November 10th, 2013
November is the month of the Holy Souls. During this month especially we pray for all those who died. The Hebrew Scripture tells us that it is a good and holy thing to pray for the death that they we loosed from their sins.
Death is a reality of life. As someone once said, ‘no one gets out of this world alive.’ Yet death is a no no subject for a lot of people. Death is like a four letter, we never say some died, we say they ‘passed’ or ‘passed on’ or they are ‘no longer with us.’
As Christians we endure death but we believe in life, endless life and so we do not grieve like people who have no hope, we believe that Jesus rose again and that it will be the same for those who die believing in him; God will bring them to himself.
Our first reading in today’s Mass tell of this heroic family, the Maccabees who all died painful deaths rather than deny their faith in the God of the universe who would raise them up to an everlasting renewal of life.
In the gospel the Sadducees, who did not believe in life after death used this silly example of the woman, married to the seven brothers and asked Jesus whose wife will she be when she dies. Probably with great patience, Jesus tried to set them straight. Firstly, the resurrection is not a prolongation of our presently earthly life. There will be a new heaven and a new earth and an entirely new mode of existence in which marriage will not be an issue.
We have no idea what life after death will be like. St.Paul tells us that ‘the eye has not seen, nor has the ear heard, nor has it entered into human mind the things God has prepared for those who love him.
We can look at death in another way. There are people who can be so upset that a loved one died and there wasn’t a priest present. One priest I knew had a great thing to say to such good people; ‘if you tell me how he lived I can tell you how he died.’ We can believe that there is no discontinuity between this life and the afterlife, there is just life and so the way we live now will be the way we will live always. Think about it.
If our lives are open to others and the needs of others, if we are willing to love as we have been loved, if we are willing to forgive as we have been forgiven then we can trust the truth that ‘as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever – in this world and the next.
Every Sunday we rattle off the Nicene Creed, our ancient statement of faith that goes back to the early days of the church. The final words of our statement of faith are, ‘I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. We endure death but we believe in life, endless life.
| Posted in Homily |
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.
November 11th to November 16th, 2013
MONDAY – MARIA SUNG HAK LEE – Requested by Elizabeth Chang TUESDAY – PAUL CASEY – Requested by Geraldine Casey WEDNESDAY – TULIO RAMIREZ – Requested by the Family THURSDAY – SPECIAL INTENTION – Requested by John & Alice Donaghue FRIDAY – SOULS IN PURGATORY – Requested by Zaida Elep SATURDAY – GEORGE LEWIS – Requested by Winnie & Anne Lewis
Sunday, November 24th at 12:30 PM Mass
The Confirmation Enrollment Ceremony for all Confirmation candidates will be held on Sunday, November 24th at the 12:30 P.M. Mass. All Confirmation candidates must attend. Candidates are reminded to submit their letters requesting Confirmation to Fr. Brando through the Parish Office by Saturday, November 16th.
There is 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 10th at 3:00 P.M. St. Paul’s Basilica 83 Power Street (1 block East of Queen and Parliament Sts.)
Come and join us in prayer with religious leaders from many faith traditions on Sunday, November 10th at 3:00 P.M. Parking is available. For further information, please contact the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs at (416) 934-3400 ext. 344 or email dmacpherson@archtoronto.org
Monday, November 11th 4:00 to 6:00 P.M.
Cardinal Collins has designated Monday, November 11th as the Archdiocesan Day of Confession. Every parish in the Archdiocese is making time available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation on that day. This important sacrament will be available from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. here at St. Gabriel’s. All are encouraged and welcomed to receive this sacrament of pardon and peace.
Saturday, November 16th at 2:30 PM
A reception will be hosted for our new parishioners who registered with us in the past year on Saturday, November 16th at 2:30 P.M. here at the parish. Invitations have been sent out. If you are new to the parish, and have not yet registered, please contact the Parish Office at 416-221-8866.
Wednesday, December 4th at 7:30 P.M.
There will be an Advent Evening of Reflection here at St. Gabriel’s on Wednesday, December 4th at 7:30 P.M. The guest speaker will be Fr Jack Lynch. Watch the bulletin for further details!
Thank you to everyone who supported the St. Gabriel’s Youth Group Bake Sale. $1,000 was raised to help with the costs of attending the Steubenville Youth Conference which will take place in Toronto, July 4th to 6th, 2014. This conference will draw thousands of young people together to discover the richness of the Catholic Church through prayer, praise and reflection. Your generosity is outstanding!
Fair trade organic coffees will be on sale after all the Masses next weekend.
Regular ground coffee: $5.50 Decaffeinated: $6 Whole Beans: $5.50 Chocolate Bars: $4 incl. Taxes Hot Chocolate and Cocoa: $4.75 Teas: $4.00 and $4.25 by variety
November 16th/17th
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 next weekend, on November 16th and 17th. Envelopes will be distributed this weekend, November 9th and 10th.
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.
The Archdiocese of Toronto is now accepting financial contributions for humanitarian relief as the death toll continues to rise following an earthquake that struck the central Philippines on October 15.
The earthquake, centered about 620 km southeast of Manila, has been blamed for more than 160 deaths so far, with hundreds of people injured and dozens still missing. Government reports suggest more than 158,000 people have been displaced, with 100,000 of them being housed in 85 evacuation centres. The official Catholic relief agency on the ground, NASSA-Caritas Philippines, has already released financial assistance to augment the relief operation of the dioceses in the Bohol region. Funds from the local church are also being tapped to provide emergency assistance to the affected areas.
We offer our prayers for the victims of this natural disaster and those who have been displaced. Thank you for your ongoing efforts to help those in crisis in the Philippines.
November 21st to November 24th
Feeling your faith, spiritual or family life needs a boost? Come to the Men’s ACTS Retreat November 21st to 24th at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, Mississauga. Private room and bathroom. Great food! For more details contact Willy Klaudusz at 905-824-1159.
Making Life Decisions — Inviting God on your Journey Wednesday, November 20th – 7:00 P.M. Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill 580 Progress Ave (Near Scarborough Town Centre)
Faith Connections, the Office of Catholic Youth, and the local parishes invite you to join us for an evening of thought-provoking conversation on theological topics! Munchies provided, cash bar available – come and bring a friend!
Special guest: Bishop Vincent Nguyen, Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto.
Bishop Nguyen will reflect on being attentive to God when we make decisions both big (i.e. what is my vocation?) and small (i.e. should I change jobs?). His Excellency will also share some of his own story. For more information: visit our Toronto Theology on Tap web page, or contact OCY by e-mail youth@ocytoronto.org or phone 416-599-7676. Your RSVP would be appreciated.
Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week. Collection for October 27th, 2013
Envelopes 424 $8,693 Loose Change $1,248 Weekly Portion of PAG 182 $3,519 (Pre-Authorized Giving) Total $13, 460
Please remember to print your full name on your Offertory envelope and then seal it.
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.
If there are any changes to your address or phone number, please contact the Parish Office at 416-221-8866 so that we may update our records. Thank you.
The 2014 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 are on the Pre- Authorized Giving Plan, 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 2014.
| Posted in Bulletin |
November 3rd, 2013
I was reading an article in a Catholic magazine and it was on the different reactions people had to Pope Francis’ recent interview with an Italian editor. One Catholic author wasn’t all that impressed with the interview. He thought the Pope should be more cautious in his replies to interviewers. She thought the Pope was like ‘a person unburdening oneself with friends after a good dinner and plenty of wine.’ The author of the article had this observation about that remark, ‘that this is a pretty fair description of the Jesus of the gospels.’ He said that many biblical commentators have suggested that the gospels might be classified as Jesus’s “table talk”.
As for the comment about plenty of wine he reminded us that the first miracle of Jesus was supplying a young bride and groom with an abundance of wine so that the celebration of their life and love could go on. His enemies referred to Jesus as a wine bibber.
But Jesus taught us many things while enjoying a meal. He warned us to come properly dressed for a meal, he cautioned us not to take the first place at table lest we be told to give up that place to someone more important. We should always respond to an invitation to a meal. He told us that when we invite people to a meal it is best to invite those who do not have the means or ability to invite us to their home. It was at a meal he accepted the gratitude and love of the sinful woman. It was at his final meal, after a long conversation with his friends and plenty of wine that Jesus gave us the gift of the Eucharist we are now celebrating, offering us his body and blood as our nourishment.
In today’s gospel there is a bit of a switch. Usually people invited Jesus to a meal. In the gospel Jesus invites himself into the home of Zacchaeus –‘I must stay at your house today.’
By choosing to be a tax collector Zacchaeus had separated himself from the Jewish community. He was working for the enemy, the pagan Romans. But he must have heard of Jesus and was curious about him otherwise why make the effort of running ahead of the group and climbing the tree.
One commentator says the Zacchaeus was basically a good man, he made his profits for sure but he also gave generously to the poor and he promised Jesus that if it was shown he cheated anyone he would generously make it up to them. Other people grumbled about Jesus going and being a guest of a sinner but Jesus was really reaching out to this good man and by dining with him he showed Zacchaeus the respect his neighbours denied him.
We see so much of this in the ministry of Pope Francis. He visits a prison and washes the feed of young men and women; he goes to a port city to be with refugees who risked their lives to find freedom. He welcomes and is willing to meet with believers and non-believers. He reaches out to those alienated from the church. In this he follows Jesus as we are all meant to do. We are to reach out to the new comer, we are to reach out to the poor, the needy, the homeless and the hungry, and we are to reach out to those men and women who are exploited by employers. How can we do this? That goes back to our own ingenuity and generosity, our own willingness to help or be present to others. Charity begins at home. If we are alienated from some family member, some relative then we make the effort to reach out to them and make peace with them.
As we continue to celebrate and share in this Eucharistic meal with one another and with Jesus we pray that just as Jesus reached to Zacchaeus and changed his life we too will have the generosity we need to reach out to those who need our help, our love our healing.
November 4th to November 9th, 2013
MONDAY – JUANITO GAVIETA – Requested by Estrella Gavieta & Ruth Luke TUESDAY – THE HEALING OF JESSIE CHEER – Requested by Wai Chin Hwang WEDNESDAY – THE STAFF OF ST. GABRIEL’S PARISH – Requested by Wanda THURSDAY – JOAN RUEST – Requested by the Family FRIDAY – JOSEPH RORAI – Requested by Ronald & Gail Ellingwood SATURDAY – LORENZO & VINCENZA GRECH – Requested by the Family
BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome:
Taylor Liam Comendador Ashton Ryan Garcia
These children received the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, October 27th, 2013. Congratulations!
Thank you for your generous donations of Canadian Tire money. To date we have received $51. This money will be sent to 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.
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 November 16th and 17th. Envelopes will be distributed the weekend of November 9th and 10th. 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.
The Archdiocese of Toronto is now accepting financial contributions for humanitarian relief as the death toll continues to rise following an earthquake that struck the central Philippines on October 15. The earthquake, centered about 620 km southeast of Manila, has been blamed for more than 160 deaths so far, with hundreds of people injured and dozens still missing. Government reports suggest more than 158,000 people have been displaced, with 100,000 of them being housed in 85 evacuation centres. The official Catholic relief agency on the ground, NASSA-Caritas Philippines, has already released fund assistance to augment the relief operation of the dioceses in the Bohol region. Local funds from the local church are also being tapped to provide emergency assistance to the affected localities.
Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways:
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 38 casseroles for October. For November, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of November 23rd/ 24th 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.
Christmas cards will be available after all the Masses this weekend, Nov. 2nd/3rd. 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.
Wednesday, November 6th at 7:30 P.M. St. Gabriel’s Passionist Parish
For many years, St. Gabriel’s Parish has participated in Holocaust Education Week. On Wednesday, November 6th at 7:30 P.M. we will present the film Conspiracy. Conspiracy dramatizes the 1942 Wannsee Conference and delves into the psychology of Nazi officials involved in the “Final Solution” implementing Adolf Hitler’s policy to make Europe free of the Jews during the Second World War. All are encouraged to attend.
November 5th from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M.
Archdiocese of Toronto Pastoral Centre, 4th floor 1155 Yonge Street, Toronto
Join us for an informative evening beginning with fellowship at 7:00 P.M. The Presentation on the topic: “Coping with Life after Loss” is at 7:30 P.M. The Guest Speakers are Meyrick and Betty D’Sylva. Pre-registration is not necessary. For more information, please contact Deacon James Shaughnessy MSW, RSW, Psyn. D. at 416-921-1163, ext. 2227 or email: jshaughn@cfstoronto.com.
Thursday, November 7th at 7:00 P.M.
Brebeuf College is holding an Open House for students who are entering high school. It will be held on Thursday, November 7th at 7:00 P.M. Parents/Guardians and students are cordially invited to attend. Join us at 211 Steeles Avenue East, just west of Bayview on the south side of Steeles. We can be reached at (416) 393-5508.
Saturday, November 9th, at 10:00 A.M.
Meeting in the lobby of the Davisville Subway Station
Faith Connections invites young adults 18-39 to join them for a November hike to the Evergreen Brick Works! They will walk along the Belt Line ravine to the Evergreen Brick Works’ Saturday Morning Farmers Market (which also features hot food from local chefs). Rain or shine. Please RSVP faithconnections@csj-to.ca if you plan to attend.
Making Life Decisions – Inviting God on your Journey Wednesday, November 20th – 7:00 P.M. Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill 580 Progress Ave (Near Scarborough Town Centre)
Special guest: Bishop Vincent Nguyen, Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto. Bishop Nguyen will reflect on being attentive to God when we make decisions both big (i.e. what is my vocation?) and small (i.e. should I change jobs?). His Excellency will also share some of his own story.
For more information: visit our Toronto Theology on Tap web page, or contact OCY by e-mail youth@ocytoronto.org or phone 416-599-7676. Your RSVP would be appreciated.
Feeling your faith, spiritual or family life needs a boost? Come to the Men’s ACTS Retreat November 21st-24th at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, Mississauga. Private room and bathroom. Great food! For more details contact Willy Klaudusz at 905-824-1159.
Envelopes (400) – $7,782 Loose Change – $1,251 Weekly Portion of PAG (182) – $3,519 (Pre-Authorized Giving) Total – $11,552
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 may update our records. Thank you.
October 27th, 2013
October 28th to November 2nd, 2013
MONDAY – JUAN M. VILLAFRANCA Requested by the Family TUESDAY – DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE DYSANGCO FAMILY Requested by Maria Lourdes Luz WEDNESDAY – JOHN HUYBERS Requested the Family THURSDAY – MARGARET MORROW Requested by Carolyn Thomas FRIDAY – SOULS IN PURGATORY Requested by John Chan SATURDAY – ANITA MARKLE & MARJORIE SEAZIN Requested by the Family
Wednesday, October 30th, at 7:30 PM
On Wednesday, October 30th at 7:30 P.M. there will be a meeting for parents only of children who will be receiving First Reconciliation for the first time. The meeting will be held here in the Church.
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 3rd 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.
Holy Cross Cemetery, Thornhill Saturday, November 2nd at 2:00 PM
Catholic Cemeteries – Archdiocese of Toronto wishes to invite all families to participate in the annual All Souls’ Day Mass on Saturday, November 2nd, 2013 at 2:00 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery, Thornhill, 905-889-7467. The Liturgy will be celebrated in English and Italian. All are welcome.
Friday, November 1st from 9:30 AM – 12 Noon
English: Saturday, November 2nd at 3:15 PM in the Gabriel Room Chinese: Sunday, November 3rd at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room. For further information, please contact Linda Law at 416 -918-8029
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.
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 to100 years to decompose. A bin has been placed in the Gathering Space for the collection of clean, dry bags. Thank you.
The earthquake, centered about 620 km southeast of Manila, has been blamed for more than 160 deaths so far, with hundreds of people injured and dozens still missing. Government reports suggest more than 158,000 people have been displaced, with 100,000 of them being housed in 85 evacuation centres. The official Catholic relief agency on the ground, NASSA-Caritas Philippines, has already released fund assistance to augment the relief operation of the dioceses in the Bohol region. Local funds from the local church are also being tapped to provide emergency assistance to the affected localities.
Wednesday, November 6th at 7:30 PM St. Gabriel’s Passionist Parish
October 28th at 7:00 P.M. Duke of York Pub (upstairs) 39 Prince Arthur Ave
Young adults (19-39) are invited join us for an evening of thought-provoking theological discussion in a relaxed setting, with special guest: Paul Robson, SJ, theology student at Regis College. Paul will share how he was formed by the friendships he made with Bhutanese refugees in Nepal; and how he has endeavoured to continue such friendships back home in Canada. Munchies provided, cash bar, come and bring a friend! For more information call Vanessa Nicholas-Schmidt at 416-467-2645 or visit www.faithconnections.ca.
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 is November 1st-3rd , 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.
Saturday, November 23rd at 2:30 PM
A reception will be hosted for our new parishioners who registered with us in the past year on Saturday, November 23rd at 2:30 P.M. here at the parish. Invitations have been sent out. If you are new to the parish, and have not yet registered, please contact the Parish Office at 416-221-8866.
Saturday, November 2nd, 2013 9:30 A.M. to3:00 P.M. St. Louis de France Parish Hall
The theme is Faith – Positive Psychology Powerful Partners for Healing as We Journey through the Grief Process. The Speaker is Fr. Fred Scinto C.R. For Inquiries, please email: jshaughn@cfstoronto.com or contact: Deacon James Shaughnessy, MSW., RSW., Psyn. D. at 416-921-1163 ext. 2227.
This event is free of charge. Pre-registration is required. Please register by Monday, October 28, 2013 to Angela at agamelo@cfstoronto.com or by phone at 416-921-1163 ext. 2236.
November 5th from7:00 to 9:00 P.M. Archdiocese of Toronto Pastoral Centre, 4th floor 1155 Yonge Street, Toronto
Join us for an informative evening beginning with fellowship at 7:00. The Presentation on the topic: “Coping with Life after Loss” is at 7:30. The Guest Speakers are Meyrick and Betty D’Sylva. Pre-registration is not necessary. For more information, please contact Deacon James Shaughnessy MSW, RSW, Psyn. D. at 416-921-1163, ext. 2227 or email: jshaughn@cfstoronto.com.
Our operating expenses average $14,550 per week. Collection for October 20th, 2013
Envelopes 367 $7,771 Loose Change $1,036 Weekly Portion of PAG 182 $3,519 Pre-Authorized Giving) Total $12,326
World Mission Sunday Collection $3,674
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