February 27th, 2016
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.’
| Posted in Homily |
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
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.
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