March 23rd, 2024
Masses Sat., 4:30 PM Sun., 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM
No 9:00 A.M. Mass 7:30 PM Mass of the Lord’s Supper Followed by Adoration until 10:00 PM
3:00 PM – Solemn Passion of Our Lord 7:30 PM – Stations of the Cross Office Closed
No 4:30 PM Mass 8:00 PM Easter Vigil
No 8:30 AM Mass Masses: 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM
No 9:00 AM Mass Office Closed
EXTRA PARKING AT ELKHORN PUBLIC SCHOOL
ShareLife: Welcome Jesus into your hearts by sharing your blessings today
Today is Palm Sunday, a time in our Lenten journey when we are reminded of the importance of welcoming Jesus in our hearts. In the spirit of His teachings and example, let us extend our hands to those who need our help the most.
Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
Thank you for living the Gospel by opening your hearts and sharing your blessings.
March 25th – March 31st, 2024
MONDAY – ALL SOULS ✞ – Requested by Mary Fernandes TUESDAY – MYNA & NOAH – Requested by Mary Fernandes WEDNESDAY THURSDAY – HOLY THURSDAY – No Intentions FRIDAY – GOOD FRIDAY – No Intentions SATURDAY – HOLY SATURDAY – No Intentions SUNDAY – EASTER SUNDAY – No Intentions
Palm (Passion) Sunday Procession Gospel: Mk 11.1-10 – Jesus’ Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem 1st Reading: Isa 50.4-7 2nd Reading: Phil 2.6-11 Gospel: Mk 14.1-15.47 – The Passion of our Lord
As stewards, we may sometimes forget the truth found in the paradox of the cross. It is not our own strength or achievements that make us great but it is rather our humility and obedience to God. As we enter Holy Week, let us take some time to meditate on the radical humility of Christ crucified and seek to imitate Him in our own lives.
Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre. Rosalie Hall is an accredited children’s mental health facility focusing on the needs of pregnant and parenting youth ages 12-25, their children, and their families.
Good Shepherd provides hot meals, clean clothes and shelter for the homeless in our city They help find housing and provide follow up support. They support the homeless who are working to overcome addictions and provide a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs.
Your food donations are so important as numbers of people in need continue to increase. Please check the expiry date before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired.
“Christ’s Kingdom, though not of this world, exists in this world, in the Church.”
Archbishop Francis Leo, SEEKING THE KINGDOM OF GOD ABOVE AND BEYOND ALL THINGS, Page 11
Your prepared frozen casseroles are being collected at the Masses next weekend, March 30th/31st for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
Good Shepherd provides more than 240,000 meals a year to people who would otherwise go hungry. Please think about volunteering to help feed our less fortunate sisters and brothers. Three different recipes are available in the Parish Office or online at the Parish website. Casserole pans are also available in the Parish Office.
Your support is a tremendous help and is appreciated in the fight to end chronic homelessness. If you require more information, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.
If you are planning to be a teacher, it is important for you to know that to be hired to teach in any Catholic school board in Ontario, there must be a letter of reference from your pastor as part of your application. The letter explaining that you belong to and participate in the community cannot be written if your pastor does not know you. It is recommended that you have a conversation with him early in the process well before the applications are to be submitted.
Join us for St. Gabriel’s Social Justice Movie Club and Discussion Group.
The first movie for viewing is “Kiss the Ground”, available through Netflix, YouTube and Google Play.
“Kiss the Ground” reveals that, by regenerating the world’s soils, we can completely and rapidly stabilize Earth’s climate, restore lost ecosystems and create abundant food supplies.
Using compelling graphics and visuals, along with striking NASA and NOAA footage, the film artfully illustrates how, by drawing down atmospheric carbon, soil is the missing piece of the climate puzzle.
This movie is positioned to catalyze a movement to accomplish the impossible – to solve humanity’s greatest challenge, to balance the climate and secure our species’ future.
You choose your level of participation, from simply watching the movie at home to having a thoughtful and illuminating discussion with other parishioners at the following date, time and place.
Gabriel Room on Wednesday April 17 at 7:30 PM
Please contact the office if you have any questions regarding the Movie Club.
Our Community is enjoined to help them design their logo.
Entries will be received from March 22nd to April 15th. The winning logo design will be announced on May 4th. Details are posted on the bulletin boards.
February 5th to April 15th, 2024
Theme: “This is a time when the world needs more love and compassion than ever.”
High school students (ages 13–19 years) in Catholic School Boards located in the Archdiocese of Toronto are invited to participate in this annual event that commemorates United Nations International Human Fraternity Day on February 4 every year. Students are encouraged to make a 3-minute video encapsulating the theme. They are encouraged to follow the guiding rules provided on the Catholic Register website and submit their entries by filling the details on the submission form located here: https://www.catholicregister.org/videocontest
CONTACT: interreligious@archtoronto.org or call 416-934-3400 ext. 527 for more information or questions.
Saturday, March 23, 2024 8:30 – 9:30 PM.
Give an hour for Earth by saving energy.
Why was there no card playing on the Ark? (Hint: Because Noah was always sitting on the deck.)
| Posted in Bulletin |
March 16th, 2024
Wednesday, March 20 at 7:30 PM
Our parish Lenten Reconciliation Service will be held Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 7:30 PM.
Thursday, March 21
Our parish day of confession will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 3:00PM to 5:00PM for those who wish to make their individual confessions.
Stations of the Cross will take place each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 PM. You are also encouraged to attend our daily Mass as often as possible throughout Lent.
“… unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain, but if it dies it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24)
Show your love through ShareLife This weekend is ShareLife weekend.
This ShareLife weekend marks the first collection for our parish’s annual campaign.
Every day, young people in our community need a helping hand due to homelessness, trafficking, or violence. ShareLife agencies ensure the safety of youth fleeing violent homes and provide them a supportive place to stay. This is all made possible thanks to amazing people like you who choose to support ShareLife. We thank you for your kindness and generosity.
Our parish goal this year is $194,500. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
March 18th – March 24th, 2024
MONDAY – ARMAND OAKIE ✞ – Requested by The Family TUESDAY – BILL & JUANA RYDBERG – Requested by Juana Rydberg WEDNESDAY THURSDAY – SUSANNA WONG ✞ – Requested Jenny Lo FRIDAY – SUSANA CHAU DE ALMENARA ✞ – Requested The Melis Family SATURDAY – SALVADOR SAN JUAN JR. – Requested by His Wife and Family SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – JOVITA PINO ✞ – Requested by Josie Pino SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – CHIARA INTINI ✞ – Requested by Annibale & Oakie Family
5th Sunday of Lent 1st Reading: Jeremiah 31.31-34 ++ 2nd Reading: Hebrews 5.7-9 Gospel: John 12.20-33 – – Jesus Speaks about His Death
In the first reading, God tells the prophet Jeremiah, “But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” For the Lord to insist on writing the law on our hearts, He implies that this covenant will be extremely personal and intimate. Let us strive to go to Him and bear our heart to Him, that we may be able to grow deeper in relationship with Christ.
From Death to New Life March 23rd from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.
The Lenten Season can serve as a precious time of preparation for the glory of Easter. It is filled with desert experiences, wisdom teachings, and heartfelt farewells. These dry, wise, painful, and passionate times are reflected in our lives, especially for those who are grieving.
Grief is an emotion that is mutual for all humans especially as we experience the death of loved ones, separation or changes in our relationships, changes in our health or the health of loved ones, or transitions that bring changes in our way of life. We witness the process of grief throughout the Sacred Scripture. Many people in Sacred Scripture experienced deep loss, sadness, and grief including Job, Naomi, Hannah, the Blessed Mother, and even Jesus. In John 11:35, Jesus was so moved by the death of his friend Lazarus and by the grief of Martha and their friends weeping.
If you are interested, please register and save the date. Retreat Date: March 23rd, 2024. Time: 9:00 AM to 12 Noon. Registration Deadline: Thursday, March 21, 2024
Registration is a must and it is on-going now. Please contact StGabrielBereavement@gmail.com for the registration form and for any other questions. No walk-in participants will be allowed on the day of the retreat since it will be a closed session.
As we journey through Lent 2024, visit the CCCB website for the “Journey through Lent” video series from Ash Wednesday to the Fourth week of Lent:
in English: https://www.cccb.ca/lent/ in French: https://www.cecc.ca/careme/
We might have gained an hour of daylight last weekend, but what did we lose? (Hint: You don’t want to be caught doing this during the homily)
March 9th, 2024
Saturday, March 16th from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
On Saturday, March 16th from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, you are invited to join us in the parish gathering space as we continue the Parish Synod dialogue regarding future directions for the mission of our parish. Facilitated by Rick Coles and Leanne Kloppenborg, Parish Mission Co-Directors, along with Michael Nasello, Director of the Passionist Solidarity Network, we will explore the questions, “Who are the crucified of the world in our time and place? How are we being called to respond to their suffering?” We hope to see you there.
3:00 PM – Solemn Passion of Our Lord 7:30 PM – Stations of the Cross
Masses: 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM
March 11th – March 17th, 2024
MONDAY – FOR THE DESTITUTE, THE SICK AND THE DYING – Requested by Lydia McGrann TUESDAY – JOHN J. VALLIYATHUMALLY ✞ – Requested by The Valavi Family WEDNESDAY – JOSEPHINE BADALI ✞ – Requested by John, Sal & Patsy THURSDAY – FRIEDRICH WILHELM BRANSCHAT ✞ – Requested by The Branschat Family FRIDAY SATURDAY – BONG PINEDA ✞ – Requested by The Family SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – TINA INTINI ✞ – Requested by Chiara Intini SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – RONELO GAITAN – Requested by Rebecca Gaitan
4th Sunday of Lent 1st Reading: 2 Chronicles 36.14-17a, 19-23++ 2nd Reading: Ephesians 2.4-10 Gospel: John 3.14-21 – Nicodemus Visits Jesus
In the first reading from 2 Chronicles we hear about how God’s messengers were persecuted and despised for listening to God. As stewards, we will often also face difficulties in our ministry which is a share in the cross of Christ. To suffer for Christ is a great dignity so the next time encounter sufferings in our stewardship, let us simply pray “Lord, help me to carry this cross out of love for you.”
Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.
Rosalie Hall is an accredited children’s mental health facility focusing on the needs of pregnant and parenting youth ages 12-25, their children, and their families.
Good Shepherd provides hot meals, clean clothes and shelter for the homeless in our city. They help find housing and provide follow-up support. They support the homeless who are working to overcome addictions and provide a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs.
Show your love through ShareLife
ShareLife Sunday is March 17th.
Today, as we contemplate God’s boundless generosity, may we, too, be moved by this same spirit of generosity. May this inspire all of us to be kind, compassionate, and move us to share our blessings with our brothers and sisters in need.
If you are planning to be a teacher, it is important for you to know that to be hired to teach in any Catholic school board in Ontario, there must be a letter of reference from your pastor as part of your application.
The letter explaining that you belong to and participate in the community cannot be written if your pastor does not know you. It is recommended that you have a conversation with him early in the process well before the applications are to be submitted.
March 23rd from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.
SAVE THE DATE: March 23, 2024 for a Bereavement Lenten Retreat: From Death to New Life
If you are interested, save the date: March 23rd, 2024. The retreat will be from 9:00 AM to 12 Noon. Registration is a must. No walk-in participants will be allowed on the day of the retreat since it will be a closed session. If you have any questions feel free to contact StGabrielBereavement@gmail.com. Please stay tuned for more information.
February 5 to April 15, 2024
As we journey through Lent 2024, visit the CCCB website for the “Journey through Lent” video series from Ash Wednesday to the Fourth week of Lent: in English: https://www.cccb.ca/lent/ in French: https://www.cecc.ca/careme/
Friday, March 15th to Sunday, March 17th, 2024
Manresa Jesuit Renewal Centre 2325 Liverpool Rd., Pickering (at top of Liverpool Rd., N. of Finch)
The Manresa Jesuit Renewal Centre is offering a retreat for men from Friday March 15th to Sunday March 17th The theme is: To be like Mary – Immersed in God’s Divine Life “To live as a Christian in the world, while at the same time living with God’s vision for oneself and his Creation.” In this retreat, we try to listen to God speaking to us through the Scriptures, the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the lives of the saints. The facilitator is Fr. John Sullivan, S.J.
Come away to Manresa to experience silence and restfulness, to renew your spirit and to deepen your relationship with the Lord. For more information contact Manresa: 905-839-2864 To register: https://manresa-canada.ca/events/
What is Passion Sunday also called, the Sunday that marks the beginning of the Holy Week celebrations? (Hint: it is not on our living wall)
March 2nd, 2024
Saturday, March 16th from 1:00 PM to3:30 PM
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you to all those who worked to make this year’s Lunar New Year Party a wonderful celebration. This is one of the nicest events we have throughout the year and, as always, it was a huge success.
The decorations were amazing. The food was delicious. And the games were entertaining. Thank you to those who planned and worked so hard in making this celebration a truly memorable event. All who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Thank you!
March 4th – March 10th, 2024
MONDAY – GEORGE P. VALAVI ✞ – Requested by The Valavi Family TUESDAY – LYDIA McGRANN – Requested by Ron & Anne Ackber WEDNESDAY – GORDON OATWAY ✞ – Requested by Patricia Oatway THURSDAY – SIK WAN DANG ✞ – Requested by Erminia Choy FRIDAY – ENRICA VIOLIN – Requested by The Oakie Family SATURDAY – ROBERT IP – Requested by Vivian Ng SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – ANGELO DI FLUMERI & FAMILY ✞ – Requested by The Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – MEI YUNG FONG ✞ – Requested by the Rosary Group
Stations of the Cross will take place each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 PM.
You are also encouraged to attend our daily Mass as often as possible throughout Lent.
Wednesday, March 20 at 7.30PM
Our parish Lenten Reconciliation Service will be held Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 7.30PM.
Our parish day of confession will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 3.00PM to 5.00PM for those who wish to make their individual confessions.
3rd Sunday of Lent First Reading: Exodus 20.1-17 2nd Reading: 1 Cor. 1.18, 22-25++ Gospel: John 2.13-25 – Jesus Cleanses the Temple The Transfiguration
In today’s first reading we hear about how Moses received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai. As we are in this penitential season of Lent let us take some time to reflect on how well we are living up to these commandments through an examination of conscience. Let us then avail ourselves of the sacrament of Confession so that the Lord can victoriously heal us of our sins, helping us grow in holiness.
Our Parish goal is $194,500. Through your kindness, over 40 Catholic organizations and social service agencies can help marginalized members of our community. No one is turned away due to inability to pay. This is all possible through your support.
March 23rd from 9:00 PM to 12:00 Noon
As we journey through Lent 2024, the Ash Wednesday video and the First Sunday of Lent video of the series titled “Journey through Lent” are now available on the CCCB website:
Saturday March 9,2024 at 8:30 AM
1617 Blythe Road, Mississauga
The Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre is offering a Lenten retreat on Saturday March 9th. It will be facilitated by the Centre Team.
The cost is $45.00 which includes coffee/tea with muffins and a hot lunch. Mass will also be celebrated.
Registration begins at 8:30 AM.
To register or for more information, please call Jean at 905-278-5524 or email: office@qoa.ca
Whose Passionist Saint’s feast day did we celebrate on Feb 27? (search last week’s bulletin for answer)
February 24th, 2024
Tuesday February 27th is the feast of St. Gabriel.
St. Gabriel, a member of the Passionist Community, was born Francis Possenti on March 1st, 1838 in Assisi. In September, 1856, he entered the Passionist novitiate but before his ordination, he contracted tuberculosis. He died February 27th, 1862 at the age of 24. Francis had a special devotion to Mary and chose as his religious name Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin.
He is remembered for his enthusiasm in life and his extraordinary generosity. Pope John XXIII proclaimed him as a special Patron of Youth. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 AM
On Saturday, March 16th from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM in the parish gathering space, you are invited to join us as we continue the Parish Synod dialogue regarding future directions for the mission of our parish. Facilitated by Rick Coles and Leanne Kloppenborg, Parish Mission Co-Directors, along with Michael Nasello, Director of the Passionist Solidarity Network, we will explore the questions, “Who are the crucified of the world in our time and place? How are we being called to respond to their suffering?” We hope to see you there.
February 26th – March 3rd, 2024
MONDAY – FLORENTINO LLOVIT, MARIA LLOVIT & MODESTA MACEDA ✞ – Requested by Linda LLovit TUESDAY – ODILIA YIU ✞ – Requested by the Family WEDNESDAY – THURSDAY – GENARA MARTINEZ ✞ – Requested by Her Family FRIDAY – CHIARA INTINI ✞ – Requested by Carmina Filice SATURDAY – SPECIAL INTENTIONS – Requested by Wanda & Jack Wrobel SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – PETER & BRIDGET PEREIRA ✞ – Requested by Sophie & Candida Pereira SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – CORAZON MALUNAS ✞ – Requested by the Malunas Family
2nd Sunday of Lent 1st Reading: Genesis 22.1-2, 9-13, 15-18 2nd Reading: Romans 8.31b-35, 37 Gospel: Mark 9.2-10 – The Transfiguration
The Transfiguration
In a culture that is increasingly secular, living out the Gospel and practicing stewardship can lead to many trials that may tempt us to give up our pursuit of holiness. In times like this we can find great consolation in the words of St. Paul who says that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. When our life of stewardship becomes difficult, let us take a moment to simply pray: “I love you Jesus, help me to be more aware of your love for me”
We very much appreciate your contribution to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. Your support assists our Neighbours in Need locally as well as those in need served through the Society’s programs and services.
The St. Gabriel’s conference is comprised of volunteers from the parish. Together with your support, we provide assistance to persons who require help with food, furniture, clothing or other essentials, support and friendship.
St. Gabriel is a member conference of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Greater Toronto Central Council. You may know us best by our collection boxes and Bundle Up clothing drives, however the Society also serves as follows:
Emergency Shelters for women in crisis: Amelie House, Elisa House, Mary’s Home, St. Clare’s Residence
Supportive Housing: DePaul, Martineau and Vincent Homes for adults requiring developmental services, St. Francis Residence for adults living with mental health challenges, Ozanam House and VincenPaul Community Homes for men in recovery
Camps for children: Marygrove Camp and Camp Ozanam
Other programs: Stores Division and Court Services
During this pandemic year, St. Gabriel’s conference managed to visit 88 families in the parish, assisted 170 adults and 144 children with food, clothing, bedding and furniture. During Christmas, we distributed grocery assistances and gift cards donated by parishioners to 17 families.
You will be remembered in the Society’s masses and prayers.
Sincerely on behalf of the Conference of St. Gabriel, Brenda D’ Souza
For those who may be interested in becoming a member of the Palliative and Bereavement Ministry Team in our parish, the next archdiocesan bereavement ministry training will be coming up shortly. This Lenten Retreat will be held on March 23rd from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. All are Thursday evenings.
The training is designed for new and seasoned parish bereavement ministers. It will explore ways to begin a bereavement ministry or enhance the present bereavement ministry programs in the parish. Registrants are required to participate in all online sessions and complete pre-homework to receive full training.
If you would like to discern about your call to this important ministry to those who are grieving, please contact Sr. Maria Lucia at StGabrielBereavement@gmail.com and she will guide you through the process before you are recommended to attend the training. There is no cost to attend the training but registration is required (space is limited).
The Passionists of East Africa have invited a small group from the Toronto area to witness their work in Kenya and Tanzania this Fall. We will visit Nairobi, central Kenya and the Lake Victoria region before travelling overland to Tanzania where we will stay with the Passionist Community in Arusha.
The experience ends with a wildlife safari in the northern part of Tanzania. Similar small group travel experiences have happened in 2018, 2019 and 2023.
Space is limited so if you would like more information, please contact Steve Carey at skecarey@gmail.com
1617 Blythe Road, Mississauga Saturday March 9,2024 at 8:30 AM
The Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre is offering a Lenten retreat on Saturday March 9th. It will be facilitated by the Centre Team. The cost is $45.00 which includes coffee/tea with muffins and a hot lunch. Mass will also be celebrated.
Registration begins at 8:30 AM. To register or for more information, please call Jean at 905-278-5524 or email: office@qoa.ca
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