December 16th, 2022
Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son; and his name will be called Emmanuel. (Isaiah 7.14)
Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!” Amen. Fr. Henri J.M. Nouwen
December 19th – December 23rd, 2022
MONDAY – GUY & THÉRÈSE VAULEON ✞ – Requested by Agnes Gaughan TUESDAY – ANDREW HUI ✞ – Requested by Howa Hui WEDNESDAY – UMBERTO INTINI ✞ – Requested by Chiara Intini & Family THURSDAY – EILEEN FOY ✞ – Requested by Nora Kerr FRIDAY – THANKSGIVING – Requested by Melogine Evangelista
No 4:30 PM Mass 6:00 PM Mass 9:00 PM Mass 12:00 AM Midnight Mass Office Open – 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
10:30 AM Mass 12:30 PM Mass Office Open – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Monday, December 26th No 9:00 AM Mass Office Closed
No 9:00 AM Mass Office Closed
No 4:30 PM Mass Vigil Mass for Feast of Mary the Holy Mother of God – 5:00 PM Office Open – 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Feast of Mary the Holy Mother of God 8:30 AM 10:30 AM 12:30 PM Office Open – 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM
While parking at ground level is limited to 51 spaces, there is plenty of space in the underground parking lot. Please follow the instructions of the attendants. Do not park in front of the Church since this is a fire route and must be kept clear.
Additional parking is available on the east side of Elkhorn Public School and in the bus loop. Again, please follow the instructions of the attendant. The school requests that we do not park on the grass. Many thanks to Danila Duliunas, the Principal of Elkhorn Public School, for allowing us the use of the school property.
If you have a sewing machine that is not used anymore and is still in good working condition you could help a new immigrant or refugee toward becoming independent. Why not donate it? If you can help, please leave your name and phone number with the parish office. Someone will arrange to pick it up
For December, your prepared frozen casseroles may be dropped off at the Parish Office by Thursday, December 29th for pick up by the Good Shepherd Centre on December 30th. Please note the change of date.
Thanks to your kind support the Parish Refugee Committee now has $21,000.00 which is sufficient for the them to host a family for six months. Application is now being made.
The Refugee Committee wishes you a blessed and peaceful Christmas.
Wednesday, December 21st from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Newman Centre Catholic Mission, 89 St. George St., Toronto
Join them for an evening of festivities and fun as they celebrate A Newman Family Christmas.
Tickets are $50 for each couple
For more information contact Rachelle Ezechiels at rachelle.ezechiels@newmantoronto.com or 416-979-2468 ext. 230
Website: https://www.newmantoronto.com
Eventbrite Registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/date-night-series-a-newman-family-christmas-tickets-472855211667
Offertory envelopes for 2023 are now available in the Gathering Space.
If there is no box with your name on it and you wish to use envelopes, please advise the parish office either in person, by email or by phone.
You normally would not have an envelope box assigned to you if you are donating via Pre-Authorized Giving or Donate Now via the Archdiocese.
On the first few 2023 envelopes, please write your name and complete address so that the office can ensure they have your correct information when sending out 2022 tax receipts.
To ensure the proper recording for tax receipt purposes, please do not use any envelopes from 2022 or any prior year for any 2023 donations.
Please note: All donations for 2022 must be received in the Parish Office by Saturday, December 31st, 2022 to be included in your 2022 Tax Receipt.
| Posted in Bulletin |
December 11th, 2022
“The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.” (Psalm126)
Wednesday, December 14th from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
All children in JK and up are invited to participate in this year’s Nativity Play at the 6:00 PM Christmas Eve mass. There will be one rehearsal on Sunday December 18th after the 10:30 AM mass. Please contact sgpyouthgroup@gmail.com or 416-221-8866 ext. 227 to participate!
After two years, our parish is excited to recommence the Children’s Choir for the Christmas Eve Mass! All youth in Grades 3 and up are invited to join. There will be 3 rehearsals at St. Gabriel’s Parish
♪ Thursday, December 8th from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM ♪ Thursday, December 15th from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM ♪ Sunday, December 18th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
If you would like to participate or have any questions, please contact our Youth Minister at sgpyouthgroup@gmail.com or 416-221-8866 ext. 227.
December 12th to December 18th
MONDAY – MARTIN & MARGARET HIGGINS ✞ – Requested by Agnes Gaughan TUESDAY – LO WAI CHING ✞ – Requested by Alice Lo WEDNESDAY – ABANDONED SOULS ✞ – Requested by the Nguyen Family THURSDAY – VU VAN TAI ✞ – Requested by the Nguyen Family FRIDAY – JOSEPH DOAN PHUC AI ✞ – Requested by The Nguyen Family SATURDAY – ANDREW HUI ✞ – Requested by Howa Hui SUNDAY 10:30 AM – BRUNO CORTESE ✞ – Requested by the Cortese Family SUNDAY 12:30 PM – AMBROGIO (GINO) MOTTA ✞ – Requested by the Grech Family
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome:
Avery Blake Raneses Cadavez Kaitlyn Anne Chen Nathan Kristopher Chen Emilio Joseph Da Silva Isaac Tin Sum Lau Gabriella Gulpe Laurente Cayden Maverick Wong
These children received the sacrament of Baptism recently. Congratulations!
Wednesday December 14th from 3:00 to 6:00 PM
During this time of prayer, we are reminded that the gift of Reconciliation restores us to the fullness of life and calls us to full participation in the Christmas liturgies.
Individual reconciliation will be held on Wednesday, December 14th from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.
Thank you to those parishioners who prepared 34 casseroles for November. For December, your prepared frozen casseroles may be dropped off at the Parish Office by Thursday, December 29th for pick up by the Good Shepherd Centre on December 30th. Please note the change of date.
Let’s see if we can increase that number!
The need is very great especially as winter approaches.
The casseroles are easy to make and we have the recipes and casserole pans right here in the Parish Office. The recipes are also available on the Parish website. If you require more information, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.
Saturday November 19th to Sunday December 11th
We are having a Christmas Toy Drive again this year for the Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation. You can help by dropping off an unwrapped new toy for a child, age newborn to12 years old. Containers are set up in the gathering space and will remain there until Sunday, December 11th. Toys will be collected in by the Foundation the week of December 12th to pick it up.
Saturday, November 19th to Sunday, December 11th
St. Vincent de Paul
During Advent, the Society of St Vincent de Paul, St. Gabriel Conference, have had a Giving Tree in the Gathering Space. The tree is decorated with gift stars.
We invite you to take a star, buy a Walmart or Canadian Tire gift card for about $50 and bring it with the star attached to the Parish Office.
Rosalie Hall
At this time of the year, we are also thinking of the young mothers and babies of Rosalie Hall. If you wish to help, you may choose a “Christmas Stocking” from the tree to purchase pyjamas or undershirts for little ones, age 6 months to 5 years.
Sweaters or hoodies would also be very welcome. Unwrapped Items with the original stocking tag attached can be left in the box provided near the giving tree no later than Sunday, December 11th. Toys or books for these little ones would also be appreciated.
For the Moms, we are suggesting gift cards from Tim Horton’s, Walmart or MacDonald’s. These can be placed in the cards provided and brought to the Office. Thank you for your continued generosity.
If you have a sewing machine that is not used anymore and is still in good working condition you could help a new immigrant or refugee toward becoming independent. Why not donate it? If you can help, please leave your name and phone number with the parish office. Someone will arrange to pick it up.
Sunday, December 18th at 4:00 PM
St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, 222 Ridely Blvd., Toronto
Come and join us for Lessons & Carols featuring the Together in Worship Canada Choir. Tickets are $20 for Adults, Seniors and kids $10.
Please contact St. Margaret’s Parish Office by phone at 416-485-7781 or email at stmargaretofscotland@archtoronto.org
December 3rd, 2022
Saturday, December 10th at 7:30 PM
St. Gabriel’s Church Christmas, Christmas time is near!
We’re back live and in concert!
Come join the Seraphim & Cherubim Chorus singing the Christmas songs you love as part of our Winter Song concert series. We’re always so excited to bring our friends together to celebrate the season and sing songs that touch our hearts. Never a typical Christmas concert and always full of surprise tunes and reimagined classics.
Join us at St. Gabriel’s on December 10th at 7:30 PM. Advanced tickets are available online at www.seraphimandcherubim.ca
December 5th to December 11th
MONDAY – MARIA DIDIODATO ✞ – Requested by her Family TUESDAY – YOLANDA CUERVO ✞ – Requested by Carlos Restrepo WEDNESDAY – SR. KLALA LI & JOSEPINA LI ✞ – Requested by Cecilia Park THURSDAY – KRISTOPHER TA – Requested by Veronica Do FRIDAY – PELAGIO OLIVAR ✞ – Requested by Eileen Domopoy SATURDAY – FR. PAUL CUSACK CP ✞ – Requested by Mark DesRoches SUNDAY 10:30 AM – JOHN MENDES ✞ – Requested by his Family SUNDAY 12:30 PM – BENITO TOMAIUOLI & FAMILY ✞ – Requested by the Family
Thank you to those parishioners who prepared 34 casseroles for November. For December, your prepared frozen casseroles may be dropped off at the Parish Office by December 29th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
We will be having a Christmas Toy Drive again this year for the Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation. You can help by dropping off an unwrapped new toy for a child, age newborn to12 years old. Containers will be set up at the doors of the Church on Saturday, November 19th and will remain there until Sunday, December 11th.
Living the Gospel through ShareLife
NEW: Your year-end gift will double in value! From now until the end of 2022, your contribution to our parish’s ShareLife campaign will be matched by an anonymous donor up to a total of $1 million.
Our parishioners’ support of ShareLife is making a difference in the lives of those in need. Last year, ShareLife supporters like you enabled 21,000 people to receive affordable mental health care through family service agencies across the Archdiocese of Toronto, including our community.
Our goal this year is $198,000. To date we have achieved $169,312. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
If you have a sewing machine that is not used any more and is still in good working condition you could help a new immigrant or refugee toward becoming independent. Why not donate it? If you can help please leave your name and phone number with the parish office. Someone will arrange to pick it up.
During Advent, the Society of St Vincent de Paul, St. Gabriel Conference, will have a Giving Tree in the Gathering Space. The tree will be decorated with gift stars.
December 9th and 10th from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
St. Timothy’s Church, 29 Leith Hill Road
Are you spiritually prepared for Christmas? Wherever you’re at, St. Timothy’s Parish is excited to announce that they will have a mini-Advent retreat on Friday December 9th and Saturday December 10th. It will be led by Fr. Lawrence Hyginus, CC and seminarian Tim Silver, CC.” All are welcome.
Thank you for your support!
Saturday December 10th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre
Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre is offering a Bereavement Day of Retreat on Saturday December 10th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The Theme is “Let the healing hands of Jesus bless you with peace and Healing” preached by the Centre Team. The cost is $45.00 including lunch. To register contact: 905-278-5229 or office@qoa.ca
November 27th, 2022
St. Gabriel’s Church
Christmas, Christmas time is near! We’re back live and in concert!
November 28th to December 4th
MONDAY – MARIA ODILIA PEREIRA ✞ – Requested by Maria Da Silva TUESDAY – THE PACAMPARA FAMILY – Requested by Nicole Pacampara WEDNESDAY – GIUSEPPINA & ORESTE SMERIGLIO ✞ – Requested by Lina Giannotta THURSDAY – ABANDONED SOULS ✞ – Requested by the Nguyen Family FRIDAY – JOSEPH LUAN NGUYEN ✞ – Requested by the Family SATURDAY – ANGELO DI FLUMERI & FAMILY ✞ – Requested by the Family SUNDAY 10:30 AM – JOSE ENRIQUEZ SR. ✞ – Requested by the Family SUNDAY 12:30 PM – CEFERINO VALDEZ ✞ – Requested by the Family
Help homeless youth through ShareLife
Covenant House is one of the agencies you support through ShareLife. It’s located in Toronto, but its young clients – largely homeless youth – arrive from throughout the archdiocese.
“Your commitment to love and care for the youth experiencing homelessness and trafficking who come to Covenant House truly means so much,” says the agency’s director. “Your support gives hope to young people who need hope right now – and you give youth a real chance for a better future.”
Our goal this year is $198,000. To date we have achieved $169,232. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
Our parish refugee committee is committed to hosting a Ukrainian family but the challenge we have run into is the cost of rental accommodation in the Toronto area. The committee currently has funds to house a family for only three months. This does not provide much stability for newcomers while they get settled, learn English and find employment. We would like to provide a longer time frame for accommodation and support for the newcomers we will sponsor to provide more stability and support. To that end, we have been looking for private rental accommodation and are also looking to team up with other parishes who might like to support our efforts. We are also asking for your assistance by asking you to contribute to a second collection this weekend. Envelopes are in the pews and can be dropped off at the parish office next weekend if you wish.
Hopefully we can, together, live the gospel of Mathew: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in.”
Thank you for your support.
Ends: Monday, November 28th Pick Up: Wednesday, December 7th
Friends of Loretto Abbey presents Christmas at the Abbey offering poinsettias, plants, planters, outdoor greenery and ornaments in many colours and sizes.
Please visit https://christmas-at-the-abbey.myshopify.com/ to place an order.
Sale ends November 28th, pick up is December 7th at Loretto Abbey.
All profits benefit the needs of Loretto Abbey CSS. Thank you for your support!
November 19th, 2022
A Box 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 on a sheet of paper at home and bring it to place in the box.
Those whose names are in the Box of Remembrance will be remembered at all the Masses celebrated in November.
“As Christians, let us always make charity, faith and hope the basis of our lives and our actions.” – Pope Francis, Message for the sixth World Day of the Poor (Nov 13th, 2022)
Last Sunday, our youth group assembled 100 winter care packages of gloves, socks, and gift cards for the less fortunate. Our group of 25 spent the afternoon handing out packages to individuals in the downtown core and also dropped off packages to three shelters. It was a gratifying experience for World Day of the Poor. Thank you to our adult supervisors and to our pastoral team for their continued support!
Our youth group is always welcoming new members grades 6 and up. To get involved, please email sgpyouthgroup@gmail.com
November 21st to November 27th
MONDAY – ARLO SEAS – Requested by Megan Freitas TUESDAY – CARMILUZZA DI NATALE ✞ – Requested by the Grech Family WEDNESDAY – ROMULO GONZALEZ ✞ – Requested by his Parents THURSDAY – SR. CAROLINE ALTPETER ✞ – Requested by Margaret Anne Leckie FRIDAY – FILOMENA DA SILVA ✞ – Requested by Maria Da Silva SATURDAY – JOHN MENDES ✞ – Requested by his Family SUNDAY 10:30 AM – LAURA KOO & FAMILY – Requested by Megan Freitas SUNDAY 12:30 PM – KOK YAU BO ✞ – Requested by Y.L. Kok
Available weekend of November 26/27, 2022
A beautiful and unique calendar from the Canadian North will be available again! The calendar showcases photos of lovely landscape of the North captured by Bishop Jon Hansen on his many missionary trips in the Diocese of Mackenzie in the Northwest Territories. That Diocese is home to many isolated indigenous communities.
Many of you may have known Fatima Lee, who is formerly a member of our pastoral team at St Gabriel’s. She has served as a missionary in the Diocese of Mackenzie since 2018.
On the weekend of Nov 26/27, volunteers will be selling these beautiful 2022 calendars at the parish gathering space before and after mass, while the calendars last.
It is hoped that through the sale of these calendars, funds will be raised to support the travel of priests and pastoral workers of the diocese to the remote communities. Since this Diocese of 1.5 million sq. km has only nine priests serving, many of the isolated communities will have Mass only occasionally. Except in the deep of winter when the ice roads are available, each time a priest or pastoral worker visits, flying in and out of these communities is the only option. And it is notoriously expensive to fly in the north.
Please consider supporting the Diocese of Mackenzie. The calendars, at $20 each, are great for personal use; they will also make wonderful and unique gifts.
There will be a second collection on November 26/27 to support the Ukrainian Sponsorship Initiative.
Apartment Needed
The Refugee Committee is actively looking for a 2 bedroom apartment that can be rented to host a Ukrainian family for 3-6 months.
If you have such a space, or know of someone who does, would you please contact the parish office at stgabrielsparish@bellnet.ca.
Live the Gospel by supporting ShareLife
“ShareLife is the way the rubber hits the road. This is how we validate the legitimacy and integrity of our Christian life: not by the words we speak, but by the love we share, in practical ways. That’s what we do with ShareLife.” – Cardinal Thomas Collins
Our goal this year is $198,000. To date we have achieved $169,232 Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
For November, your prepared frozen casseroles will be collected at the Masses next weekend for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
More volunteers are needed to become active in helping to feed our less fortunate sisters and brothers. Three different recipes are available in the Parish Office or online at the Parish website. Casserole pans are also available from the Parish Office. If you require more information, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.
We will be having a Christmas Toy Drive again this year for the Catholic Children’s Aid Society. You can help by dropping off an unwrapped new toy for a child, age newborn to12 years old. Containers will be set up at the doors of the Church on Saturday, November 30th and will remain there until Sunday, December 16th.
Sale ends Nov 28th, pick up is Dec 7th at Loretto Abbey.
All profits benefit the needs of Loretto Abbey CSS.
Through Separation, Divorce and Death Thursday, November 24th Online
In partnership with the Archdiocese of Toronto, Catholic Family Services of Toronto offers the New Beginnings program which is a ministry dedicated to helping those suffering a loss through separation, divorce or death. This program is online beginning on Thursday, November 24th. They provide inspirational talks, day retreats and assist parish peer support groups through training and resources.
Register at: https://nbsdrrr.eventbrite.ca or for more information please email Arcangelo Limanni, MRE at alimanni@cfstoronto.com or call 647- 215-3978.
Saturday, November 26th
Blessed Trinity Parish, 3220 Bayview Ave., from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Blessed Trinity invites you to an Advent Retreat with Bishop Robert Kasun on Nov. 26th from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM in the church parish hall. The cost is $20 per ticket. A light breakfast will be served. Everyone is welcome!
Contact Camila Nowakowski at cnowakowski@rogers.com or by phone at 416-226-0262
WEBSITE: https://www.blessedtrinityparish.ca/
A Virtual Presentation
Monday, November 28th at 7:00 PM
University Women’s Club North York (UWCNY) invites you to attend More Options, More Choice: Aging Your Way – a virtual presentation via Zoom with Sue Lantz, Founder and Managing Director of Collaborative Aging on Monday, November 28th at 7:00 PM. You will learn about a holistic approach to planning, arranging, and preparing for the life you want to live tomorrow.
Sue will present a thought-provoking conversation to broaden your perspective on aging in the places you choose, with the best supports and resources within your community. Participants will be inspired to map out their own plans in a practical, unique, and collaborative way using the five-strategy framework and various tools within the “Options Open” Guide.
Registration info
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqd-mtpjkiE9NlQsEPJcmR-strUnUgJS_d or contact Maureen Cassidy at (437) 242-1055
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.
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Companion for the Walk of the Stations of the Cosmic Earth
St. Gabriel’s Garden – Guided Sensory Reflective Walk