December 16th, 2007
I’d like all of us to reflect on the situation we find in today’s gospel. John the Baptist is in prison. He ended up behind bars because he was bold enough to tell King Herod he was living in a sinful marriage, married to his brother’s wife. John found himself at the mercy of a fickle king and a vengeful queen. John may have felt his life and his mission were falling apart; things weren’t going as he had hoped.
John was human like the rest of us. He liked having a following, crowds who listened to his every word. He was happy with all those people who repented and were baptized. He was proud of his band of disciples. John knew his mission was to prepare the way of the one who would come after him – he knew he was never meant to be the ‘main attraction’. But being human it wasn’t easy for him to let go of his popularity, his recognition as a prophet. Even though he sent his own disciples to Jesus, it probably pained him to see them go.
Scholars have different opinions as to whether John’s question “are you He Who is to come or should we look for another?” was to help his disciples to follow Jesus more closely or whether it was for his own personal assurance – have I been on the right track? John’s preaching was rather severe, pretty black and white. Jesus was more nuanced, gentler. Did John imagine Jesus was watering down the call for repentance, the call for greater fidelity to God? In those long days and frightful nights in prison, uncertain of his own future did John wonder ‘did I do the right thing? did I say the right words?’ Was John troubled by second guessing his life’s work?
Jesus’ answer to John disciples, an answer Jesus meant John to hear, points to the very works Jesus was doing. Works that point to the very intimate presence of God in the lives of the people, works Isaiah described to the beaten, discouraged people of his times to prove to them ‘ here is your God’. “the eyes of the blind shall be open, the ears of the deaf unstopped, the lame shall leap like the deer, the tongues of the speechless sing for joy.” Jesus message to John was, John you are not a failure, John you did the right thing.
I think there can be times in all our lives when we can relate to the feelings of doubt and bewilderment John endured in his prison cell. It’s often been called a mid-life crisis. When we look at how we’ve lived our lives, when we think of the decisions we’ve made or failed to make, when we think back on the unfulfilled dreams we’ve had for ourselves or for others, when we dreamed dreams that didn’t come true, we can often wonder and worry ‘have I wasted my life? Has it been worthwhile?’
How many of you who are grandparents worry about un-baptized grandchildren who are denied any contact with a faith that has been in the family for countless generations? How many of you are hurt because sons and daughters no longer live a faith life you tried so hard to pass on to them? Recently I was at a funeral in a Baptist church. The minister used the example of a relay race in which the baton of the faith is passed on from generation to generation and wondered, from his own pastoral experience, how often that baton is dropped by this generation and worried that it may never be picked up again.
These are John the Baptist times of our lives. I’ve mentioned before, we are all mistake making beings, no one bats 1000. We are all good people trying to do the best we can. In our times of doubt we should look to the good we’ve done, the love we’ve shown. We are being unfair to ourselves when we burden ourselves with the responsibility for the decisions other people have made in their lives.
Are you the one who is to come or should be look for another? Jesus’ reply was to point to the signs of God’s presence in the lives of the people, signs of love and healing and growth. When in our own way we ask the question, “Are you the one who is to come or should we look for another”? Did I do the right things, was I on the right track, did I make the right decision? I think He would have us be honest about the good we’ve done, the love we’ve shown, the healing we’ve brought about. I think He would encourage us to see the good and the generosity and the love in the lives of those who did not turn out as we would wished them to and appreciate the fact that they are on their own journey to God, a journey far different than our own, but a journey none the less.
As we continue to celebrate this Mass with the fearful, doubtful John the Baptist before us, we can pray for ourselves and for each other that in our own times of doubt and wonder we be blessed with the conviction, a confidence we did the best we could and leave the rest in hands of God – Who knows us better than we know ourselves and loves us better than we love ourselves.
| Posted in Homily |
Each year young people Grade 3 and up form a special choir. Children must be at the church by 6:00 PM on Christmas Eve. THERE IS ONLY ONE PRACTICE AND IT IS MANDATORY. PRACTICE IS ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23rd FROM 2:00 to 4:00 PM. For information call Marilyn Calderone at 905 889-6856.
DRESS REHEARSAL ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 23rd from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. S.K. to Grade 5 children are invited to participate in the pageant. Please call Anne Murphy at 416 512-0340. Children must be able to attend this DRESS REHEARSAL.
Total: $12,662
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are ready for pick-up in our Gathering Space. It is important that you throw away all envelopes from previous years as your number may have been assigned to another family. Please enter your full name and address on each envelope so that we may allocate donations correctly for income tax purposes. If you do not have envelopes and would like a box, please contact the office.
on Friday December 21st from 7:30 – 9:30 PM at St. Gabriel’s Parish – DARK DAYS AND HOPES OF NEW BEGINNINGS – This annual reflection is being presented by The Passionist Centre for Ecology & Spirituality in cooperation with The Elliott Allen Institute for Theology & Ecology, University of St. Michael’s College, Faculty of Theology. Please pre-register. To register or for more information contact The Elliott Allen Institute for Theology & Ecology at dennis.ohara@utoronto.ca or call 416 926-1300 ext. 3408. All are welcome!
Those in our community who are newcomers to Canada are cordially invited to join us at a Christmas Party on December 20, 2007 (Thursday) at 7:30 PM in the Gabriel Room. Come and meet other newcomers and we’ll celebrate Christmas together. For further information please contact Fatima Lee at 416 221-8866 ext. 228.
Your prepared chicken (or turkey) rice casserole (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on December 29/30, the weekend after Christmas, for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre. More volunteers are encouraged to get a copy of the casserole recipe and a pan and give it a try. For more information, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.
Your donations to the St. Vincent de Paul boxes after Mass enable us to help those in need. At this time of the year, we try to provide a little extra so that we may add to their Christmas celebration.
on DECEMBER 23, 2007 St. Gabriel’s Youth Group are hosting a Christmas Fair this year in the Gathering Space as a way to create a more relaxed setting to help alleviate the stresses of the Season. Events will include a café, a talent show, a bake sale and raffles. Come join the fun!
A special thank you to all those who contributed so generously. Your financial support will provide the elderly and infirm priests with the means to lead a dignified life after many years of service to us.
We are inviting families to assist us in providing some little extras, such as new clothing, new toys, food vouchers, and/or gift certificates to bring the joy of the season to one of our families. If you are willing to adopt-a-family or provide a donation, please call 416 395-1634 or e-mail hopeforchildren@ccas.toronto.on.ca
The brothers could use our help during the Christmas Season. Please bring non-perishable food items such as: canned soups and stews, powdered milk, instant and ground coffee, canned tuna or salmon, canned meats, canned fruit juices, powdered soup bases, hot chocolate, cooking spices and cold breakfast cereals. Kindly leave donations at the doors of the Church in the designated containers.
Last year we were gifted with this wonderful presentation here at St. Gabriel’s. We hope you will support the Choirs of Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts as they share their work “outside these walls”. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will take place at St. Patrick’s Church, 141 McCaul St. at Dundas,on Tuesday, December18th at 7:30 PM. Be with them for this beautiful, prayerful start to the holidays. Admission $10.
| Posted in Bulletin |
December 9th, 2007
Total: $8,357
Next meeting: Tuesday evening, December 11th at 7:30 PM or Wednesday morning, December 12th at 10:30 AM. For further information call Mary Landry at 416 221-8866 ext. 224.
are ready for pick-up in our Gathering Space. It is important that you throw away all envelopes from previous years as your number may have changed or may have been assigned to another family. Please enter your full name and address on each envelope so that we may allocate donations correctly for income tax purposes. If you do not have envelopes and would like a box, please contact the office.
DECEMBER 23rd 3:00 – 5:00 PM St. Gabriel’s Youth Group are hosting a Christmas Fair this year in the Gathering Space as a way to create a more relaxed setting to help alleviate the stresses of the Season. Events will include a café, a talent show, a bake sale and raffles. Tickets will be sold after each of the Sunday Masses: $3 each or 2 for $5. Come join the fun!
Fair trade organic coffees will be on sale after all the Masses next weekend. Regular ground coffee: $5 Decaffeinated: $6 Whole Beans: $5 Chocolate Bars: $4 incl. taxes Hot Chocolate and Cocoa: $4.50 Teas: $3.25 to $4 by variety
TUESDAY DECEMBER 11TH AT 7:30 PM This Ecumenical Service is sponsored by the Bayview-Sheppard Ministerial Group (including Chaplains of North York General Hospital and Seniors’ Health Centre) with the hope that the light of Christ will bring peace and comfort to people in the North York community who are bereaved or troubled, or for whom Christmas may be a difficult time. This will take place in Auditoriums 1 and 2 at North York General Hospital, 4001 Leslie Street. Free Parking
We are inviting families to assist us in providing some little extras, such as new clothing, new toys, food vouchers, and/or gift certificates to bring the joy of the season to one of our families. If you are willing to adopt-a-family or provide a donation, please call 416 395-1634 or email hopeforchildren@ccas.toronto.on.ca
for the Catholic Children’s Aid Society. Can you help by dropping off an unwrapped new toy for children 0 – 12 years old? Containers will be set up at the doors of the Church until Sunday, December 16th.
is having their annual “Pot Luck Supper” on Tuesday, December 11th at 6:00 PM. Bring a friend, your favourite dish to share, and decorate and wear a Christmas hat. There will be a raffle, a sing-a-long and a surprise guest. All the ladies of the parish are cordially invited.
Last year we were gifted with this wonderful presentation here at St. Gabriel’s. We hope you will support the Choirs of Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts as they share their work “outside these walls”. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will take place at St. Patrick’s Church, 141 McCaul St. at Dundas, on Tuesday, December 18th at 7:30 PM. Be with them for this beautiful, prayerful start to the holidays. Admission $10.
General meeting on Tuesday, December 11 at 7:30 PM at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church located at 80 Shoreham Drive (Jane & Steeles) in North York. Trip is 20 days at a cost of $2,800 Canadian dollars (includes international and domestic flights, all meals and registration to the WYD).
Please help us to provide a little extra for families at this time of year.
December 2nd, 2007
Total: $10,752
Your donations to the poor boxes after Mass are very important in enabling us to help those in need. At this time of the year, we try to provide a little extra for families.
Please join us for our last lecture presented by the Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute (CCBI) here at our parish in the Gabriel room
7:30 to 9:30 PM Dec. 5th A Christian Spirituality of Suffering and Death Guest speaker will be Dr. Moira McQueen, the Director of the CCBI. At the end of this lecture, there will also be an opportunity for questions and discussion.
Suggested donation is $10 or whatever your means allow. For further information and to register, please call the parish office at (416) 221-8866.
Friday Dec. 7th 9:30AM – 12PM. Please sign the schedule on the table inside the Church.
The topics we have chosen are varied – a mixture of church history, church teachings and scripture. You are welcome to join us whenever you can. For further information call Mary Landry at 416-221-8866 ext 224. Next meetings: Tuesday evening, December 11th at 7:30 PM or Wednesday morning, December 12th at 10:30 AM.
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 51 casseroles for the Good Shepherd Centre for November. For December, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of December 29/30 for delivery to the 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.
TUESDAY DECEMBER 11TH AT 7:30 PM This Ecumenical Service is sponsored by the Bayview-Sheppard Ministerial Group (including Chaplains of North York General Hospital and Seniors’ Health Centre) with the hope that the light of Christ will bring peace and comfort to people in the North York community who are bereaved or troubled, or for whom Christmas may be a difficult time. This will take place in Auditoriums 1 and 2 at North York General Hospital, 4001 Leslie Street (at Sheppard). Free Parking Refreshments following the Service.
November 25th, 2007
Total: $8,977
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 this book. They will be remembered at all the Masses celebrated in November.
The topics we have chosen are varied – a mixture of church history, church teachings and scripture. You are welcome to join us whenever you can. For further information call Mary Landry at 416-221-8866 ext 224. Next meetings: Tuesday evening, November 27th at 7:30 PM Wednesday morning, November 28th at 10:30 AM.
The parish is looking to establish a new ministry to serve elderly parishioners and others with special needs who might require transportation to and from Church on Saturdays/Sundays, and to medical appointments. First we would like to ascertain the need of the community in this regard. At the same time, we are seeking volunteers who would like to participate in this ministry. Any parishioners who would like to avail themselves of such a service OR who can volunteer to help, please contact Fatima Lee at 416 221-8866 ext 228.
Have questions regarding end of life issues: euthanasia, pain and suffering surrounding death, palliative care, withdrawal of treatment or dignity of the dying?
Please join us for a lecture series presented by the Canadian Catholic bioethics Institute (CCBI) here at our parish. The lectures are scheduled for four consecutive Wednesdays beginning on November 14th from 7:30 to 9:30 PM.
The topics are: Nov. 21st – Advanced Directives, Power of Attorney and Ethical issues at the End of Life Nov. 28th – Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide, Palliative Care and Spiritual Issues Dec. 5th – A Christian Spirituality of Suffering and Death
Guest speakers will be Dr. Moira McQueen, the Director of the CCBI, and Dr. Barry Brown. At the end of each lecture, there will also be an opportunity for questions and discussion. Suggested donation is $40 for the series; or $10 per lecture; or whatever your means allow. For further information and to register, please call the parish office at (416) 221-8866.
This is a reminder to all servers or their parents to pick up the new schedule December 2007 to February 2008 on the bulletin board beside the Sacristy.
BRIANNE SADIE DAVIDSON
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1st at 3:15 PM in the Library We welcome all who wish to share this time with us. For information contact Linda Law at 416 918-8029.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2nd at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room For information contact Linda Law at 416 918-8029.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2nd 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.
For more information about the Christmas Program or a list of gift suggestions please visit www.ccas.toronto.on.ca/HopeForChildren/Christmas.html
Your donations to the poor boxes after Mass throughout the year are very important in enabling us to help those in need. At this time of the year, we try to provide a little extra for families and others that we help. Your generosity as you leave the Church would help us add something to their Christmas celebration.
Archbishop Adam Exner, OMI, will preach a weekend retreat for Married Couples at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga on November 30th to December 2nd. The theme of the retreat will be “REFLECTING THE FACE OF CHRIST IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY”. To register or to obtain more information, contact the Centre at 905 278-5229.
on Friday, December 14th at 8:00 PM and on Saturday, December 15th at 3:00 PM. Guest artist: Toronto Philharmonia Tickets:$22.50 – $36.50 Box office: 416 872-4255 Online: www.masseyhall.com or in person at the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office.
Saturday, December 1, 2007 1:00 – 6:30 PM Theme: Reveling in Joyful anticipation at St. Joseph Morrow Park, 3377 Bayview Ave. They will be celebrating Sunday Liturgy Cost: $10 – Sit down dinner provided Registration: Contact Vanessa Nicholas – faithconnections@csj-to.ca or 416 222-1426 ext 276 before November 27th. Faith connections which is a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto welcomes young adults from 18 to 39 to engage in opportunities that generate spiritual growth and community-building.
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