December 18th, 2021
December 20th to December 22nd
MONDAY – JACK TA – Requested by Veronica Do TUESDAY – ANDREW HUI TAI PANG – Requested by Howa Hui WEDNESDAY – UMBERTO INTINI – Requested by Chiara Intini THURSDAY – INTENTIONS OF CHUN LI – Requested by Tony Fernandes FRIDAY – CHRISTMAS EVE SATURDAY – CHRISTMAS DAY SUNDAY – BOXING DAY
No 9:00 AM Mass 5:00 PM Mass 7:00 PM Mass 9:00 PM Mass 12:00 AM Midnight Mass Office Open – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM Mass No 4:30 PM Mass Office Open – 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Sunday, December 26th, Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM Office Open – 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM
No 9:00 AM Mass Office Closed
No 9:00 AM Mass Office closed
No 9:00 AM Mass Vigil Mass for Feast of Mary the Holy Mother of God – 4:30 PM Mass Office Open – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Feast of Mary the Holy Mother of God World Day of Peace 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM No 4:30 PM Mass Office Open – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM Office Open – 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM
No walk-ins will be allowed for the Masses on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve. Parishioners must register.
Parking at ground level is limited to 51 spaces, but there is plenty of space in the underground parking lot. Do not park in front of the Church since this is a fire route and must be kept clear.
Stay tuned….
We are excited to announce several programs that parish Ministry with Maturing Adults Committee will be starting in the next two months. All sessions will be offered virtually. Please watch this space for further information.
Writing Circle – For those who attend the Life Story Programme members that was offered in January and February 2020.
Ways to Pray – For those who might be interested in deepening their prayer life via different ways or methods praying
Scripture Programme – For those interested in deepening their understanding and praying with the Sacred Scriptures.
Technology – Learn how to connect with others virtually and via social networking apps safely.
Milk Bag weaving – Learn how to weave milk bags into mats via virtual workshop or training session .
Merry Christmas from the Seraphim & Cherubim Chorus! Have you missed us as much as we’ve missed you? We’ve been hard at work on some big things this Christmas. Our new project “River” includes a new album, three incredible music videos and a Virtual Concert. Head over to seraphimandcherubim.ca to see what we’ve been up to and learn how you can support us in our continuing mission to connect and move our community through music.
The 2022 Offertory envelopes are now available. When you attend Mass, please remember to pick up your box of envelopes from Nikki, maintaining the required physical distancing.
If there is no box with your name on it and you want a box, please let the parish office know in person, by phone or by email. If you are donating via Pre-Authorized Giving or Donate Now at the Archdiocese, you normally would not have an envelope box assigned to you.
If you still have envelopes in your possession from any prior year, including 2021, please do no use them for 2022. Also, write your name and complete address on the first few 2022 envelopes you use so that the office can ensure we have your correct information for sending out tax receipts.
| Posted in Bulletin |
December 12th, 2021
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice, Indeed the Lord is near.” (Philippians4, 4-5)
Congratulations to the following young people of our parish who were confirmed last Sunday, December 5th,2021 after a long wait. Fr. Brando administered the Sacrament during a beautiful ceremony.
Adelewa Anifowoshe Adesewa Anifowoshe Giulia Bernardini Konyinsola Biobaku Julian Black Leilani Bumanglag Cameron Burke Vince Cabaltera Therese Celis Kirsten Ching Ella Choi Grace Chung Dorothy Copetti Kayla de Guzman Jean Philip Dizon Natalie Fung Maximiliano Golshenas Rad Campuzano Athrun Hui Ina Kim Isabella Marin Angel Liz Recta Czarina Therese Reyes Motolani Shoga Samantha Sorioso Zachary Vaz Michaella Viado Maximilian Wong
May the Holy Spirit strengthen and guide them on their faith journey.
We are four Xaviere sisters who arrived a year ago living in a house opposite Elkhorn School. We are looking forward to being more involved in the parish community! To know more about us, visit our website www.xavierestoronto.org.
Sr. Claire, Sr. Laurence, Sr. Marie-Noelle & Sr. Sonal
December 13th to December 19th, 2021
MONDAY – AURITA & MICHAEL FERNANDES – Requested by Tony Fernandes TUESDAY – SONG JUNG SOOK – Requested by Veronica Do WEDNESDAY – INTENTIONS OF TONY FERNANDES – Requested by Chun Li THURSDAY – ABANDONED SOULS – Requested by the Nguyen Family FRIDAY – ANDREW HUI TAI PANG – Requested by Howa Hui SATURDAY – ITA HUGHES – Requested by Nora Kerr SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – JESUS & LEONILA CORDERO – Requested by Luida, Marc & Joana SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – CHING YEE FONG KO – Requested by the Ko Family
December 18th/19th, 2021
There will be a collection next weekend for the Maintenance of the Church. Please be as generous as your means allow.
Sunday November 21st to Sunday, December 12th
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 have been set up in the gathering space and will remain there until Sunday, December 12th.
As you know, each week we collect food for Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre. Your food donations are more important than ever as Covid 19 continues and numbers of needy people continue to increase. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired. Thank you for your generous support.
Saturday, November 20th to Sunday, December 12th
St. Vincent de Paul
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.
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.
Because donations are very low this year, 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 12th. 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.
Each week, beginning Sunday, November 21st, the Solemnity of Christ the King, the CCCB began releasing a video recording of a Bishop reflecting on the Gospel Reading for each Sunday of Advent. This year’s reflections were inspired by Indigenous Delegation travelling to Rome to meet with Pope Francis from December 17th to December 20th 2021. Each reflection is based one of the five essential stages of reconciliation: examen, confession, repentance, reparation (making amends), and reconciliation. It is likewise hoped these reflections will assist the faithful, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike, in preparing for Pope Francis’ eventual apostolic journey to Canada.
The videos can be now accessed on the CCCB website at the following link: https://www.cccb.ca/evangelization-catechesis-catholic-education/video-resources/journey-through-advent/
December 5th, 2021
“The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.” (Psalm126)
Friday, December 10th from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
December 6th to December 12th, 2021
MONDAY – MARIA DIDIODATO – Requested by her Family TUESDAY – SONG JUNG SOOK – Requested by Veronica Do WEDNESDAY – MARIANO MORALES – Requested by Lalaine Dyok THURSDAY – KRISTOPHER PA – Requested by Veronica Do FRIDAY – INTENTIONS OF ANGELA FERNANDES – Requested by Tony Fernandes SATURDAY – EDILBERTO DE LA CRUZ – Requested by Virgie San Juan & Family SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – BENITO TOMAIUOLI – Requested by the Di Flumeri Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – MAGGIE LEE – Requested by Rosemary & Tony Lee
Friday, December 10th 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 Friday, December 10th from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.
Each week, beginning Sunday, November 21st, the Solemnity of Christ the King, the CCCB began releasing a video recording of a Bishop reflecting on the Gospel Reading for each Sunday of Advent. This year’s reflections were inspired by Indigenous Delegation travelling to Rome to meet with Pope Francis from December 17th to December 20th2021. Each reflection is based one of the five essential stages of reconciliation: examen, confession, repentance, reparation (making amends), and reconciliation. It is likewise hoped these reflections will assist the faithful, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike, in preparing for Pope Francis’ eventual apostolic journey to Canada.
Re-thinking Liturgy in a Time of Ecological Emergency Thursday, December 9th at 12:00 PM
Recommended by the Office for Promoting Christian Unity and Religious Relations with Judaism The Society of the Atonement was established in 1898 by Fr. Paul Watson and Mother Lurana White. Since 1998, the Centro Pro Unione in Rome has organized lectures promoting Christian unity so as to honour their founders. This year, Professor Teresa Berger will explore the ecological crisis facing our world and provide helpful perspectives for church leaders and laity. Dr. Berger is a professor of liturgical studies at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music and Yale Divinity School, where she also holds an appointment as the Thomas E. Golden Jr. Professor of Catholic Theology.
For livestreaming and registration, please visit: www.prounione.it/en/events/9-dec-2021.
Saturday, December 11th from 9:00 AM. to 3:00 PM
Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre 1617 Blythe Rd., Mississauga
Are you grieving a loss? Come and let God’s healing love minister to you. Cost is $40, which includes coffee and muffins upon arrival and a full hot lunch.
Call Anne Hales at 905-278-5229 to register.
Saturday, December 11th, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
All are welcome to join us for our sacred music seminar. Our guest speakers are: Peter Mahon and Dr. Aaron James. Mass will be presided by Fr. Mark Kolosowski. The music for Mass will be provided by Sarah Maria Leung, our music director, and other professional singers. This is an in-person event. Registration is required. Sacrificial donations can be made before the event or on the day of the event. Please contact Lenita Lopes, Stewardship and Program Manager by phone at 416-979-2468 ext. 244 or email lenita.lopes@newmantoronto.com for more information.
To register visit https://sacredmusicseminar.eventbrite.ca
November 28th, 2021
“May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all.” (Thessalonians 3.12)
No walk-ins will be allowed for the Masses on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve.
Parishioners will be able to register for Christmas Eve beginning Monday, December 20th and for New Year’s Eve on Monday, December 29th.
November 29th to December 5th, 2021
MONDAY – MARY BYRNES – Requested her Family TUESDAY – GIUSSEPPINA & ORESTE SMERIGLIO – Requested by Franca Giannotta WEDNESDAY – TOM KAHWA – Requested by Lucille Yeung THURSDAY – JOSEPH LUAN NGUYEN – Requested by the Nguyen Family FRIDAY – SONG JUNG SOOK – Requested by Veronica Do SATURDAY – MARY SAAD – Requested by Laila Kozman SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – NIKOLA VUKOVIC – Requested by the Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – EVELYN CABILI ECARMA – Requested by Carmela Caberte
Retreat -Saturday, December 4th at 10:00 AM Confirmation – Sunday, December 5th at 3:00 PM
The Sacrament of Confirmation for the candidates from 2019/20 will be celebrated on Sunday, December 5th at 3:00 PM at St. Gabriel’s Church.
In preparation for the Sacrament, a Confirmation Retreat will be held on Saturday, December 4th from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM.
All candidates must attend.
Candidates are reminded to bring a signed letter from the service coordinator or parent stating the completion or anticipated date of completion of service hours.
Available on December 4th and 5th, 2021
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 for the past three years served as a missionary in the Diocese of Mackenzie
On the weekend of December 4th and 5th, volunteers will be selling these beautiful 2022 calendars at the parish (following strict Covid protocols).
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 the priests or pastoral workers would have to fly in and out of these communities. 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 gifts, since they are unique and not easily available elsewhere.
Each week, beginning last Sunday, November 21st, the Solemnity of Christ the King, the CCCB began releasing a video recording of a Bishop reflecting on the Gospel Reading for each Sunday of Advent. This year’s reflections were inspired by Indigenous Delegation travelling to Rome to meet with Pope Francis from December 17th to December 20th2021. Each reflection is based one of the five essential stages of reconciliation: examen, confession, repentance, reparation (making amends), and reconciliation. It is likewise hoped these reflections will assist the faithful, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike, in preparing for Pope Francis’ eventual apostolic journey to Canada.
There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, on earth distress among nations, the roaring of the seas and the powers of heaven will be shaken.
I wonder how the good people of British Columbia must have felt as the endured a storm of the century. Their lives were turned upside down. Within hours families were shattered, lives were lost. Electrical power was no more, main highways, rail roads and bridges were no more. Their businesses gone, farmlands flooded, live stock lost. They were without safe drinking water, they had no sanitation facilities. All this in a matter of hours. It was the end of life as they knew it.
Last week it was B.C. this week it’s Nova Scotia and NFLD. Global warning and climate change are full of surprises. May we keep these people in our prayer that they have the strength and determination to rebuild their lives. Resiliency is part of the human condition, and these disasters bring out the best in us. But still, we know not the day nor the hour. Just think on this…
The poetry of these apocalyptic writings, terrifying as they may be, really is all about the vulnerability and unpredictability of our daily living more than with clues to the schedule of the coming end of all things. Our world disintegrates when a loved one dies or our life is shattered by divorce or our future in uncertain when we lose a job. We fear our future when we’re told we have cancer or we’re in the first stages of dementia.
But even with these portents of the end times, there is the promise born: We will “see the Son of Man coming on a cloud. When these things begin to happen, stand up straight and raise your heads, for your Redeemer is near at hand.”
God’s promise to all of us is; fear not, I am with you always, even to the end of days, especially in the worst of days…
| Posted in Homily |
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