembering the poor and for all your support in this mission of charity to our Neighbours in Need.
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 80 casseroles for January. For February, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of February 27th/28th 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.
If you require more information or would like to get a copy of a recipe and a casserole pan, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.
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
Monday, February 8th from 6:30 to 8:30 Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1155 Yonge Street, 4th Floor
New Beginnings and Catholic Family Services of Toronto present an inspirational talk by Susan Morgan, M.Div. entitled “Hearts Broken Open” for anyone who has experienced a loss in life and who desires to move forward.
The talk will be held at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1155 Yonge St. (Shaftesbury Ave.) 4th Floor, located at Summerhill Subway on Monday, February 8th from 6:30 PM. to 8:30 PM. Limited underground parking is available.
Saturday February 13th at 4:30 PM St. Andrew Kim Parish, 849 Don Mills Road
Cardinal Collins has designated this weekend as Marriage Sunday in the Archdiocese of Toronto. The event provides an opportunity to honour husband and wife while saluting the faithfulness, sacrifice and joy that comes with the marriage covenant.
To those preparing for marriage, newlyweds and those that have been companions on the journey for decades, we offer our prayers and best wishes in a special way this weekend.
On Saturday, February 13th, at 4:30 PM couples from across the archdiocese will gather for A Celebration of Marriage with Cardinal Thomas Collins at St. Andrew Kim Parish,
849 Don Mills Road, North York. A reception will follow Mass. All are welcome! For more information please visit www.archtoronto.org/marriage or call 416-964-8695.
The Catholic Women’s League of Blessed Trinity Parish is hosting a Day of Recollection on Tuesday, February 16th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Blessed Trinity Parish Hall. Tickets which include a hot lunch, are $20 each.
All women are invited. For tickets or more info, please call Louise 416-733-3946 or Gisele 416-223-7826
Beginning Friday, February 19th at 8:00 PM Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, Mississauga.
There will be a Women’s Lenten Retreat at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre on the weekend of February 19th to 21st. The retreat begins at 8:00 PM on Friday and concludes with Mass at noon on Sunday, followed by lunch. It will be preached by the Centre Team. Please call 905-278-5229 for further information or to register.
St. Augustine’s Lay Spiritual Formation Program
Saturday, February 20th from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM St. Augustine’s Seminary, 2661 Kingston Road
St. Augustine’s Lay Spiritual Formation Program presents a Lenten Retreat, Jesus in the Desert with Fr. Charles Anang on Saturday, February 20th from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. The cost is $40 which includes lunch. To register go to www.staugustines.on.ca or call 416-261-7207.
Collection for January 31st, 2016:
Envelopes 398 $ 6,976 Loose Change 963 Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 166 3,160 Total 564 $ 11,099
Maintenance Fund $ 6,923
Please pick up your 2016 envelopes from the Parish Office as soon as possible if you have not already done so. 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, please contact the Parish Office and we will prepare a box for you. This is the most effective way to keep track of your donations.
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