May 4th, 2008
Rosalie Hall was founded in 1914, and shares a heritage of more that 150 years of service by the Misericordia Sisters to young, single pregnant women, their children and their families. Rosalie Hall, with compassion and respect, assists young parents in need and their children to realize their potential through the provision of a wide range of community, residential, educational and child development services. Its homelike residence has an educational facility on-site so that young women have an opportunity to finish their high school education. Clients also have access to regular medical examinations, prenatal classes, individual and group counselling, licensed day care and post adoption services.
Because you Give…. there is a ray of hope for those living in darkness!
2007 ShareLife Total: $164,652.60 2008 ShareLife to Date: $103,002.00
Tuesday evening, May 6 at 7:30 PM Topic: Catholics in Nazi Germany
Wednesday morning, May 7 at 10:30 AM Topic: St. Paul – Pastor and Theologian
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 61 casseroles for the Good Shepherd Centre for April. For May, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of May 24/25 for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre. More volunteers are encouraged to become active in helping to feed our less fortunate sisters and brothers. If you require more information or would like to get a copy of the recipe and a casserole pan, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416 – 221 – 2791
Total: $7,958.84
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Fred Speed, a long-time parishioner, is offering to teach English to small groups of new immigrant women. The groups will be between four and six persons. It is anticipated that classes, with an initial focus on conversational English, will be offered one afternoon a week here at the parish. They will be targeted to immigrants with a beginner level of English. Details about the classes may be found on the bulletin boards. Those interested, please contact Fatima Lee at (416) 221-8866, Ext. 228 for further information and/or to register.
Catholic Family Services of Toronto is offering another series for “Families and Individuals Experiencing Separation or Divorce”. The program will be offered from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. at two locations beginning:
May 6 North Office 5799 Yonge Street (Finch Subway Station)
May 8 Central Office 1155 Yonge Street (Summerhill Subway Station)
For further information, call Ian Singer at the Central Office, 416-921-1163 or Mario Esposito at our North Office, 416-222-0048.
Single women, ages 18 – 40, are invited to a retreat weekend, May 9 – 11 or May 30 – June 1, 2008, given by a team of Sisters of St. Joseph. Call Sister Dorothy at 416-927-0720 for more information. Also, see the flyer on the bulletin board.
Get involved and celebrate Mother’s Day in a special way. Help make the world a better place for children! 5 km Fundraising Walk in support of Paediatric Brain Tumour Research Sunday, May 11, 2008 9:00 AM – 12 Noon from Ontario Place to the Hospital for Sick Children
All proceeds to benefit the Meagan Bebenek Endowment Fund at SickKids and b.r.a.i.n.child Register, Pledge, Donate Online At www.meaganswalk.com
Dear Father Paul and Parishioners of St. Gabriel’s,
I would like to thank you for your support of my participation in the Friends for Life Bike Rally to raise funds for the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation. The response from you, the Parishioners, has been absolutely incredible, and with your help I have already surpassed the fundraising goal of $2200!! Thank you again!
All the best, Pauline Hwang
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be collecting gently used clothing and household linens for those in need on the weekend of June 16Th and 17Th . There is a particular need for textiles and footwear. A St. Vincent de Paul truck will be parked on the upper parking lot opposite the garden. Volunteers will assist with loading before and after each of the Masses on Saturday and Sunday.
| Posted in Bulletin |
April 27th, 2008
The Acts of the Apostles records the life and struggles of the early Christian communities. The execution of Stephen in Jerusalem caused a scattering of the disciples. My father used to say, “It’s an ill wind that blows nobody good.” It was through this scattering of the Christian community in Jerusalem that the faith was brought to other communities, Jewish and Gentile. In the Acts we read of the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit in the first years of the church. We read of deeds and wonders that are not part of our experiences. When Peter and John laid hands over those Samaritans who had been baptized by Philip, they were blessed with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
We all received the Holy Spirit when we were baptized. St. Paul teaches that when we were baptized the Holy Spirit was poured into our very being and empowered by that Spirit we are bold enough to call God, Father. In one of the prayers for the feast of Pentecost we pray, “And that we might live no longer for ourselves but for Him, He sent the Holy Spirit from you Father to complete His work on earth and bring us the fullness of grace.”
I tell the student preparing for Confirmation that Baptism makes us the receiver of gifts but Confirmation makes us the doer of deeds. It is the presence of the Holy Spirit in us that helps us break out of and overcome our innate selfishness and go out to those in need. It is the Holy Spirit who nudges us, coaches us to do things for others. The Holy Spirit is at work in our lives as the Spirit offers us passing suggestions to make a phone call, make a visit, send a note, offer a word or admiration or congratulations to someone, offer an apology or graciously accept an apology.
We are in the midst of the very important yearly appeal of ShareLife. As you know, the money raised by this appeal helps countless men, women, and children in our Archdiocese. The motto of this year’s appeal is stated in the simple words, “Because You Give.” Because you give much good can be done. Because you give young people are helped and healed in places like Covenant House or Mary’s Place. Because you give the poor, hungry and homeless are helped by St. Vincent de Paul and Good Shepherd Centre. Because you give the agencies of Catholic Charities can keep their doors open and do their good work. The good people who cook the casseroles for the Good Shepherd Centre had a pot luck supper a while back and one of the workers from the Centre spoke about all the good that is done at the Centre, especially with the help of volunteers and the assistance of ShareLife.
As I mentioned in my letter to you on ShareLife, last year we mailed out some 1800 Share Life appeals. Only 505 families responded. In other words only 23% of the parish contributed to this important appeal. When you stop to think about it, this is not very impressive, in fact it’s embarrassing.
In any appeal that comes our way we always ask that you be as generous as your own means allow. You know your own financial obligations and you have to take these into consideration. I suggested in my letter that every family in the parish give $50.00 to ShareLife. I suggest this again.
There was a song that was popular during the Depression in the 1930s, Buddy Can You Spare a Dime? I’m asking you, in the name of the men, women and children who will be helped, because you give, can you spare $50.00? If you still have your Share Life envelope at home or if you need one they are available on the tables in the church. Please use them.
As we continue this Mass we can pray for each other that the Holy Spirit, given to us so that we may live no longer for ourselves but for others nudge us, prod us to be part of this important life giving, life changing appeal of ShareLife. Because you give good things happen and good people are helped.
| Posted in Homily |
2007 ShareLife Total: $164,652.60 2008 ShareLife to Date: $ 99,475.00
The Children’s Faith Program Family Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, May 4th at the 8:30 AM Mass. Children from different grades will prepare the readings and usher. All families are invited.
Tuesday evening, May 6 at 7:30 PM Topic: Catholics in Nazi Germany Wednesday morning, May 7 at 10:30 AM Topic: St. Paul – Pastor and Theologian
Fred Speed, a long-time parishioner, is offering to teach English to small groups of new immigrant women. The groups will be between four and six persons. It is anticipated that classes, with an initial focus on conversational English, will be offered one afternoon a week here at the parish. They will be targeted to immigrants with a beginner level of English. Details about the classes may be found on the bulletin boards. Those interested, please contact Fatima Lee at (416) 221 – 8866, Ext. 228 for further information and/or to register.
April 20, 2008 – $ 8,166.93
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Sunday, May 4th at 3:00 PM in St. Gabriel’s Church. The celebrant will be Father Paul.
Each year, in the province of Ontario, we celebrate Catholic Education Week to recognize the importance of our Catholic schools. This year’s theme is “we are called…” and comes from the well known quote of the prophet Isaiah, “I have called you by your name, you are mine.” (Isaiah, 43:1)
Each person is called by God, and Catholic schools are based on the commitment to recognize that personal dignity, so that those who are educated there will be helped to discover the purpose of their lives as children of God. Catholic education is meant to reveal not only the “what” and “how” of life, but also, and more importantly, the “why”.
In Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Toronto, teachers and support staff invite our children to walk with one another as they grow in faith together. This is a responsibility that we all share – in home, parish community and school. In that sense, we are all teachers and we all continue to learn.
As the Archbishop of Toronto, I encourage you to renew your commitment to Catholic education. It is a beacon of hope in a troubled world. With your active engagement, it can provide a powerful vehicle through which God can call us to become what he intends us to be. Our Catholic schools seek to graduate men and women who know and practice justice, service, love and humility in the imitation of Jesus Christ. It invites those who experience it to weave the thread of faith through all that they do, and so discover the path to the fullness of life. Catholic education is meant to lead not only to knowledge, but also to that holy wisdom that is made evident in the way that we treat one another. To the many fine teachers, administrators, support staff and trustees, I express my gratitude for your ongoing efforts. In celebrating Catholic Education Week, may we all – parents, students, clergy and educators – reflect deeply on the purpose and value of Catholic education and devote our prayers, thoughts and actions to its continued enhancement.
Yours sincerely in the Lord, Thomas C. Collins, Archbishop of Toronto
View the 2007 parish financial statement. (Please note: this is a PDF document)
April 20th, 2008
Have you ever had a family gathering and more people showed up than you expected and you find yourself trying to make more room at the table. People have to move over, make room for Uncle Harry or Aunt Gen. As for having enough to eat, just put more water in the soup or another potato in the pot. We’ll make due.
Today’s gospel is part of the long conversation Jesus had with his disciples the night before He was to die. He had so many things to tell them, He has so many things to give them, especially His body and Blood in the bread and wine of their meal.
One of the things Jesus shares with His disciples is the beautiful image of His Father’s house – a house of many rooms, a house with rooms for all. We’ve all heard the different jokes about heaven and different people of different faiths and denominations thinking they are the only ones there. They were quite convinced there would be no room for those who believed differently than themselves.
This image Jesus uses of the house with many rooms is an image of God’s boundless love, an all embracing love for all. We all know our personal ability to love is quite limited and we can be quite selective, even stingy. We have just so much room in our hearts for others. We often find it difficult to make room in our lives for those who have hurt or disappointed us. This is so often the case in families, we let slights and misunderstandings linger for years and we close people out of our lives, even slam the door on them. We often have no room in our lives for people of different faiths or cultures. What Jesus is telling us in today’s gospel is God’s love for this world is “room” and larger than anything we can imagine. Jesus is telling His quite limited followers – which we all are – that despite the fact that our hearts are so narrow; God’s “house” has dwelling places which will be open to all.
As a nation we are into another time of questioning of our immigration policies, who should be let in, who should be kept out. When we look at our own family histories we have to acknowledge that, thank God this country had room for us. Let’s not get into that mentality of saying, ‘close the doors, we have no more room.’
Making room in our lives for each other will be a continuing sign of what God’s love means. God’s love is an all embracing love, a limitless love and an unconditional love.
As we continue this Mass we can pray for ourselves and for each other that will always be willing to make room in our lives and love for anyone and everyone who comes into our lives. May we be blessed with a bigness of heart which images the boundless love of God for each of us and be willing to make room for others.
Father Paul will be away this week leading a retreat at the shrine of Our Lady of the Links.
Santa Maria house was established in 1961, through the vision and dedication of volunteers. Although it is a Roman Catholic Agency, it serves young women of any belief. The basic philosophy centres on growth and celebration of life. Santa Maria House offers a supportive live-in environment for seven young women, ages 16 to 19, who have been victims of abuse. Emphasis is placed upon life skills, independence, preparation for the future, learning to live cooperatively in a group, the development of a sense of self worth, and personal responsibility. The ultimate goal is to help young women develop into healthy, contributing members of society.
2007 ShareLife Total: $164,652.60 2008 ShareLife to Date: $102,340.00
Total: $8,062.24
Tuesday evening, April 22nd at 7:30 PM Topic: Catholics in Nazi Germany
Wednesday morning, April 23rd at 10:30 AM Topic: St. Paul – Pastor and Theologian
Your prepared chicken casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at all the Masses next weekend for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre. More volunteers are encouraged to get involved. Pick up a copy of the casserole recipe, a foil pan and give it a try. For more information, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto and the Redemptorists invite young adults (ages 18 – 39) to join our house party and partake in food, laughter and a chance to ask questions. All young adults are welcome (married, single, student, working etc.) Thursday, April 24 7:00 – 9:00 PM Redeemer House 151 McCaul Street, Toronto Free parking available across the road.
Bibiana L’Abbé, conductor
The Laudamus Chorus presents an unforgettable night of uplifting sacred choral music featuring The Mass of St. Cecilia by C.Gounod. Let your hearts and minds be enchanted by this soaring spiritual music.
Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 7:30PM St. Luke’s Parish, 39 Green Lane, Thornhill Tickets: $20 (in advance) $25 (at the door) Call: 905-771-0230 or e-mail: laudamus.chorus@gmail.com Proceeds go to St. Luke’s Parish capital campaign.
Single women, ages 18-40, are invited to a retreat weekend, May 9-11 or May 30-June 1, 2008, given by a team of Sisters of St. Joseph. For information call Sister Dorothy at 416 – 927 – 0720. Also, see the flyer on the bulletin board.
Catholic Family Services of Toronto is offering another series for “Families and Individuals Experiencing Separation or Divorce”.
The program will be offered from 6:30 to 8:30 at two locations beginning: May 6 North Office, 5799 Yonge Street (Finch Subway Station) May 8 Central Office, 1155 Yonge Street (Summerhill Subway Station)
For further information call Ian Singer at the Central Office, 416-921-1163 or Mario Esposito at our North office at 416-222-0048
Get involved and celebrate Mother’s Day in a special way. Help make the world a better place for children! 5 km Fundraising Walk in support of Paediatric Brain Tumour Research. Sunday, May 11, 2008 9:00 AM – 12 Noon from Ontario Place to the Hospital for Sick Children All proceeds to benefit the Meagan Bebenek Endowment Fund at SickKids and b.r.a.i.n.child. Register, Pledge, Donate Online At www.meaganswalk.com
Pauline Hwang, daughter of Paul and Wai Chin Hwang, will be bicycling from Toronto to Montreal in July, for a total distance of 610 km, to raise funds for the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation. Donations are tax deductible (minimum $20 for tax receipt) and help pay for food programs, treatment programs, health promotion, income support and other needed services. Pauline is training very hard for this venture and welcomes any support from you for this important charity.
For more information about the bike rally, please see www.bikerally.org. Online pledges are accepted (just click “Pledge a 2008 Participant” and search for Pauline Hwang) and an electronic tax receipt will be emailed immediately. You may also phone her at 416-890-7770 to arrange to donate via cheque, credit card, bank withdrawal, monthly donations or cash. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
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