December 6th, 2015
Advent is that season of the year when we prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Christ. This week we prepare ourselves to celebrate the feast of the immaculate conception of Mary, a feast involved with the wonder of our blessed mother who said ‘he who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is his name.’ Mary knew that hence forth all generations would call her blessed as she surrendered herself to the mysterious will of God ‘ be it done to me according to your word.’
This coming Tuesday, the feast of the sinless Mary, Pope Francis calls each of us to prepare – prepare with the intensity of a John the Baptist – prepare for something many of us forget, or maybe don’t trust. Pope Francis calls us to prepare our minds and hearts to the reality of God’s mercy and love for each of us.
As Pope Francis opens the Holy Year doors of St. Peters this Tuesday, he is symbolically opening the doors of God’s mercy inviting all of us to enter in and be forgiven and healed.
On this coming Tuesday Pope Francis invites us to live and thrive in this year of mercy. This is a year in which we try to trust the truth of God’s mercy for us. This is a year in which we trust our Father’s words ‘
‘Though you sins are as scarlet they shall be white as snow, though they be red as crimson they shall be white as wool.’ Showing us the maternal side of God the Pope repeats the question God asked Isaiah, ’can a mother forget her baby or a woman the children within her womb? Yet even if these forget I will never forget you.’
Here’s a question we really have to ask ourselves, do we really trust God’s mercy for us or do we project onto God our own stinginess of heart, our tendency to hold on to grudges and past hurts, do we project onto God our unwillingness to let the past we past? Do we make God into our image, do we imagine God to be as tight fisted, hard hearted as we are, or are we really trying to image God’s mercy and forgive as we’ve been forgiven?
Do we have issues with God’s mercy because we have issues with the ways in which we fail to be merciful, forgiving or understanding to others? Can we say to ourselves, I am a wretch, but God loves me as I am? Can we pray,’ God help me to love others as they are. Can we ask God for the grace to be more tolerant, patient, tender and forgiving of those men and women and family members who rub us the wrong way or drive us up the wall? Can we pray for the grace for a tender attitude towards those we find difficult?
As Pope Francis said when he instituted this Year of Mercy,
“ The world needs to discover that God is the Father, that there is mercy, that cruelty is not the way, that condemnation is not the way, because it is the Church herself who at times takes a hard line, and falls into the temptation to follow a hard line and to underline moral rules only; many people are excluded of its life because of this. Salvation comes not through the observance of the Law, but through faith in Jesus Christ, who in his death and resurrection brings salvation together with a mercy that justifies.’ We are all sinners,all of us carry inner burdens. I felt that Jesus wanted to open the door to His heart, that the Father wants to show us his innate mercy, and for this reason he sends us the Spirit. This coming Tuesday Pope Francis opens the Jubilee Doors and invites us to walk through these welcoming portals of God’s mercy – will we walk with him?
The schedule for Christmas confessions is posted in the bulletin – the day and the evening of Dec. 19th
All are welcome.
| Posted in Homily |
December 5th, 2015
Exciting news! Our refugee families are expected to arrive soon. The refugee Sponsorship Committee is seeking help to furnish their apartments, as well as to put together a Welcome Shower for them. Moreover they are asking for donations of gently used, clean winter clothing.
Sizes Needed: Men: Medium, X Large Women: Small, Medium Girls, Ages: 11, 9, 5, and 4 Years Boys, Ages: 10 Years and 9 Months
If you would like to be a part of this effort, please let them know this weekend what items you would like to contribute at the refugee Sponsorship table in the Gathering Space.
These items (other than furniture) will be collected in the Gathering Space on the weekend of December 12th/13th Please help our refugee families and extend them a warm welcome! Thank you!
December 7th to December 12th, 2015
MONDAY – IVY LYN – Requested by the Family TUESDAY – DELFIN REYES SR. – Requested by Reyes Family WEDNESDAY – CLARA PALAYATHIL – Requested by the Family THURSDAY – LOUIS NINO – Requested by Friends of Maria Heffler FRIDAY – GUS CALDERONE – Requested by Marie Calderone SATURDAY – DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE WROBEL & CHUCHRA FAMILIES – Requested by Jack & Wanda
“Shifting from Darkness to Light: Through Creative Action and Dialogue.”
Tuesday, December 22nd from 7:30 to 9:30 PM in the Gabriel Room
The hopeful expectation of the Advent season requires our active participation to effect change. Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si`, and the recent climate change meetings in Paris have initiated creative action and dialogue. Reflecting on these events, we will seek signs of active hope and reflect on the Church’s calls for ecological justice.
Please contact Elliott Allen Institute for Theology & Ecology at eaite.contact@utoronto.ca or Dennis O’Hara at dennis.ohara@utoronto.ca or call 416-926-1300, ext. 3408 to register or for more information.
December 19th
On Saturday, December 19th, we will all have the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Confessions will be heard from, 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon. from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM and from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Saturday, December 19th:10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
CHRISTMAS EVE – Thursday, December 24th No 9:00 AM Mass 7:00 PM Family Mass – Carol Singing 9:00 PM Adult Choir – Carol Singing 12:00 AM Midnight Mass – Contemporary Group
Office Open 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM only
CHRISTMAS DAY – Friday, December 25th 10:30 AM 12:30 PM Office Open 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM
BOXING DAY – Saturday, December 26th Mass 4:30 PM Office Open 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
MONDAY, DECEMBER 28th Office Closed No 9:00 AM Mass
NEW YEAR’S EVE – Thursday, December 31st No 9:00 AM Mass Mass at 4:30 PM for the Feast of Mary the Mother of God Office Open 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM only
NEW YEAR’S DAY – Friday, January 1st FEAST OF MARY THE MOTHER OF GOD 10:30 AM 12:30 PM Office Closed
While parking at ground level is limited to 51 spaces, there is plenty of space in the underground parking lot. Please follow the instructions of the attendants. Do not park in front of the Church since this is a fire route and must be kept clear.
Additional parking is available on the east side of Elkhorn Public School and in the bus loop. Again, please follow the instructions of the attendant. The school requests that we do not park on the grass. Many thanks to Holly Richards, the Principal of Elkhorn Public School, for allowing us the use of the school property.
Rehearsal: Sunday, December 20th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Each year, young people, Grade 3 and up, form a special choir for the Family Mass on Christmas Eve. Children must be at the Church by 6:00 PM. One rehearsal, which is mandatory, will be held on Sunday, December 20th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.
Please call Marilyn Calderone at 416-618-2041 for more information
Sunday, December 20th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
S.K. to Grade 5 children are invited to participate in the pageant. The rehearsal will be held on Sunday, December 20th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM in the Church
During Advent, the Society of St Vincent de Paul has a Giving Tree in the Gathering Space.
The tree is decorated with gift tags. Each tag has 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 3 months to 4 years.
Unwrapped Items with the original stocking tag attached can be left in the box provided near the “mitten” tree no later than December 13th. Toys for these little ones would also be appreciated.
For the Moms, we are suggesting gift cards from Tim Horton’s, Walmart or MacDonald’s. These can be placed in the envelopes provided and brought to the Parish Office. Thank you for your generous support.
Each month food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.
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
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
We are having a Christmas Toy Drive for the Catholic Children’s Aid Society.
Can you help by dropping off an unwrapped new toy for a child 0 to12 years old? Containers will be set up at the doors of the Church from Saturday, November 28th until Sunday, December 13th.
St. Gabriel’s Parish Weekend of February 12th to 14th, 2016
A Marriage Preparation course will be offered here at St. Gabriel’s the weekend of February 12th to 14th, 2016.
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.
Church of St. Bonaventure 1300 Leslie Street Saturday December 19th at 7:30 PM
Christmas, Christmas time is near!
Come join the “Seraphim and Cherubim Chorus” singing the Christmas songs you love as part of their “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” concert at the Church of St. Bonaventure on Saturday, December 19th at 7:30 PM. A mix of old favourites and twists on classics, with a bit of Disney flare!
Tickets are now available online. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door. Proceeds in support of Romero House.
For additional dates and locations of performances, please visit www.seraphimandcherubim.ca
Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
Offertory Collection for last weekend: Envelopes 405 $ 7,542 Loose Change 1,028 Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 163 3,057 Total 568 $ 11,627
The “Pre-Authorized Giving” Plan (PAG), authorized and supported by the Archdiocese of Toronto, is a direct debit program. It allows parishioners to make their regular offertory donations by automatic monthly bank withdrawal on or about the 20th of each month. Participation in the PAG provides a regular dependable cash flow of contributions to the parish and enables us to better manage the Parish finances. PAG brochures and sign-up forms are available in the Parish Office and on the tables at the back of the Church.
The 2016 Offertory Boxed Envelopes are available in the Gathering Space this weekend. Please pick your box up as soon as possible.
For 2016, a small box of envelopes is not being provided for parishioners who contribute through PAG or Donate Now. Those parishioners are asked to use the Maintenance, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas envelopes available in the pews. Please provide your complete name and address in order to be properly credited.
If you are contributing cash to the Offertory Collection without any identification, you will not receive credit for your contribution. You must provide your full name and address.
If you are moving out of the Parish or have a change of address, please contact the Parish Office at 416-221-8866 so that we can update our records. Thank you.
| Posted in Bulletin |
November 29th, 2015
Would you take a look at the lit candle on our Advent wreath? It doesn’t throw too much light does it? Can we think of it as the first light of a new dawn? Just a glimmer of the full light that is to come with dawn, a dawn that will swallow up the darkness of night.
In his gospel John he tells us that Jesus is the true light that enlightens the world. Jesus is light that shines in the darkness and darkness will never overcome his light.
We do live in dark times. This is a dark time of the year. The days are shorter; the sun goes down too soon. We live in darkness of violence. Think of the shattered lives of the man and women murdered in Paris. Think too of the men, women and children in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and so many other countries who have lost their lives to religious fanatics. Sunnis killing Shiites, Shiites killing Sunnis, Moslems killing Christians. Dark deeds by people of darkness.
Think of the darkness of bigotry and xenophobia that surfaced after the bombings in Paris. Men, women and children living in refugee camps for years waiting for a chance to come to a new country and start a new life are subtlety and not so subtly identified with crazy suicide bombers. People with their own agenda would have us believe that the hordes of refugees crossing into Europe will be showing up on our shores in the near future and ask how many terrorists will be among them? Who is watching out for our security? Buying into this propaganda is buying into the darkness of racism and bigotry.
It seems that at this time of year one or another big company announces a planned massive lay off plunging the lives of workers and their families into darkness while the CEO’s of these companies make salaries of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The darkness of injustice and unfairness.
What did you do on Black Friday? Did you let yourself get suckered into a shopping spree, buying things you neither need nor can afford? Black Friday is another manifestation of the consumerism that is consuming the limited resources of Earth for the benefit of a few at the cost to many. Black Friday lures us away from the challenge of our times – live simply that others may simply live.
Recent disclosures at the Vatican remind us that our church has to face its own dark times. Luckily we have Pope Francis at the helm and he will not turn back from the reforms we need to bring the light of Christ into the bureaucracy of our church.
Christ is the light who came into the world and the darkness did not overcome him. The darkness of Good Friday was shattered by the brilliance of Easter Sunday.
That first candle on our Advent wreath is a sign of our faith and hope. It is the first light of the yearly new dawn that comes with the birth of Jesus, the light of the world. Our faith in his victory over sin and death give us the strength and motivation not to be overcome, overwhelmed by the darkness of world events, by the darkness of our own personal struggles.
Jesus challenges us to be a light to the world by the way we live our lives. Our light is to expose the darkness of bigotry and prejudice, our light is to expose the darkness of that mind set to shop til we drop. Our light is to expose the darkness of indifference to the environmental crises of our time. Our light is to shatter the darkness of the rampant social injustices that are part and parcel of our economic systems. Our light is to shine in the darkness of religious indifference and show people the way back to God and the things of God.
In the darkness of our times may each one of us be blessed to hear and follow Christ’s challenge to each one of us – so let your light shine before others that they may see and glorify your Father in heaven.
November 28th, 2015
December 5th and 6th
Exciting news! Our refugee families are expected to arrive soon. The Refugee sponsorship committee is seeking help to furnish their apartments, as well as to put together a Welcome Shower for them. If you would like to be a part of this effort, please let them know at the Refugee sponsorship table on the weekend of December 5th and 6th what items you would like to contribute. Please help equip the apartments of our refugee families and extend them a warm welcome! Thank you!
November 30th to December 5th, 2015
MONDAY – GIUSEPPINA SMERGILIO – Requested by Lina Giannotta TUESDAY – LUKE MATTHEW VUKOVIC – Requested by Don & Vanessa McGovern & Family WEDNESDAY – JOSEPH LUAN NGUYEN – Requested by the Family THURSDAY – JOHN & MARY FRANCES O’MAHONY – Requested by Mary Alice O’Mahony FRIDAY – PAUL TSI – Requested by the Nguyen Family SATURDAY – MARIA DIDIODATO – Requested by Dina Oakie
Sunday, December 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. The guided reflection brings an ecological perspective to the readings. All are welcome.
Friday, December 4th from 9:30 AM – 12 Noon
Chinese: Sunday, December 6th st at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room.
English: Saturday, December 5th at 3:15 PM in the Gabriel Room.
for information, please contact Linda Law at 416-918-8029.
Wednesday, December 2nd at 7:30 PM
There will be a meeting for parents of children who will be receiving the Holy Eucharist for the first time on Wednesday, December 2nd at 7:30 PM in the Gabriel Room.
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 thanDecember 14th. 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.
Did you know that you can help others by donating your old eyeglasses. Glasses will be sent to the Lions Club for distribution to the needy in developing countries. Donated glasses may be left in the box provided just outside the Parish Office.
Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica, Lackawanna, New York
December 12th, 2015
Blessed Trinity Parish invites you to attend a one day pilgrimage to Our Lady of Victory, National Shrine and Basilica in Lackawanna New York on Saturday, December 12th.
For further information, please contact Mary at 416-497-7059.
Church of St. Bonaventure 1300 Leslie Street
Saturday December 19th at 7:30 PM
Come join the Seraphim and Cherubim Chorus’ singing the Christmas songs you love as part of their “Baby, It’s Cold Outside concert series at the Church of St. Bonaventure on Saturday, December 19th at 7:30 PM. A mix of old favourites and twists on classics, with a bit of Disney flare!
For additional dates and locations of performances, please visit www.seraphimandcherubim.ca.
Offertory Collection for last weekend: Envelopes 389 $ 8,084 Loose Change 1,037 Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 163 3,057 Total 552 $ 12,178 Refugee Sponsorship Donations to Date: $ 57,174
If you do not have envelopes but would like a box for 2016, you may contact the Parish Office. Please register so that we may keep our records up to date if you are new to the Parish. Parishioners on the Pre- Authorized Giving Plan will not receive offertory envelopes.
November 21st, 2015
“Truth and Reconciliation: An Opportunity for All Canada”
November 25, 2015 (Wednesday), 7:30 pm, at St Gabriel’s
Bishop Mark MacDonald, the first National Indigenous Bishop of the Anglican Church of Canada, will be the speaker for the evening. As we prepare for Christmas, the season of Advent asks us to focus on how Jesus, the God who dwelled among us, brings light and hope in darkness and suffering. Last May, the Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada brought to light the suffering and pain of our Aboriginal brothers and sisters in Canada, and suggested paths for moving forward towards reconciliation. Advent seems to be the right season to reflect on how we can move towards reconciliation in our own lives, as well as on how we, as a country, can work towards reconciliation, especially with our First Nations peoples.
Educated in both Canada and the U.S., Bishop MacDonald has had a long and varied ministry in different dioceses in both countries. He has published widely in areas of faith and environment, and inter-cultural ministry, including ministries to Native American youth. He is also a Third Order Franciscan.
We are most privileged to have Bishop MacDonald coming to our parish to speak about the suffering and pain that the indigenous peoples have experienced, and to shed light on a path of reconciliation on which all Canadians can embrace together in solidarity, equality, and mutual respect. It is an opportunity not to be missed, please mark your calendar and join us for the evening.
To facilitate our planning, please let us know if you plan to attend. You can call the Parish Office (416) 221-8866 or email Fatima Lee at fatimalee@bellnet.ca.
November 23rd to November 28th, 2015
MONDAY – GERALD HARQUAIL – Requested by Ginette Harquail TUESDAY – MONICA HUGHES – Requested by Nora Kerr WEDNESDAY – AUDREY SMITH – Requested by Margaret Anne Leckie & Mary Alice O’Mahony THURSDAY – MARK DES ROCHES – Requested by Mark Des Roches FRIDAY – JULIA CASTILLO – Requested by The Moreno Family SATURDAY – MIKE PALAZZO & CHRISTOPHER DI LALLO – Requested by Valentina Palazzo
There will be a Book of Remembrance placed on the altar for the month of November. You are invited to write the names of your deceased relatives and friends in the book. They will be remembered at all the Masses celebrated in November.
Sunday, November 22nd at the 12:30 PM Mass
The Confirmation Enrollment Ceremony for all Confirmation candidates will be held this Sunday, November 22nd at the 12:30 PM Mass. All Confirmation candidates must attend.
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome: Eden Bianca Flor Wesley Emmanuel Flor Emma Rose I. Macaraeg
These children received the Sacrament of Baptism last Sunday. Congratulations!
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.
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.
Rosalie Hall assists young parents in need and their children to realize their potential through the provision of a wide range of community, residential, educational and child development services.
Duke of York Pub, 39 Prince Arthur Ave Monday, November 23rd, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
All young adults (19-39) are invited to join us for an evening of thought-provoking conversation on theological topics!
Special guest, Justice Peter Lauwers, Court of Appeal for Ontario, will speak as a Catholic, who happens to be a judge, about: the challenges we face, the modern disease that saps us, its origin in secularization, its transmission through education, the leap of faith we are yet called to make, how this relates to the work of judges, and, finally the importance of cultivating not only the virtues but also the disposition needed to be authentic witnesses to our faith.
Munchies will be provided and a cash bar is available — come and bring a friend!
For more information contact Vanessa Nicholas-Schmidt by e-mail at faithconnections@csj-to.ca, or phone 416-467-2645.
Blessed Trinity Parish Hall Tuesday, November 24th at 2:00 PM
The next meeting of the North York Retiree’s on Tuesday November 24th will be feature guest speaker Nars Borodczak.
He will speak about “The Golden Horseshoe Challenges Facing the Niagara Escarpment”.
All retirees are cordially invited to attend.
Temple Har Zion, 7360 Bayview Ave November 29th from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Mosaic Interfaith (of which St. Gabriel’s is a member) invites you to attend the annual Peace Meal on Sunday November 29th from 2:00 PM to-5:00 PM at Temple Har Zion. Following the recent Truth and Reconciliation Committee report the programme theme is “Walking in our Moccasins –Understanding First Nations Way of Knowing.” The keynote speaker is Kim Wheatley, an Anishinabe band member of Shawanaga First Nation. An inter-faith panel will be part of the programme. Attendees are asked to bring a dish for the vegan supper – with no meat, poultry, eggs, fish, dairy products or alcohol or nuts. Please RSVP to Nora at 416-218-0680 by November 25th. For more information see the poster on the bulletin board.
Offertory Collection for last weekend:
Envelopes 426 $ 8,145 Loose Change 1,091 Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 162 3,077 Total 589 $ 12,313 Shepherd’s Trust collection $ 13,365 Refugee Sponsorship collection to date: $ 57,135
If you have not changed your PAG monthly contribution since you first enrolled, consider whether you would like to increase it.
The 2016 Offertory Boxed Envelopes will be available in the Gathering Space at the end of November. Please inform the Parish Office if you are new to the Parish so that we may update our records and label your box correctly. You may contact the Parish Office if you do not have envelopes but would like a box for 2016.
If you are on the Pre- Authorized Giving Plan, you will not receive offertory envelopes.
If you are moving out of the Parish or have a change of address, please contact the Parish Office at 416 221 8866 so that we can update our records. Thank you.
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
