October 6th, 2013
October 7th to October 12th 2013
MONDAY – CRISTINA KIBEDI Requested by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul TUESDAY – STEPHEN LEUNG Requested by the Leung Family WEDNESDAY – WILLIAM ANDERSON Requested by Eva Anderson THURSDAY – GREGORY PIPHER Requested by Dale Pipher FRIDAY – JOSEPH & ANNE FERNANDEZ Requested by Marlene Fernandez SATURDAY – PASQUALE GATTI Requested by Linda Gatti
Wednesday, October 9th at 7:30 PM. St. Gabriel’s Church
There will be a meeting here at the Church on Wednesday, October 9th at 7:30 PM. for parents only of children receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation this year.
The Altar Service is now recruiting new members.
If you are in Grade 3 or higher and are interested in becoming an altar server, please contact Colin Meharchand at cmeharchand@bell.net or leave your name and phone number with the Parish Office at 416-221-8866.
The orientation and training for new members will be held this Sunday, October 6th, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the Church.
If you have, or know of, school age children (ages 7 to 14) who wish to prepare for Baptism, please contact the Parish Office, or Fatima Lee directly, at (416) 221-8866. Classes for them will begin in early October.
Sunday, October 13th at 11:30 AM in the Gabriel Room
Next Sunday, the Passionist Centre for Ecology and Spirituality will facilitate a 30 minute reflection and discussion prompted by the readings for that Sunday’s liturgy. Note that this is a week later than usual due to the Installation of Fr. Brando as Pastor. All are welcome.
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome Owen Louis Real Cormier, who received the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, September 29th, 2013. Congratulations!
Meetings in preparation for the R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) will begin soon. These meetings are for persons interested in learning about the Catholic Faith. The exploration may lead the candidate to seek baptism, and become a member of the Catholic Christian community — or for Christians already baptized into another Christian denomination, the reception into the Catholic Church.
Adult Catholics who have not received the sacrament of Confirmation but who wish to do so are also encouraged to attend these sessions. As well these meetings may be an opportunity for “Born Catholics” to deepen their understanding of our faith.
Very often, especially for those of us who received our religious instruction at an early age, we tend to grow physically, mentally, psychologically etc., but the understanding of our faith does not grow correspondingly. The RCIA may serve as a good opportunity for us to ask questions and to develop a more adult understanding of our faith.
If you are interested in joining the RCIA meetings or if you would like to have more information about it, please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866. You may also contact Fatima Lee directly at ext. 228.
You can make a difference in the lives of the hungry and homeless this Thanksgiving by participating in the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.
Urgently needed items include: rice, pasta, pasta sauces, canned tuna or salmon, canned soups, stews, meats, fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, jam, sugar, cookies and crackers, breakfast cereals, tea, ground or instant coffee, condiments. Please no fresh or frozen foods.
We thank you for your generous support!
Did you know that the plastic, outer bags from four litres of milk can be woven into quick-dry, bug-resistant bed mats for flood-ravaged areas of the third world, like Haiti. This gives them a practical use since they take 40 – 100 years to decompose. A bin has been placed at the back of the church for the collection of clean, dry bags. Thank you.
We are collecting Canadian Tire money in support of Matercare International which is an association of Catholic Obstetricians and Gynecologists working in developing countries. This organization is dedicated to improving the lives and health of mothers and their children, both unborn and born, through initiatives of service, training, research and advocacy. Please support this worthwhile campaign by dropping your Canadian Tire money in the collection basket.
Thanksgiving Weekend
If you missed the last Saint Vincent de Paul clothing drive in early September, or if you still have winter clothing you would like to donate, please do not miss this opportunity …
Becoming Neighbours, an initiative sponsored by the religious men and women congregations in Toronto to serve the refugees among us, is seeking gently-used winter clothing and accessories (coats, jackets, sweaters, hats, gloves, and mitts, etc.). Refugee families they serve can then go to them and pick up whatever they may need. For new arrivals especially, your clothing donations will be a tremendous help.
If you do have items to donate, please bring them in on the Thanksgiving weekend. You can leave these items in the large bins, marked “clothing donations”, provided in the Gathering Space. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 43 casseroles for September. For October, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of October 26th/27th 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 or would like to get a copy of a recipe and a casserole pan, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791.
World Mission Sunday October 20th from 11:00 AM. to 3:00 PM.
Come and discover mission with Scarboro priests and lay missioners!
Mass at 11:00 AM. – Light Buffet Lunch – Displays
“Discover the Road Less Travelled”
Please confirm your attendance for the buffet lunch by contacting Scarboro Missions at 416-261-7135, Ext. 265 or by email at lmo@scarboromissions.ca
Tuesday, October 22nd at 7:00 PM. Our Lady of Sorrows Church
Catholic Family Services of Toronto and Our Lady of Sorrows Church will host the 4th Annual Mass to End Woman Abuse on Tuesday, October 22nd at 7:00 PM. The Mass will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church – 3055 Bloor St. W. (west of Royal York Rd.) in Etobicoke. Light refreshments will follow. Please join us as we gather to pray for all families who are affected by violence. Woman Abuse Hurts Us All.
November 1st to 3rd St. Augustine’s Seminary
“The Love of Christ urges us on” to radically respond to His call to follow Him wholeheartedly. Jesus is inviting you to spend time with Him so that you may discover His call.
This will be an opportunity for young men, 18 years of age or older to spend a weekend in prayer, reflection and information on the process of becoming one of Christ’s disciples through the Catholic priesthood.
For more information, please call the Office of Vocations at 416-968-0997
Weekend of November 1st to 3rd.
Celebrate Your Marriage with a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend! Married couples: You deserve a weekend to cherish being together; to rediscover each other and focus on ways to make your relationship even better. A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend offers this opportunity. Consider giving each other or another couple that you know the gift of a weekend away from daily pressures; time to be with each other and with God on a Marriage Encounter Weekend. See www.wwme.org
Upcoming Weekend Date: November 1-3, 2013
For further information or registration please contact: Cora & Mike Bryce (905-896-2958) or cora-mikebryce@sympatico.ca
Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre November 1st to 3rd
Refresh and rekindle your love for each other by treating yourselves to a marriage enrichment weekend at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, or give a weekend as a gift to family or friends. The Centre offers comfort, excellent cuisine and an inspiring program.
The next weekend is Nov.1st to 3rd, 2013. For information telephone Queen of Apostles 1617 Blythe Road, Mississauga at 905-278 5229.
Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week.
Collection for September 29th, 2013
Envelopes 393 $7,338 Loose Change $977 Weekly Portion of PAG 182 $3,518 (Pre-Authorized Giving) Total $11,832
Second Collection Needs of the Canadian Church $1,799
Please remember to print your full name on your Offertory envelope and then seal it.
| Posted in Bulletin |
September 29th, 2013
Most Rev. Bishop William McGrattan will install Fr. Brando as the new pastor of St. Gabriel’s Parish next weekend, October 6th at the 10:30 AM. Mass. Because of the Rite of Installation, the Mass will be longer than usual. There will be a simple reception after the Mass. Everyone is invited.
September 30th to October 5th 2013
MONDAY – MICHAEL DONAGHY Requested by the Family TUESDAY – DONALD SMITH Requested by Mary Alice O’Mahony & Anne Leckie WEDNESDAY – CAROLYN SULLIVAN Requested by Margaret Anne Leckie THURSDAY – ROSIE JOSEPH & POONN JOSEPH Requested by the Family FRIDAY – SYD SEDGWICK Requested by the Family SATURDAY – MARTIN SMEE Requested by the Smee Family
School Age Children Parish Office October 2nd or October 3rd
Registration for children who wish to receive the Sacraments of First Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation will be held at the Parish Office from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM on the following evenings:
Wednesday, October 2nd or Thursday, October 3rd
Please Note: A copy of the child’s Baptismal Certificate is required if registering for First Communion or Confirmation.
Friday, October 4th from 9:30 AM – 12 Noon
The Altar Service is now recruiting new members. If you are in Grade 3 or higher and are interested in becoming an altar server, please contact Colin Meharchand at cmeharchand@bell.net or leave your name and phone number with the Parish Office at 416-221-8866.
The orientation and training for new members will be held on Sunday, October 6th, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the Church.
The Children’s Liturgy of the Word is cancelled at the 10:30 AM Mass on Sunday, October 6th. It will resume the following week.
If you have, or know of, school age children(ages 7 to 14) who wish to prepare for Baptism, please contact the Parish Office, or Fatima Lee directly, at (416) 221-8866. Classes for them will begin in early October.
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. Please note that this is a week later than normal due to the Installation of Fr. Brando. All are welcome.
English: Saturday, October 5th at 3:15 PM in the Library Chinese: Sunday, October 6th at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room.
For further information, please contact Linda Law at 416 -918-8029.
Urgently needed items include: rice, pasta, pasta sauces, canned tuna or salmon, canned soups, stews, meats, fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, jam, sugar, cookies and crackers, breakfast cereals, tea, ground or instant coffee, sugar, ketchup, mustard and relish. Please no fresh or frozen foods.
The Archdiocese of Toronto is accepting financial contributions to support humanitarian relief efforts in Syria and the Middle East.
Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways:
From Gangland to Promised Land Monday, September 30th at 7:00 PM Duke of York Pub (upstairs), 39 Prince Arthur Ave, Toronto
Young adults (19-39) are invited join us for an evening of thought-provoking theological discussion in a comfortable and relaxed setting, with special guest from Ireland: John Pridmore, author and speaker.
He will speak about how he went from a life of darkness as a violent London gangster to working with people like Mother Teresa and speaking at World Youth Day. Munchies provided, cash bar, come and bring a friend!
For those who have lost a loved one through Death, Separation or Divorce. Tuesday, October 1st from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Come and join us for an informative evening with Sally Amaral, Her topic is “Stages of Bereavement”.
The presentation will take place Tuesday October 1st. The evening starts at 7:00 PM with a half hour of fellowship and then the presentation will go from 7:30 to 9:00 PM.
The location is The Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1155 Yonge St. 4th Floor, (NE corner of Yonge and Shaftesbury Ave., free underground parking off Shaftesbury and we are beside the Summerhill Subway station. No registration is required. For more information contact Deacon James at 416-921-1163 ext. 2227 or email at jshaughn@cfstoronto.com
MISSISSAUGA WOMEN’S RETREAT WEEKEND October 4th to October 6th
Theme: Who do YOU say I am? Why not consider a retreat experience during this Year of Faith? For further information or to register please call 905-278-5229.
Collection for September 15th, 2013
Envelopes 370 $7,260 Loose Change $1,161 Weekly Portion of PAG 182 $3,519 (Pre-Authorized Giving) Total $11,940
Our recent scripture readings have been about how well we use the blessings with which we have been blessed and how unwilling we are to share our blessings with those less blessed.
The prophet Amos tried warning the people of his times about the consequences of the injustices they practiced toward the poor – those who trample on the needy and bring to ruin the poor of the land; those who enjoy the good life with no thought of the needs of the poor.
The rich man in today’s gospel was not a mean man. He didn’t chase Lazarus from his door; he didn’t set the dogs on him. He was just oblivious of Lazarus, gave no thought of his hunger and desperate situation. It was for his lack of awareness, his unconcern for the needs of others and his lifestyle of self -indulgence that brought him to hell fire.
As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amos preached 2400 years ago; Jesus taught 2000 years ago and here we are now and as anything changed? The rich get richer the poor get poorer.
Remember the movie Wall Street and the famous quote – greed is good? That mentality is still with us. I recently read an article that claimed that none of the executives involved in the financial crashes that put us in our present global financial instability have ever gone to jail. Banks and investment firms have been fined hundreds of millions of dollars but no executive has gone to jail.
We all know the world is divided between the half’s and the have not’s. We are part of the haves but in our own parish, in our own city there are the haves and the have not’s. The need for food banks have moved beyond the 416 areas to the 905 areas. The welfare rolls are growing. Calls to raise the minimum wage go unheeded. The highest percentage of unemployed is among the young. Corporations only hire part time or contract staffs to avoid health care and pension plans. The working poor are in our own community.
Ours is an unfair, an unjust world. Everybody knows our church’s teachings about sex but how many of us are even aware of our church’s longstanding teachings about social justice?
Years ago Pope Paul V1 taught us, “ It is not simply a question of eliminating hunger and reducing poverty. It is not enough to combat destitution, urgent and necessary as this is. The point at issue is the establishment of a human society in which everyone, regardless of race, religion, or nationality, can live a truly human life free from the bondage imposed by men and the forces of nature not sufficiently mastered, a society in which freedom is not an empty word, and where Lazarus the poor man can sit at the same table as the rich man.”
Just recently Pope Francis visited the island of Sardinia a site of vast income inequality between its cities and resort beaches. The island has been a location for massive protests against extreme European budget cutting that is affecting the lives of millions, especially the young
Speaking to a crowd of thousands Pope Francis condemned the idolization of the “god of money.” “To defend this economic culture, a throwaway culture has been installed,” he said, “We throw away grandparents, and we throw away young people. We have to say no to this throwaway culture. We want a just system that helps everyone.” Life is not fair to so many people, here and elsewhere.
On TV and in the newspapers we see and read about the daily tragedies in our world. We see the starving, the poor, we see those driven from their homes by war, we see the devastation caused by raging flood and forest fires. The danger is that we can become desensitized to these tragic realities. Today`s scripture is a warning to all of us that we do not become like the rich man who feasted sumptuously every day and who was completely oblivious to the plight of poor man at his gate.
We are our brother`s our sister`s keeper. I was hungry and you gave me food, thirsty and you gave me drink, naked and you clothed me, a stranger and you took me in, sick and in prison and you came to me. Come blessed of my Father for you were sensitive to my needs, aware of my pain, concerned about needs. Come blessed of my Father you were willing to share, you were anxious to care.
You good people have been so generous to the many calls that come our way for your help. Your response to our food and clothing drives, your constant support of the Good Shepherd Refuge and our St. Vincent de Paul, our Refugee Committee, our Just Coffee Program – all these show what generous people you. But today`s scripture calls us all to a holy discontent to the way things are in society. Each one of us, in whatever way we can must work for justice, for without just there is no peace. We say no to tight fisted, small minded politicians who try to set us against one another and have us blame the victim.
In one of his letters Paul encouraged the people saying, `never grow weary of doing good. `May we never grow weary of hearing the cries of our poor and hungry and oppressed brothers and sisters – be they near or far. May we live simply that others may simply live.
| Posted in Homily |
September 22nd, 2013
September 23rd to September 28th 2013
MONDAY – GERRY HATCH Requested by the Family TUESDAY – JUDITH MATYASFALUI Requested by the Family WEDNESDAY – BOB McCARTHY Requested by Fergus & Mary Ann O’Connell THURSDAY – SPECIAL INTENTION Requested by the Family FRIDAY – DENIS MAILHOT Requested by Mary-Ann Mailhot SATURDAY – BILL DESROCHES Requested by the DesRoches Family
School Age Children Parish Office September 25th, September 26th, October 2nd, October 3rd
Wednesday, September 25th Thursday, September 26th Wednesday, October 2nd Thursday, October 3rd
“Those who sing pray twice.” Our senior choir practices on Tuesday evenings, 7:30–9:00 PM and leads community song at the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass. Our junior choir practices on Thursday evenings from 6:30–8:00 PM and leads the music at the 12:30 PM Mass. We always welcome new voices and hope you will consider joining us! For more information, please contact the choir director after any of the Masses.
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome:
These children received the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, September 15th, 2013. Congratulations!
The Children’s Faith Program for children attending private or public schools has begun. Classes are held at St. Gabriel’s School. The next class will be held on September 29th at 10:00 AM. This is the last opportunity to sign up for classes.
We continue our study of the Hebrew Bible on Tuesday evening, September 24th at 7:30 PM, or Thursday morning, September 26th at 10:30 AM. For information please call Mary at 416-293-3760.
There will be a second collection next weekend, September 28th /29th for the Needs of the Canadian Church. Your donations help support the work of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. Please be as generous as your means allow.
Urgently needed items include:
rice, pasta, pasta sauces, canned tuna or salmon, canned soups, stews, meats, fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, jam, sugar, cookies and crackers, breakfast cereals, tea, ground or instant coffee, sugar, ketchup, mustard and relish. Please no fresh or frozen foods.
“Leave behind the self-interest that hardens your heart, overcome the indifference that makes your heart insensitive towards others, conquer your deadly reasoning, and open yourself to dialogue and reconciliation,” Pope Francis told pilgrims at Saturday’s peace vigil in St. Peter’s Square.
An estimated 100,000 people have already lost their lives in the conflict in Syria over the past two years and roughly 2 million people have fled, taking refuge in Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan, Iraq and other countries. The conflict in Syria has unleashed a large-scale humanitarian crisis.
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 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.
Tuesday Evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 PM 1155 Yonge Street
Catholic Family Services of Toronto is offering a 10 week group program for adult men and women coping with the many struggles involved in the process of separation and divorce. Group Participants will receive support and guidance as they move through this difficult period of transition. The group will meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 PM beginning on September 24th at the Central Office, 1155 Yonge Street. For further information, please contact Ian Singer at 416-921-1163.
Envelopes 366 $7,821 Loose Change $969 Weekly Portion of PAG 182 $3,519 (Pre-Authorized Giving) Total $12,309
Maintenance Collection, September 15 $7,791
Thank you for your generosity!
September 15th, 2013
Every time I read this parable of the prodigal son I remember a thought I had years ago about this powerful story of love and forgiveness. Did it ever occur to you that it took more love on the father’s part to let this head strong son of his take his share of the family farm and go off to see the world than it did for him to run down the road and welcome him home with open arms? There is a saying, ‘the years have their wisdom the days know nothing of.’ The father trusted his son would come to his senses and find his way home. In love he gave him the chance to do this.
It can be so difficult for parents to let go of their children especially at that particular time in their lives when sons and daughters are trying to sort themselves out and find their own way. Parents have had their own life experiences and feel they want to spare their sons and daughters the mistakes or poor choices they may have made in their younger days. But it doesn’t work that way. They have to stand back and let things work out in time.
I’ve mentioned before that parents are to give their children two things, roots and wings – solid foundations and freedom. There can be times in their lives when their wings carry them far away from their roots – but always remember roots are stronger than wings.
When he returned home did this chastened, embarrassed young man get what he deserved? No. To our way of thinking he should have been sent packing. He blew it. No he didn’t get what he deserved; he got what his father prepared for him, unconditional love and entire forgiveness.
The father shows the same love and understanding to the son who stayed home and worked the farm. He understands this son’s resentment and hard feelings toward his brother. The father patiently accepts this son’s rebukes to him – I stayed and slaved for and you never gave me a goat to party with my friends and here you are slaughtering a fatted calf for this loser.
This powerful gospel with its well-known parables is all about God’s love and care for all of us. Remember who we are; good people, mistake making beings struggling to live good lives. Someone once wrote ‘there are no righteous persons, only sinners and our journey as Christian men and women is always a journey of conversion, admitting our failures and opening our lives to the great love of God. We open ourselves to receive that love whenever we are conscious of this truth. God does favor sinners, and that includes all of us.
When life is over will we get what we deserve? No, we’ll get what his father has prepared for all of us, unconditional love and entire forgiveness. It’s all part of our journey back to our father’s home.
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