November 8th, 2015
Wednesday is Remembrance Day. At the 11th hour on the 11th day on the 11th month we stop for a minutes silence to honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives for us.
I saw a video that was played several times on Remembrance Day. The scene was of a takeout counter in a supermarket. An announcement had just come over the public address system that at the sound of the bell all customers are asked to observe a minute silence. A young girl was handling the cash. She’d just finished serving a customer when the bell rang and she bowed her head. A man in a hurry – aren’t we all – put his groceries in front her and started to make a scene because she wasn’t ringing him through. He totally embarrassed her but she wouldn’t pudge. He was completely oblivious as to what was going on. His little daughter was trying to calm him down but he ignored her. The looks of the other customers could kill. How can this idiot be so ignorant? All through this pictures were shown of scenes from battlefield and a song titled – it’s only a smidgen of time was sung in the background. The message was, are we so busy, so important that we can’t take a minute to stop and think of and pray for those who gave their lives for us? Why can’t we spare a smidgen of time?
This song and that scene came to me when I read about the widow’s mite. Her temple offering was a smidgen compared the big donations of the rich and famous of the temples congregation. But Christ praised her – what some called her irresponsible generosity. She needed those coins for her own wellbeing.
There is a notice in this Sunday’s bulletin about your efforts to bring refugee families to Canada. Fr. Brando was telling me about you generous response to this effort. Check the bulletin to see the results. There are few big donations but most of the money is made up of what might be called ‘widow’s mites’ coming from a cross section of the parish. You are wonderful enough to take a smidgen of time to think of the thousands of men, women and children who are living in desperate situations and are doing your best to help these total strangers.
There are so many occasions when we are offered to take a smidgen of time and be aware of another person’s needs. In that smidgen of time we can offer our ‘widow’s mite’ to a friend or a total stranger. A kind word spoken to the person at the take out counter, holding the door open for a person, letting someone in in traffic, a phone call, a get well card, a smile, asking someone how they are doing, all these acts of random kindness can lift up a friend or a strangers spirits. They are like the widow’s mite that enriches the treasuries of other people’s lives.
I had an appointment at Sunnybrook last Thursday. I parked the car and started to walk to the front door. I don’t know what happened but I started to lose my balance and reached out to grab a railing before falling flat on my face. Luckily I made it. A woman was just getting into her car and saw my distress. She was right there for me. She told me to hang on to the railing and then hurried to the hospital entrance to get a wheelchair. She wheeled me into the hospital and handed me over to a volunteer and then she was gone. I don’t know who she was, I have no idea why she was at the hospital but she certainly made a difference in my life that morning.
A smidgen of time, a widow’s mite. As we continue to celebrate our Mass may we pray for ourselves and for each other that we take a smidgen of time to be grateful for the blessing of our own lives and conscious of the needs of others and may we be willing to give our widow’s mite to friend of stranger and make even a small difference in their lives, remembering the words of Jesus,’ In so far as you did these things to others you did them to me.’
| Posted in Homily |
November 7th, 2015
November 11th is Remembrance Day, a day to remember all who have served, and continue serving in our armed forces, especially those who have died and those wounded in battle. We pray for healing and peace; that one day, all peoples will lay down their arms and embrace one another as brothers and sisters in one human family.
As previously reported, our Parish has decided to sponsor another refugee family in addition to the prior commitment to sponsor an Iraqi Christian family. The anticipated costs for these two sponsorships are $35,000 and $11,000 respectively, a total of $46,000.
We have been advised that our new refugee family, a mother, father and two young children, has been identified and is expected to arrive in Toronto in the next six months.
Prior to last weekend, you good people had already contributed $21,425 to the refugee sponsorship fund. Last weekend, an additional $27,221 was received, bringing the total sponsorship fund received to date to $48,646. This result should be no surprise – St. Gabriel’s parishioners have always responded when a genuine need is apparent.
I thank you very much! Fr. Brando
Wednesday, November 11 from 7:30 to 9:00 PM
In preparation for the Advent Evening of Reflection led by Bishop Mark MacDonald, for parishioners who are interested to learn more about the history of the Native peoples, the treaty relationship, the residential schools, we’ll have a film and video evening on Wednesday, November 11 at 7:30 PM in the Gabriel Room.
The Study Group on Laudato Si continues on the following dates: Mondays, November 16th, 30th, and December 7th. Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
For further enquiries, please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866 or email Fatima Lee at fatimalee@bellnet.ca.
“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.
Christmas cards will be available after all the Masses this weekend, November 7th/8th.
The suggested cost is $1.50 per card.
All donations will go directly to support the Passionist Missions in Haiti, Honduras and Jamaica. Your support is invaluable in caring for the needy in some of the poorest communities of North America.
St. Gabriel’s Church This Sunday, November 8th at 3:00 PM
Many of you know Alex Seredenko, our pianist/organist for the 4:30 Saturday and the 12:30 Sunday Masses. This Sunday, November 8th at 3:00 PM, Alex is holding a concert in the main space of St. Gabriel parish.
The concert will feature a piano quartet by W.A. Mozart. Joining him are members of the Nova piano trio, and Laurence Schaufele. . Admission is free. Any donations will be forwarded to the St. Gabriel Youth Group.
Thank you to all parishioners who participated in our Create a Climate of Change Campaign. For more information on the work of Development and Peace, please visit our website at www.devp.org
November 9th to November 14th, 2015
MONDAY – RUBIN DIMOSKI & FAMILY – Requested by Ludmila TUESDAY – CATHERINE O’MOORE – Requested by Gerry, Judy, Helen & Kathi WEDNESDAY – ELIZABETH METHERALL – Requested by Margaret Anne Leckie THURSDAY – LIVING & DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE CZORINAK FAMILY – Requested by Ludmila FRIDAY – ALL SOULS – Requested by Edna Manlangit SATURDAY – DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE INTINI & BELLISARI FAMILIES – Requested by Chiara & Tina Intini
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.
Wednesday, November 18th at 7:30 PM St. Gabriel’s Church, Gabriel Room
On Wednesday, November 18th at 7:30 PM there will be a meeting in the Gabriel Room for parents of children who will be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time.
Sunday, November 22nd at the 12:30 PM Mass
The Confirmation Enrollment Ceremony for all Confirmation candidates will be held on Sunday, November 22nd at the 12:30 PM Mass. All Confirmation candidates must attend.
Candidates are reminded to submit their letters requesting Confirmation to Fr. Brando through the Parish Office by Sunday, November 15th.
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.
November 14th/15th
The Shepherds’ Trust has a mission to provide, comfort and care for those who have steadfastly cared for us – our retired priests. As parishioners, we have our own memories of a Catholic priest who made a positive, meaningful and lasting impact in our lives.
Each year, thousands of people contribute to the Shepherds’ Trust. The collection will take place in all parishes in the Archdiocese on the weekend of November 14th/15th
Envelopes are in the pews. We want our priests to retire safely and with dignity. The Shepherds’ Trust allows us to help achieve this goal. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.
Blessed Trinity Parish Hall Tuesday, November 10th at 2:00 PM
The next meeting of the North York Retiree’s will be feature guest speaker Richard Fennes Clinton. He will speak about “Toronto Based Inventions that Changed the World”.
All retirees are cordially invited to attend.
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.
For a registration package please email Marie Deans at deansm@sympatico.ca. Note that this course usually fills up quickly and spaces are limited.
Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
Offertory Collection for last weekend: Envelopes 424 $ 9,017 Loose Change 1,223 Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 163 3,057 Total 587 $ 13,297
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.
If you are on the Pre- Authorized Giving Plan, you will not receive offertory envelopes. You may contact the Parish Office if you do not have envelopes but would like a box for 2016.
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 2nd, 2015
In response to Pope Francis’ call in his recent encyclical Laudato si’ to all peoples to take urgent action to protect the planet from climate change, Cardinal Collins has asked all parishes in the Archdiocese to participate in a national weekend of action “Create a Climate of Change” on October 24/25. It is an action spearheaded by the Canadian Catholic Organization – Development and Peace.
Here at St Gabriel’s, prayer cards as well as pamphlets on how climate change has affected the poorest in the world will be made available to you on the weekend of Oct 17/18. The following weekend, you will be invited to sign an Action Card to the government. On the card, you can also share with the Prime Minister your own personal action to help reduce climate change. It is hoped that through our message to the government, Canada will commit to taking more decisive action in December when world leaders meet in Paris at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) to negotiate a binding and universal agreement on climate action.
The survival of our planet and its people is at stake! Please consider joining other Catholics around Canada in this action to create a climate of change, so that together with people from around the world, we can meet the challenges posed by climate change and protect the planet – our common home.
The video of our parish’s Open Forum on Laudato Si’ , held on June 30, is accessible under the caption “Probing Pope Francis’ Encyclical “LAUDATO SI”, found on the right hand panel of this page.
| Posted in Events |
November 1st, 2015
Special Collection – October 31st/November 1st
The situation in Syria and the news about the plight of Syrian refugees have touched many of our hearts. As reported earlier, the parish is considering sponsoring a refugee family again.
A big “Thank You” to all those who volunteered to help with the application and settlement process.
The parish has also been receiving financial donations to support this cause. To date, $21,425 has been received.
We thank all who have already donated.
This is a real humanitarian crisis. Donations are being collected specially for our refugee sponsorship this weekend,October 31st/November 1st. Please consider and help as your means allow.
Tuesday, November 3rd from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
On Tuesday, November 3rd from 7:30 to 9:00 PM the choir will be hosting a hymn sing! In preparation for full singing participation at all our masses, we will wander through our new blue Gather Hymn books. We will be focusing on new hymns for Advent and Christmas. Please join us for a good ol’ sing-a-long!
Christmas cards will be available after all the Masses on the weekend of November 7th/8th. The suggested cost is $1.50 per card.
St. Gabriel’s Church Sunday, November 8th at 3:00 PM
Many of you know Alex Seredenko, our pianist/organist for the 4:30 Saturday and the 12:30 Sunday Masses. On Sunday, November 8th at 3:00 PM, Alex is holding a concert in the main space of St. Gabriel parish.
The concert will feature a piano quartet by W.A. Mozart. Joining him are members of the Nova piano trio, and Laurence Schaufele.
Admission is free. Any donations will be forwarded to the St. Gabriel Youth Group.
November 2nd to November 7th, 2015
MONDAY – GERRY BAVINGTON – Requested by Diana Bavington TUESDAY – ALL SOULS IN PURGATORY – Requested by John Chan WEDNESDAY – NELLIE & JIM ATREO – Requested by Anne & Fran & Family THURSDAY – TONY AGARD – Requested by Peter & Kathleen Donegan FRIDAY – ABANDONED SOULS – Requested by the Nguyen Family SATURDAY – JOAN RUEST – Requested by the Family
Wednesday, November 18th at 7:30 PM
St. Gabriel’s Church, Gabriel Room
Envelopes are in the pews.
We want our priests to retire safely and with dignity. The Shepherds’ Trust allows us to help achieve this goal. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.
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.
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
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 42 casseroles for October. For November, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of November 28th/29th 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.
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.
Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica, Lackawanna, New York
December 12, 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.
Please note: a valid passport is required.
Weekly Offertory Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
Collection for last weekend: Envelopes 379 $ 8,471 Loose Change 949 Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 163 3,060 Total 542 $ 12,480
October 24th, 2015
Special Collection – October 31/November 1st
This is a real humanitarian crisis. Donations will be collected specially for our refugee sponsorship on the weekend of October 31st/November 1st. Please consider and help as your means allow.
Cardinal Collins has requested that a weekend Mass attendance count be conducted annually in all parishes and missions of the Archdiocese. This year the attendance count will continue this weekend, October 24th/25th. The purpose of the count is to have a more accurate assessment of the number of people attending Mass on a weekend.
As with last year, when you come in for Mass, you may notice a few “counters” clicking on tally counters at the doors of the church. The counters will be doing their jobs in a way as discreetly and non-intrusively as possible.
Thank you for your support.
Wednesday, November 25th at 7:30 PM
Bishop Mark MacDonald, the first National Indigenous Bishop of the Anglican Church of Canada, will lead our parish’s Advent Evening of Reflection this year. It will be held on Wednesday, November 25th at 7:30 PM in the parish. Please mark your calendar. Details to follow.
October 26th to October 31st 2015
MONDAY – LAU KOON TING – Requested by Linda Law & Family TUESDAY – ALICE MICHAEL – Requested by Charmaine Michael WEDNESDAY – JOHN HUYBERS – Requested by the Family THURSDAY – IN THANKSGIVING – Requested by Edna Manlangit FRIDAY – THERESA TAM – Requested by Christine Pang SATURDAY – JUAN M. VILLAFRANCA – Requested by the Family
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome: Ethan Andres Dizon Rylan Mauvry Geraldez Isabella Rose Rennie Hull Bryony Emma Ng Katherine Jane Ng Katie Cana Nguyen Jacen Allen Tsao Sue Evelyn Wing Yun Woo
These children received the Sacrament of Baptism last Sunday. Congratulations!
Wednesday, October 28th 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, October 28th at 7:30 PM in the Gabriel Room.
Friday, November 6th from 9:30 AM – 12 Noon
English: Saturday, November 7th at 3:15 PM in the Gabriel Room. Chinese: Sunday, November 1st at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room.
For further information, please contact Linda Law at 416 -918-8029
Sunday, November 1st 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
It is critical for you to know that to be hired to teach in any Catholic school board in Ontario, as part of your application for employment there must be a letter of reference from your pastor. If you (or if your adult child) is planning to apply to teach in a Catholic school, it is highly recommended you contact the pastor before Thanksgiving. Please plan to have a conversation with your pastor early in the process and you will avoid disappointment and stress at the time when applications are to be submitted.
Let’s make Canada a climate leader!
In December, world leaders will be meeting in Paris at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) to negotiate a binding and universal agreement on the world’s climate. Countries like Canada will need to transition to renewable energies, and move away from fossil fuels. Responding to the call of our Cardinal, please take a moment to sign Development and Peace’s Action Card today. In addition to pledging to reduce your own carbon footprint, the Card contains also a message to the Prime Minister asking him to sign on to an agreement at COP21 that sets the target to keep the rise in temperature below 2°C and to be a leader in achieving that target.
If you’ve missed the parish campaign you can sign the card at: https://www.devp.org/en/education/fall2015/action.
Trinity Room, Blessed Trinity Parish Tuesday, October 27th at 2:00 PM
The next meeting of the North York Retiree’s will be held on Tuesday, October 27th at Blessed Trinity Parish. The guest speaker will be Mary-Anne Benusis Ferreira who will speak about Project Semiicolon “Dealing with Depression, Self Injury and Suicide.” All retirees are cordially invited to attend.
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. Note that this course usually fills up quickly and spaces are limited.
Sunday November 1st from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Fontbonne Ministries, 791 Queen Street East
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto invite you to celebrate this Year of Consecrated Life with a “come and go” tea and ministry display at Fontbonne Ministries, 791 Queen Street East, on Sunday, November 1st from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Thursday, November 5th at 7:00 PM
St. Joseph’s Morrow Park is holding an Information Night for students who are entering secondary school. It will be held on: Thursday, November 5th at 7:00 PM.
Parents/Guardians and students are cordially invited to attend. Join them at 3379 Bayview Avenue, just south of Steeles on the east side. For more information please call 416-393-5679.
Weekly Offertory
Collection for last weekend: Envelopes 377 $ 7,135 Loose Change 956 Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 163 3,060 Total 540 $ 11,151 World Mission Sunday – $2,891
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
