Cardinal Collins has designated Dec. 10th as the Archdiocesan Day of Reconciliation. Here at St. Gabriel’s the Sacrament of Reconciliation were be available from 10;30 -12;00 and from 3:30 til 6:00.
Any priest ordained for a number of years will tell you that confessions have dropped off over the years. Many of us seniors remember lining up on either side of the ‘sin bin’ to tell the priest pretty much the same sins we confessed the last time we confessed. The emphasis in those days was on ‘confessing’ and the numbers of times. It was for many people so mechanical. There was little emphasis on why we did or said things that were sinful. The whole experience was thought to be unsatisfactory.
For a number of years now the sacrament has been called the sacrament of reconciliation. The emphasis in not on the telling of sins and the number, the emphasis in on our desire to be reconciled to God, to mend the brokenness of our relationship with God caused by our failures to live our lives in Christ-like ways.
We are good people but we are also mistaking making people. We keep letting our wants get in the way of what Christ calls us to be and do. We let our wants for instant gratification take over our lives and so we use people to satisfy our needs for pleasure or power or things. St. Paul said it so well in these words,’ the good that I would that I do not and the evil that I would not do, that I do.’ We can’t solve this struggle on our own. We need to open to open our lives to the grace and power of Christ. We need the example of his love, his mercy, his care and concern for others, his example of forgiving, his openness to other people and his sense of justice to be our motivation to love as we’ve been loved, to respect other people as we’ve been respected, to forgive as we’ve been forgiven.
It is a day by day struggle to live up to the example Christ has given us. Some days we win and some days we lose. But always we keep trying. Always we keep depending on Christ to help us be the kind of Christian person Christ calls us to be.
There can be times when we just get so discouraged with dealing with our struggles to be good persons. We need to hear the encouraging words of our second reading, ‘The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting you to perish, but all to come to repentance.’ Through this gracious gift of Christ, this sacrament of reconciliation we come by his grace to restore and strengthen our relationship with him whether it has been shattered or weaken by our selfishness.
Our first reading and our gospel tell of mountains brought low, valleys filled in, croaked ways straighten to allow the grace and life of God to enter and transform our lives so that Christ’s peace, patience and goodness can find a home in our lives. The sacrament of reconciliation is an opportunity to make this happen in our lives. If you have been away a long time and have forgotten what to say or do, don’t fret your confessor will fill in the blanks. This sacrament of reconciliation is Christ’s gift of pardon and peace to you. After his resurrection Jesus appeared to the apostles. St. John tells us, ‘he breathed on then and said, receive the Holy Spirit, for those whose sins you forgive are forgiven, for those whose sins you retain, they are retained. Accept this gift, unwrap it and enjoy it.
Day of Confession:
Wednesday, December 10th from 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Saturday, December 20th from 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
MASSES
CHRISTMAS EVE – Wednesday, December 24th
No 9:00 AM Mass
7:00 PM: Family Mass – Carol Singing
9:00 PM: Contemporary Group
12:00 AM: Midnight Mass – Adult Choir, Carol Singing
Office Open 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM only
CHRISTMAS DAY – Thursday, December 25th
10:30 AM
12:30 PM
Office Open 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
BOXING DAY – Friday, December 26th
No Mass, Office Closed
NEW YEAR’S EVE – Wednesday, 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 – Thursday, January 1st
FEAST OF MARY THE MOTHER OF GOD
10:30 AM
12:30 PM
Office Closed
ADVENT-SOLSTICE REFLECTION
“Shifting from Darkness to Light: Not by Passive Hope.”
Sunday, December 21st from 7:30 to 9:30 PM
The hopeful expectation of the Advent season requires our active participation to effect change; it is not a passive hope. By examining the recent typhoon in the Philippines, 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 416-926-1300, ext. 3408 to register or for more information.
ECO-SABBATH
Sunday, December 7th 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.
ANNOUNCED MASSES
December 8th to December 13th, 2014
MONDAY – HUEN LAI – Requested by Hazel Lai
TUESDAY – ALLWYN PINTO & ANGELA MURZELLO – Requested by Liberatta & Royston Pinto
WEDNESDAY – IVY LYN – Requested by the Family
THURSDAY – JEAN HARMON – Requested by the Scanga Family
FRIDAY – HARRY LEUNG – Requested by Mary Leung
SATURDAY – MIKE CHUCHRA – Requested by the Family
DAY OF CONFESSION
Wednesday, December 10th from 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 3:30 to 6:00 PM
On Wednesday, December 10th, we will all have the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Archdiocesan Day of Confessions. At this time, let us make the journey into the heart of our relationship with God. Take a long, loving look at the ways God calls us to grow. Take this challenge and hold it in readiness for the rich blessing that is manifest in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In our parish, confessions will be heard on Wednesday, December 10th from 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR
FAMILY MASS – CHRISTMAS EVE AT 7:00 PM
Rehearsal: Sunday, December 21st 2:00 PM 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 21st from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.
Please call Marilyn Calderone at 416-618-2041 for more information.
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
Dress Rehearsal: Sunday, December 21st 2:00 to 4:00 PM
S.K. to Grade 5 children are invited to participate in the pageant. Please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866 for more information.
GOOD SHEPHERD CASSEROLES
Thank you so much to the volunteers who prepared 61 casseroles for November! For December, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of January 3rd/4th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
More volunteers are encouraged to become active in helping to feed our less fortunate sisters and brothers. There are now 3 different recipes available in the Parish Office or online at the Church website.If you require more information, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791.
THE GIVING TREE
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 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.
GIFTS FOR ROSALIE HALL
For many years, St Gabriel’s has had a close relationship with Rosalie Hall. At this time of the year, we are thinking of the young mothers and babies in need of assistance. If you wish, to help, you may choose a “Christmas Stocking” from the Christmas tree in the Gathering Space to purchase pyjamas or undershirts, for little ones sizes 6 months to 4 years. If you wish to buy a toy, please take a”Gingerbread Boy” tag. Unwrapped items with the original tag attached can be left in the box provided near the Giving Tree no later than December 14th.
For the Moms, we are suggesting gift cards from Shoppers Drug Mart, 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 ongoing support of Rosalie Hall.
HOPE FOR CHILDREN CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE
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 are set up at the doors of the Church and will remain until Sunday, December 14th.
FEED THE HUNGRY
There but for the Grace of God…..
Please help feed the hungry and homeless this Christmas by participating in the St. Gabriel’s annual Christmas Food Drive. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired. Food collected will be sent to the Good Shepherd Centre and Rosalie
Hall. Thank you for your generous support.
“ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS” CONCERT
Saturday, December 13th at 7:30 PM
St. Bonaventure Parish
Christmas, Christmas time is near! Come join the Seraphim Men’s and the Cherubim Women’s Chorus’ singing the Christmas songs you love to hear as part of their “All I Want for Christmas” concert series. A mix of old favourites and twists on classics, with a bit of Disney flare! Please join us at St. Bonaventure on December 13th at 7:30 PM. Advanced tickets are available online at www.seraphimchorus.ca. Proceeds will go to support of the St. Clare Inn.”
ST.GABRIEL’S SCHOOL ME TO WE SALE
Weekend of December 13th/14th
St. Gabriel’s Church
The St. Gabriel’s School Me to We Committee will be selling rafiki chains for $10 in the Gathering Space after all the Masses on the weekend of December 13th/14th. In Swahili, the word rafiki means friend. Every rafiki friend chain is handmade by a “mama” in Kenya. $5 will go back to the “mamas” to help their families. The rest will be donated by the school towards clean water. Rafiki chains make great gifts for Christmas! For more information, please visit www.metowe.com
There will be catalogues available in the Gathering Space for those who wish to make a larger donation. The catalogues offer options such as buying a goat, which would provide milk for a family or a source of income to buy food and necessities.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE
A Humanitarian Voice For Syria
Tuesday, December 16th at 7:00 PM
Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 520 Sherbourne Street
Please join Development and Peace in welcoming Fr. Nawras Sammour, Country Director of Jesuit Refugee Services, Syria who will speak about his experiences in managing relief efforts for a refugee crisis of over 3 million people, a crisis which continues to be perpetuated through ongoing violence. For further details or to RSVP, please contact Sam Jeffrey at sam.jeffrey@devp.org or by phone at 416-922 1592, Ext. 242.
FINANCE CORNER
The Parish’s 2014 budgeted operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
Offertory Collection for last weekend:
Envelopes 410 $9,893
Loose Change 977
Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 163 3,057
Total 573 $13,927
Shepherd’s Trust Updated $12,968
If you are a regular Parish member and you do not contribute to the Offertory collection, the Finance Council reminds you that “the financial burden of the Parish is the responsibility of each and all parishioners to the extent that your means allow”.
For those parishioners who contribute to the offertory on a regular weekly basis, we thank you for your constant support.
Have you considered using PAG or Donate Now?
OFFERTORY ENVELOPES FOR 2015
The 2015 Offertory Boxed Envelopes are available in the Gathering Space. Please pick yours up as soon as possible. If you have a PAG or Donate Now account, you will still receive a smaller green box of envelopes since these include Initial, New Year’s, Christmas, Easter and Maintenance envelopes. You may contact the Parish Office if you do not have envelopes but would like a box for 2015.
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.
A couple of weeks ago the United Nations came out with a report of the stark reality of the climate changes that are taking place in our time. The report told of the urgency of this matter. The impact of human activity on the climate of the earth is reaching a point of no-return. We need to curtail our use of fossil fuel and use renewable sources of energy. This will not be easy. Governments are more interested in creating jobs and improving the economy than facing the long term disastrous effects on our present and future life styles. The attitude seems to be, let future generations clean up our mess.
This important United Nations report dealing with the future wellbeing of our planet found its way to page eight of the Toronto Star. Gian Gomeshi’s saga was on page one. So much for the priorities of our concerns.
This past week Pope Frances spoke to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. He spoke about the globalization of indifference born of selfishness that is a tragic reality of our times. There is a globalization of indifference to the environmental stresses and crisis of our day. There is a globalization of indifference to world poverty, world hunger, immigration, the sectarian battles in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world. We just don’t see the urgencies of these issues. They are not our problem.
We are not bad people. We are busy people caught up with our own problems, trying to keep our heads above water. What can we do about these world problems, they are beyond us. We too can be part of that globalization of indifference that blinds us to the needs and sufferings of others.
Advent calls us to be alert, be aware, be conscious of and sensitive too what is going on around us. Are we concerned about the homeless, the street people of the city, the good men, women and children surviving on food banks, the exploited part time workers? Do we ever think about the life situations of millions of families driven from theirs, losing loved ones, surviving in tents in refugee camps? Does it ever cross our minds what it must be like to live in a city or village struck by Ebola and having no adequate medical care? Are we caught up in global indifference?
That’s why this season of Advent can be so important to us. The simple message of today’s gospel is; be aware, be alert, be conscious to what is going on around us. We can be so wrapped up in the cocoon of our own concerns that we can be unaware of a crisis that stares us in our face. We hear of people on cell phones or listening to I pads and walking into buses and being killed. How many times a day do we see people driving cars and talking on cell phones, lost in their own little worlds?
This globalization of indifference and unawareness can touch us in very personal ways. We can be so caught up in personal worries that we fail to notice – another name for indifference -that our own world of relationships might be going through its own climate change. Things are heating up or things are cooling off. We may be unaware of family relationships disintegrating because we don’t have the time to sit and listen to what is happening in the lives of those we live with. Have you ever heard the complaint ‘you haven’t heard a word I said? Do we take the time, make the time to sit and talk to an adult son or daughter about their anxieties over their careers of lack of them? Are we aware of any seething resentments that are developing in our homes or places of work? Are we aware of the stressful situations a spouse may be enduring day after day at work?
Too many marital breakdowns happen because husbands and wives are too busy or too angry to be aware of growing tensions and hostilities that are developing and won’t take the time to be present to one another.
During these coming weeks of Advent, weeks filled with the busyness of getting ready for Christ, can we make the effort to be aware, be conscious of and open to those nudges of God nudging us to be more aware of those closest to us – spouses, partners, sons and daughters, friends? May we be more conscious of how much they mean to us and never take them for granted. May we be willing to listen to their wants and needs and always let them know how important they are to us.
“God is with us”: Bringing hope to those living in darkness
Saturday, December 6th from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM
NOT TO BE MISSED – reflection with Fr. Rick Frechette CP on our Christian commitment that will be both inspiring and enriching!
Father Rick is a Passionist who went to Haiti 27 years ago to serve as a priest. Seeing the poverty and the dire need of the people there for medical care, he went back to the U.S. in his 30s, took up medical studies, and returned to Haiti as both a priest and a medical doctor. The needs of the people whom he served prompted him to give himself to their service by not only ministering to their spiritual needs, but their physical needs as well. His presence among the people of Haiti is truly an amazing witness of love.
At the beginning of the season of Advent, when we are preparing for Christmas, Fr. Rick will talk about our Christian commitment to share the Good News, especially with those who are living in the darkness of poverty, injustice, and slavery in its many forms. It will be an excellent opportunity for all parishioners to pause and look deeply. We encourage especially our young people to join us!
A simple lunch will be provided. Cost is $5 per person. To register, please call the Parish Office at (416) 221-8866 or email fatimalee@bellnet.ca.
A Note on Donations To Fr. Rick’s Mission in Haiti
We have also been asked if there is a way to donate to Fr. Rick’s mission in Haiti. If you are so inclined, and would like to contribute to Fr. Rick’s work, there will be a donation box at the back of the church on the day of the retreat itself, as well as at all the Masses on the weekend of Dec 6th/7th. You can donate either in cash or by cheque. Please note any cheque must be made payable to “Passionist Missionaries”. They will issue tax receipts for all donations of $20 or more. Please also make sure you write clearly your name and address on the envelope provided.
OUR YOUTH GROUP THANKS YOU
Our Youth group wishes to thank you for your very generous support of their bake sale last Sunday. In total, $1,170 was raised to support Youth Group activities and send two youth on a service trip to the Philippines.
ANNOUNCED MASSES
December 1st to December 6th, 2014
MONDAY – ABANDONED SOULS – Requested by the Doann & Nguyen Families
TUESDAY – JOSEPH LUAN NGUYEN – Requested by the Family
WEDNESDAY – GIOVANNA SESSA – Requested by Michele Padova & Family
THURSDAY – DAVID SHELDRICK – Requested by the Teresa Sheldrick & Family
FRIDAY – MARIA DI DIODATO – Requested by the Family
SATURDAY – POONA JOSEPH – Requested by the Family
Christmas Schedule 2014
INDIVIDUAL ADVENT CONFESSIONS
Day of Confession:
Wednesday, December 10th from 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Saturday, December 20th from 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
MASSES
CHRISTMAS EVE – Wednesday, December 24th
No 9:00 AM Mass
7:00 PM: Family Mass – Carol Singing
9:00 PM: Contemporary Group
12:00 AM: Midnight Mass – Adult Choir, Carol Singing
Office Open 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM only
CHRISTMAS DAY – Thursday, December 25th
10:30 AM
12:30 PM
Office Open 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
BOXING DAY – Friday, December 26th
No Mass, Office Closed
NEW YEAR’S EVE – Wednesday, 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 – Thursday, January 1st
FEAST OF MARY THE MOTHER OF GOD
10:30 AM
12:30 PM
Office Closed
ECO-SABBATH
Sunday, December 7th 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.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION – FIRST FRIDAY
Friday, December 5th from 9:30 AM – 12 Noon
ROSARY GROUPS
Chinese: Sunday, December 7th st at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room.
English: Saturday, December 6th at 3:15 PM in the Gabriel Room
For information, please contact Linda Law at 416-918-8029.
DAY OF CONFESSION
Wednesday, December 10th from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M.
On Wednesday, December 10th, we will all have the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Archdiocesan Day of Confessions. At this time, let us make the journey into the heart of our relationship with God. Take a long, loving look at the ways God calls us to grow. Take this challenge and hold it in readiness for the rich blessing that is manifest in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
In our parish, confessions will be heard on Wednesday, December 10th from 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
GIFTS FOR ROSALIE HALL
For many years, St Gabriel’s has had a close relationship with Rosalie Hall. At this time of the year, we are thinking of the young mothers and babies in need of assistance.
If you wish, to help, you may choose a “Christmas Stocking” from the Christmas tree in the Gathering Space to purchase pyjamas or undershirts, for little ones sizes 6 months to 4years.
If you wish to buy a toy, please take a”Gingerbread Boy” tag. Unwrapped items with the original tag attached can be left in the box provided near the Giving Tree no later than December 14th.
For the Moms, we are suggesting gift cards from Shoppers Drug Mart, 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 ongoing support of Rosalie Hall.
THE GIVING TREE
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 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.
HOPE FOR CHILDREN CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE
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 to 12 years old? Containers will be set up at the doors of the Church from Saturday, November 29th until Sunday, December 14th.
CANCELLATION
The Concert “Elgies and Remembrance” originally scheduled for this Sunday, November 30th has been cancelled.
BLESSED TRINITY CHRISTMAS POT LUCK DINNER
Tuesday, December 2nd at 6:00 PM
Blessed Trinity Parish Hall, 3220 Bayview Avenue
Bring a dish, bring a friend!
The Blessed Trinity CWL invites all ladies of the parish to our Christmas Pot Luck Dinner on Tuesday, December 2nd at 6:00 PM in the parish hall.There’ll be carols, games, good food and good company! We will also be accepting contributions of non-perishable food items for donation to the food bank.
ST.GABRIEL’S SCHOOL ME TO WE SALE
Weekend of December 13th/14th
St. Gabriel’s Church
The St. Gabriel’s School Me to We Committee will be selling rafiki chains for $10 in the Gathering Space after all the Masses on the weekend of December 13th/14th. In Swahili, the word rafiki means friend. Every rafiki friend chain is handmade by a “mama” in Kenya. $5 will go back to the “mamas” to help their families. The rest will be donated by the school towards clean water. Rafiki chains make great gifts for Christmas! For more information, please visit www.metowe.com
There will be catalogues available in the Gathering Space for those who wish to make a larger donation. The catalogues offer options such as buying a goat, which would provide milk for a family or a source of income to buy food and necessities.
“ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS” CONCERT
Saturday, December 13th at 7:30 PM”
ST. BONAVENTURE PARISH
Christmas, Christmas time is near! Come join the Seraphim Men’s and the Cherubim Women’s Chorus’ singing the Christmas songs you love to hear as part of their “All I Want for Christmas” concert series. A mix of old favourites and twists on classics, with a bit of Disney flare! Please join us at St. Bonaventure on December 13th at 7:30 PM. Advanced tickets are available online at www.seraphimchorus.ca. Proceeds will go to support of the St. Clare Inn.”
FINANCE CORNER
The Parish’s 2013 budgeted operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
Offertory Collection for last weekend:
Envelopes 410 $ 8,251
Loose Change 1,323
Weekly Portion of Pre-Authorized Giving 163 3,057
Total 573 $ 12,631
If you are a regular Parish member and you do not contribute to the Offertory collection, the Finance Council reminds you that “the financial burden of the Parish is the responsibility of each and all parishioners to the extent that your means allow”.
For those parishioners who contribute to the offertory on a regular weekly basis, we thank you for your constant support.
Have you considered using PAG or Donate Now?
OFFERTORY ENVELOPES FOR 2015
The 2015 Offertory Boxed Envelopes are available in the Gathering Space. Please pick yours up as soon as possible. If you have a PAG or Donate Now account, you will still receive a smaller green box of envelopes since these include Initial, New Year’s, Christmas, Easter and Maintenance envelopes. You may contact the Parish Office if you do not have envelopes but would like a box for 2015.
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.
“God is with us”: Bringing hope to those living in darkness
Saturday, December 6th from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM
NOT TO BE MISSED – reflection with Fr. Rick Frechette CP on our Christian commitment that will be both inspiring and enriching!
Father Rick is a Passionist who went to Haiti 27 years ago to serve as a priest. Seeing the poverty and the dire need of the people there for medical care, he went back to the U.S. in his 30s, took up medical studies, and returned to Haiti as both a priest and a medical doctor. The needs of the people whom he served prompted him to give himself to their service by not only ministering to their spiritual needs, but their physical needs as well. His presence among the people of Haiti is truly an amazing witness of love.
At the beginning of the season of Advent, when we are preparing for Christmas, Fr. Rick will talk about our Christian commitment to share the Good News, especially with those who are living in the darkness of poverty, injustice, and slavery in its many forms. It will be an excellent opportunity for all parishioners to pause and look deeply. We encourage especially our young people to join us!
A simple lunch will be provided. Cost is $5 per person. To register, please call the Parish Office at (416) 221-8866 or email fatimalee@bellnet.ca.
A Note on Donations To Fr. Rick’s Mission in Haiti
We have also been asked if there is a way to donate to Fr. Rick’s mission in Haiti. If you are so inclined, and would like to contribute to Fr. Rick’s work, there will be a donation box at the back of the church on the day of the retreat itself, as well as at all the Masses on the weekend of Dec 6th/7th. You can donate either in cash or by cheque. Please note any cheque must be made payable to “Passionist Missionaries”. They will issue tax receipts for all donations of $20 or more. Please also make sure you write clearly your name and address on the envelope provided.
YOUTH GROUP BAKE SALE
Sunday, November 23rd after all the Masses
Our Youth Group is holding a bake sale after all the Masses this Sunday. The money raised will go towards Youth Group expenses as well as helping two youth attend a service trip to the Philippines. Please support our Youth Group.
ANNOUNCED MASSES
November 24th to November 29th, 2014
MONDAY – GERALD M. HARQUAIL – Requested by Ginette Harquail
TUESDAY – MICHAEL McDONOUGH – Requested by Ann Harrington
WEDNESDAY – ALL SOULS – Requested by Linda Law
THURSDAY – ANITA MARKLE & MARJORIE SKAZIN – Requested by the Markle Family
FRIDAY – GIUSEPPINA SMERIGLIO – Requested by Lina Gianotta
SATURDAY – MIKE PALAZZO & CHRISTOPHER DI LALLO – Requested by Val Palazzo & Family
WELCOME! BAPTISM
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome
Arianna Lara Moncica
Charlotte Rose Kilayko Sleep
These children received the Sacrament of Baptism last Sunday. Congratulations
NOVEMBER IS THE MONTH OF ALL SOULS
BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE
A Book of Remembrance has been 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.
GIFTS FOR ROSALIE HALL
For many years, St Gabriel’s has had a close relationship with Rosalie Hall. At this time of the year, we are thinking of the young mothers and babies in need of assistance.
If you wish, to help, you may choose a “Christmas Stocking” from the Christmas tree in the Gathering Space to purchase pyjamas or undershirts, for little ones sizes 6 months to 4years.
If you wish to buy a toy, please take a”Gingerbread Boy” tag.
Unwrapped items with the original tag attached can be left in the box provided near the Giving Tree no later than December 14th.
For the Moms, we are suggesting gift cards from Shoppers Drug Mart, 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 ongoing support of Rosalie Hall.
THE GIVING TREE
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 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.
CASSEROLES FOR THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTRE
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.
You may pick up a copy of a casserole recipe and a pan from the Parish Office.
Three recipes are also available on St. Gabriel’s web site. 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.
HOPE FOR CHILDREN CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE
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 29th until Sunday, December 14th.
NORTH YORK RETIREES CLUB
Blessed Trinity Parish Hall
Tuesday, November 25th at 2:00 PM
The next meeting of the North York Retiree’s will feature guest speaker Christopher Rollox from Gemini K9 Obedience who will speak about “Dealing with dogs, training, care and obedience”. All retirees are cordially invited to attend.
THE SOURCE WITH THE SISTERS OF LIFE
Thursday, November 27th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
St. Paul’s Basilica 83 Power St.Toronto
Join them for an evening of prayer and fellowship. There will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with meditative music provided by the sisters from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in the main chapel. Confessions will be available from 8:00 to 9:00 PM. There will be refreshments and fellowship in the hall downstairs. They hope to see you there!
“Contemplative Advent Practices for Those Who Are Experiencing Loss”
St. Norbert’s Church, 100 Regent Road
Saturday, November 29th 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Catholic Family Services of Toronto – New Beginnings and St. Norbert’s Church invite you to a Saturday Advent Retreat with Christine Rybka-Miki, M.Div. and Maureen McDonnell, D.Min.
This Advent, rediscover the wealth that our faith tradition and Ignatian contemplative prayer has to offer us as we wait in abiding hope. All are welcome! Light lunch will be provided.
Pre-registration is necessary.
Please call Mary Benincasa at 416-921-1163, ext. 2235.
SNEAK PEEK ORCHESTRA PRESENTS: “ELEGIES AND REMEMBRANCE”
Sunday November 30th at 4:00 PM
St. Gabriel’s Passionist Parish
“Sneak Peek Orchestra is back, and excited to present a remembrance-themed concert featuring the music of Edward Elgar, and others. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, and $15 for students. To purchase advance tickets, please visit www.sneakpeekorchestra.com. We hope to see you there!
FINANCE CORNER
The Parish’s 2013 budgeted operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
If you are a regular Parish member and you do not contribute to the Offertory collection, the Finance Council reminds you that “the financial burden of the Parish is the responsibility of each and all parishioners to the extent that your means allow”.
For those parishioners who contribute to the offertory on a regular weekly basis, we thank you for your constant support.
PRE-AUTHORIZED GIVING OPTION
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.
DONATE NOW
You can now use your credit card to make your recurring or one-time Offertory donations to St. Gabriel’s. Your donations may earn you valuable points, travel miles or cash back! A classic case of giving and receiving!
Simply log on to the Archdiocese of Toronto website (www.archtoronto.org) select “Donate Now”, “Our Parish”, “Toronto East”, then pick “St. Gabriel Catholic Parish” under Parish in the Donation Information section. Complete all required information.
Remember that your tax receipt for a recurring offertory donation will be issued to you by the Archdiocese at the end of the year. For a one-time gift, your tax receipt is emailed to you immediately.
OFFERTORY ENVELOPES FOR 2015
The 2015 Offertory Boxed Envelopes will be available in the Gathering Space at the end of November. Please inform the Parish Office if you have recently moved or are new to the Parish so that we may update our records and label your box correctly.
If you have a PAG or Donate Now account, you will still receive a smaller green box of envelopes since these include Initial, New Year’s, Christmas, Easter and Maintenance envelopes. You may contact the Parish Office if you do not have envelopes but would like a box for 2015.
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.