October 3rd, 2021
At different times when witnessing a marriage I’ve used the words of Jesus from his cross, ‘Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.’ And they don’t. The young bride and groom are making an act of faith in an unknown future. In that act of faith they say to one another, in good time and in bad, in sickness and in health, in all the future possibilities of our lives, I will be yours and you will be mine. The old marriage ritual contained the following promise; ‘God will be with you in your needs, he will pledge you the lifelong support of his grace in the sacrament you are about to receive. ‘Still, they know not what they do.
One biblical scholar claims that we know very little about how divorce was handled in Jewish society at the time of Jesus, but Jesus maintains God’s dream of humanity is bigger than the social realities of that time and it still is. This ‘oneness of flesh is an ideal to aim for and not a rule to be applied strictly without taking circumstances into consideration. It is an ideal to reach towards, without pretending to have obtained it with a perfect love.
In the ancient Mediterranean world, marriages were between families. It is the custom in many cultures today. Each family selected a partner for the other. Marriage was intended to bind families together, forming a stronger unit.
A divorce was more than the separation of a husband and wife; it was the separation of the families. Such a separation could lead to family feuds as each side blamed the other for the break-up. This happens today as family and friends are expected to take sides blaming the other for the break up. It can get quite nasty.
Maybe the basic purpose of this commandment in ancient Israelite society was to head off feuding which led to bloodshed. The idea was to maintain internal societal harmony and stability.
Jesus saw the marriage covenant as a symbol of the unbreakable covenant between God and the people of Israel. St. Paul saw marriage as a symbol of the covenant of Christ’s love for his bride, the Church. A covenant sealed with his blood.
Sadly the words of Jesus, ‘what God has joined let no one separate’ have little or no influence on society today. Divorce is a sad and painful reality in our lives. Husbands and wives split, children are passed back and forth and one family wants nothing to do with the other.
Divorce is a fact in our reality as Church. Men and women who divorce believe they are out of the church. This is not true. A divorced man or woman who remarries without an annulment, which can be a painful process, opening old wounds, is at odds with the church but they are still in the church, they are still family, they are still welcome.
Jesus speaks about the hardness of people’s hearts. Pope Francis is facing resentment and resistance from cardinals and bishops as he’s asked for a reform of the annulment process and a change in attitude toward divorced men and women. He respects the decision of divorce men and women who, mindful of their need of God’s grace seek to come to receive Holy Communion. Who am I to judge? Pope Francis also reminds us the Holy Communion is not a reward for the righteous but a remedy for the weak. And we are all weak.
There may be many at this Mass whose lives have been touched by the tragedy and sadness of divorce. May we as a parish family pray for and welcome these good people whose lives have been touched by this blight. We pray for the children whose lives are in turmoil because of divorce. May our parish family always welcome divorced men and women to the Eucharist. May these good people find new life and new love. God said , ‘it is not good to be alone.’
| Posted in Homily |
September 26th, 2021
September 27th to October 2nd MONDAY – HELEN LEE & HENRY HUI – Requested by Linda Law & Family TUESDAY – EVELYN CORMIER – Requested by Tom & Ellie Pidgeon WEDNESDAY – THE INTENTIONS OF CHUN LI – Requested by Tony Fernandes THURSDAY FRIDAY – THANKSGIVING – Requested by Sophie Pereira SATURDAY – ANDREW HUI TAI PANG – Requested by Diana Lau SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – THANKSGIVING by CAROLYN COOK – Requested by Carolyn Cook SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – ANDREW HUI TAI PANG – Requested by Howa Hui
Until September 30th
There is still time to register your child for First Communion,
Please Note: A copy of the child’s Baptismal Certificate is required if registering for First Communion or Confirmation. Registration forms will not be accepted without it.
A Baptism certificate is not required for Reconciliation.
A fee of $30 is required at registration for Confirmation to defray related costs.
The deadline for registration for all sacraments is September 30th. No registrations will be accepted after that date.
Meetings in preparation for the R.C.I.A. (Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults) will begin in October. These meetings are for persons interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. The exploration may lead the candidate to seek baptism, and become a member of the Catholic Christian community; or for Christians already baptized into another Christian denomination, the reception into the Catholic Church.
Adult Catholics who have not received the sacrament of Confirmation but who wish to do so are also encouraged to attend these sessions.
As well, these meetings may be an opportunity for “Born Catholics” to deepen their understanding of our faith. Very often, especially for those of us who received our religious instruction at an early age, we tend to grow physically, mentally, psychologically etc., but the understanding of our faith does not grow correspondingly.
The RCIA may serve as a good opportunity for us to ask questions and to develop a more adult understanding of our faith. Registration will continue until September 18th. If you are interested in joining the RCIA meetings or if you would like to have more information about it, please contact Sr. Maria Lucia by email at StGabrielParishRCIA@gmail.com or by phone at 416-221-8866.
At the 10:30 AM Mass from October to May each year, children ages 4 to 10 have the opportunity to gather as a group for the Liturgy of the Word led by parents who have volunteered.
We are in need of more volunteers to assist this program.
For more information or to volunteer, please call Dawn Burke at 416 671-0561 or leave a message at the Parish Office.
For Children Who Were Registered in 2019 and 2020
First Communion interview dates are now being booked. They will take place on Tuesday, October 19th, Wednesday, October 20th and Friday, October 22nd.
They are scheduled every 15 minutes from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Please call the Parish Office at 416 221 8866 to book your appointment with Fr. Brando as soon as possible.
Second Collection this Weekend, September 25th/26th
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is involved in national and international areas of pastoral activity, including social justice, ecumenical and interfaith relations, collaboration with Indigenous peoples, life and family issues, liturgy, catechesis, doctrine and relations with Catholic associations and movement.
There will be a second collection this weekend, September 25th/26th for the Needs of the Church in Canada. Your gifts are used by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops to represent Canadian Catholics in national and international pastoral activity. Thank you for your support of this important work.
World Day of Migrants and Refugees
ShareLife Sunday is October 10th
Your gift to ShareLife facilitated the arrival of 528 refugees through the Office of Refugees of the Archdiocese of Toronto last year. They are among the 150,000 people helped by generous donors like you.
As we emerge from the pandemic, let’s not forget the plight of those facing hardship and persecution, and continue our efforts to welcome them to Canada.
October 10th is the next ShareLife Sunday.
Please give generously during the special collection or anytime at sharelife.org.
For the Good Shepherd Centre and Rosalie Hall
You can make a difference in the lives of the hungry and homeless this Thanksgiving by participating in the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.
Good Shepherd provides hot meals and shelter for the homeless in our city as well as a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs.
Rosalie Hall assists young parents and their children to realize their potential through the provision of a wide range of child development, community, residential and educational services.
Urgently needed items include: rice pasta sauces, canned tomatoes breakfast cereals hot chocolate tea bags jam granola/protein bars chocolate bars cookies and crackers, hard candy sugar coffee canned legumes e.g., chick peas, black beans canned tuna, soups, stews, fruits and vegetables
Please check the expiry date as we cannot pass on expired foods. Please no fresh or frozen foods.
We thank you for your generous support!
As you know, Haiti has now been hit with a 7.2 earthquake, the latest in a series of disasters to strike this small nation. The devastation was worsened by arrival of Tropical Depression Grace, bringing heavy rains flooding and landslides.
In an effort to support those have been most directly impacted by these disasters, St. Gabriel’s Parish is accepting funds which will be passed on directly to Fr. Rick Frechette in Haiti.
Contributions can also be made through the Archdiocese of Toronto.
Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways: Through the parish, making cheques payable to: St. Gabriel’s – Haiti Disaster Relief 2021. Disaster Relief envelopes are on the table in the Gathering Space.
Online through the Archdiocese of Toronto website
Through the Development Office at 416-934-3411
Please offer your prayers for all those impacted by this tragedy. Thank you for your ongoing efforts to assist those in crisis.
Liturgical Publications is seeking advertisements for our church bulletin. This advertising helps to cover the costs of producing the bulletin each week. Please support our bulletin and advertise your product or service. Call Liturgical Publications at 905 624 4422 for more information.
This Sunday, September 26th from 12:30 to 2:00 PM
Native Peoples’ Mission (at St. Ann Parish) 711 Gerrard St. E., Toronto
Join the Native Peoples’ Mission (NPM) community in a day of reflection, solidarity and commemoration of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a new federal statutory holiday being observed on September 30th.
John Robinson, an Ojibway elder, will do a purification ceremony. Sr. Petite Lao, RNDM, NPM volunteer and Filipina researcher, will share her reflections on the “Filipino Catholics and the Challenges of the Truth and Reconciliation Process in Canada.” For more information, contact Sr. Petite Lao, RNDM at petite.lao@utoronto.ca
Virtual Online, October 22nd to October 24th
Live your best life in love! Restore your loving communication with your spouse and rekindle the romance. The Marriage Encounter experience is a skill-building enrichment program where you, as husband and wife, learn how to be the best couple you can be; a special weekend to spend in ways that normal, daily living tends to inhibit. No group discussion. Based on Catholic values but open to couples of all faiths. Rediscover the love in your relationship! For more information and to register, contact Marge & Gerard McCauley at gerard.marge@rogers.com or (905) 792-1925.
Website: wwme.org
For the latest Garden Ministry news, please check the parish website for our fall newsletter, which contains an editorial by Fr. Paul Cusack, retired pastor of St. Gabriel’s and a member of our local Passionist community.
On Saturday, September 18th, St. Gabriel’s and the Garden Ministry hosted our first Garden Retreat, focused on the garden as “Gateway to Earth Spirituality.” Participation was limited to 20 participants in addition to Garden Ministry members, who acted as guides for hands-on gardening activities. The event was well received. Speakers Fr. Steve Dunn, Roberto Chiotti, the architect of St. Gabriel’s church and indigenous knowledge holder, Maria Montejo, exposed participants to the need to heal ourselves of the legacy of abusing Earth and its peoples and to honour all Earth communities as our relations.
To get involved in the care of St. Gabriel’s garden, please email sgpgardenministry@gmail.com. As little as an hour a week can make a difference.
| Posted in Bulletin |
Well we’ve had our election. Nothing has changed.You may have heard me preach just before the election oh you might consider voting for; the person or the party that is committed to issue such as feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, welcoming the immigrant, supporting a living wage.. These are what have called ‘gospel values.
Now that the election is over and we’re dealing with corvid 19 the next challenge for our politicians is how to support all the people who lost their jobs as restaurants and bars closed down because of the virus. We remember businesses that closed, never to re- open, because of the virus. The virus exposed the reality of the poor wages of the men and women who care the elderly in the ‘for profit’ residences and the poor wages of first responders and nurses and caregivers. The virus brought to the light of day many examples of exploitation and injustices.
The complaint of James, who echoes’ the complaint of the prophets of ancient Israel condemns those who hold back ‘The wages of the labourers who mowed your fields which you have held back cry out and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.
Now that the election is over we can demand that our politicians right the social wrongs and injustices that covid 19 exposed. Their actions will speak louder than their campaign promises.
There are no easy answers, no quick solutions to our social situations but that doesn’t excuse politicians from trying to find them,
Back in 1967 Pope Paul wrote these words in his letter to the world; ‘it is not simply a question of eliminating hunger and reducing poverty. It is not enough to combat destitution, urgent and necessary as this is. The point at issue is the establishment of a human society in which everyone, regardless of race, religion, or nationality, can live a truly human life free from the bondage imposed by men and the forces of nature not sufficiently mastered, a society in which freedom is not an empty word, and where Lazarus the poor man can sit at the same table as the rich man.
As we continue to celebrate our Mass we pray the men and women we’ve elected to represent us that they work for that day when justice flows like a river and poor Lazarus can sit at the same table as the rich man. God knows they’ve got a lot of work to do.
Also, Sept.30th is theNational Day of Peace and Reconciliation, it is a Federal Holiday. If you are a new Canadian you’ve joined a family with a checkered past. In our relations with the First Nations of this land we’ve taken land and resources that were not ours. We signed treaties, nation to nation, treaties that were never honored. We wrote the Indian Act in which the white man decided where First Nation people were to live, who they could marry and the rights they’d lose if they wanted to live off their reserve. We established the residential schools. Children were forcefully removed from their homes and made to live at these schools. They were punished for speaking their own language or practising their own religion. The recent discovery of unmarked grave at these schools came as a shock to many people. That’s why tomorrow is such an important day. We, as Canadians, whether born here or immigrants, have much to regret for the injustices imposed on the first peoples of Canada. Like it or not we are the inheritors of past blunders and injustices. As we prepare to start a new session of Parliament we might keep an eye on how the new government is faithful to its efforts at peace and reconciliation with the first peoples of this land.
September 19th, 2021
September 20th to September 26th
MONDAY – DARKO SEIFERT – Requested by Mirjana Seifert TUESDAY – FIORENTINO GIANNOTTA – Requested by Franca Giannotta WEDNESDAY – HENRY NG – Requested by his Family THURSDAY – EDNA, GERRY & MIKE HATCH – Requested by their Family FRIDAY – AURITA FERNANDES – Requested by TonyFernandes SATURDAY – RENATO BELLISARI – Requested by Chiara Intini SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – KOK SHING WING – Requested by Yan Lam Kok SUNDAY 12:30 PM – ANDREW HUI TAI PANG – Requested by the Family
September 21st, 22nd, and 23rd from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
There will be registration for the Sacraments of First Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation on September 21st, 22nd, and 23rd from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM in the gathering space of the church.
Please Note:
A copy of the child’s Baptismal Certificate is required if registering for First Communion or Confirmation. Registration forms will not be accepted without it.
Second Collection on the Weekend of September 25th/26th
There will be a second collection on the weekend of September 25th/26th for the Needs of the Church in Canada. Your gifts are used by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops to represent Canadian Catholics in national and international pastoral activity. Thank you for your support of this important work.
Next Weekend, September 25th/26th
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 31
casseroles for August. For September, your frozen casseroles will be collected after all the Masses next weekend, September 25th/26th, for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre. Let’s see if we can increase that number!
The need is very great especially right now with Covid19.
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.
Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall. Your food donations are very much appreciated especially during these difficult times.
Will you help us reach our ShareLife campaign goal?
We have currently raised $146,745 toward our parish goal of $187,000
“Our goal can be met, but only with your help. I invite you to join today’s generation of heroes by making a sacrificial gift to ShareLife. As you contemplate the blessings God has entrusted to you, please join me in giving to ShareLife to the best of your ability.
– Cardinal Thomas Collins
In an effort to support those have been most directly impacted by these disasters,
St. Gabriel’s Parish is accepting funds which will be passed on directly to Fr. Rick Frechette in Haiti.
Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways:
Through the parish, making cheques payable to:
St. Gabriel’s – Haiti Disaster Relief 2021
Disaster Relief envelopes are on the table in the Gathering Space.
With a federal election scheduled for September 20th, Catholics are encouraged to learn more about the parties and candidates seeking our vote.
Catholic Conscience is Canada’s non-partisan Catholic civic and political engagement organization. They have prepared a number of resources that will assist Catholics in voter education and engagement in the days leading up to the federal election. These resources can be accessed at: http://www.catholicconscience.org/canada-federal-current.
All those eligible to vote are encouraged to do so on, or before, September 20th, 2021
Sunday, September 26th from 12:30 to 2:00 PM
Join the Native Peoples’ Mission (NPM) community in a day of reflection, solidarity and commemoration of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a new federal statutory holiday being observed on September 30.
Be sure to check out the Fall edition of the garden Ministry newsletter, Growing News,
which will be posted on the parish website on September 22nd, the Autumnal Equinox. The edition features an editorial by Fr. Paul.
We, and the garden, are grateful to Agnes Gaughan, Liz Quilliam and Marie Deans for their time and the tender, loving care they bestow on the garden.
Harvests from the community garden have paused while fall crops of cabbage, carrots, beets, lettuce, spinach, radish and chard germinate.
Some of you may know that we had all of our garlic stolen a few weeks ago, which meant we had no cloves to plant for next year. We are deeply grateful to Fisher’s Field who, in unsolicited kindness, donated a supply to us.
“The financial burden of the Parish is the responsibility of each and all parishioners to the extent that your means allow.”
Please consider giving your offertory by picking up Envelopes, enrolling in Pre-Authorized Giving (PAG), or Donate Now (through the Archdiocese of Toronto website). Please come by the parish office if you have any questions.
September 12th, 2021
September 13th to September 19th
MONDAY – JOSEPH & ANTONY VALAVI – Requested by Dhanya Valavi TUESDAY – MICHAEL & AURITA FERNANDES – Requested by Tony Fernandes WEDNESDAY – MICHAEL & AURITA FERNANDES – Requested by Tony Fernandes THURSDAY FRIDAY – ANDRE HUI TAI PANG – Requested by Howa Hui SATURDAY – MR.& MRS VICTOR FERNANDO on the 30th anniversary of their death – Requested by Kshamalee Wirekoon SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – HEUNG WAH LAM – Requested by The Fung, Lam & Montero Families SUNDAY 12:30 PM – LUKE VUKOVIC – Requested by The Family
There will be registration for the Sacraments of First Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation on September 21st, 22nd, and 23rd from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Please Note: A copy of the child’s Baptismal Certificate is required if registering for First Communion or Confirmation. Registration forms will not be accepted without it. A Baptism certificate is not required for Reconciliation. A fee of $30 is required at registration for Confirmation to defray related costs.
The RCIA may serve as a good opportunity for us to ask questions and to develop a more adult understanding of our faith. Registration will continue until September 18th. If you are interested in joining the RCIA meetings or if you would like to have more information about it, please contact Sr. Maria Lucia by email at StGabrielRCIA@gmail.com or by phone at 416-221-8866.
For Children Who Were Registered in 2019 – 2020
Contributions can also be made through the Archdiocese of Toronto. Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways:
Through the parish, making cheques payable to: St. Gabriel’s – Haiti Disaster Relief 2021
This Weekend – September 11th/ 12th
On Good Friday in the midst of the pandemic, several parishioners contributed to the Collection for the Holy Land.
For those who missed it, there will be a collection for the Holy Land this weekend, September 11th/ 12th. This collection is taken to support Christian communities, the upkeep of Holy Sites and the formation of priests in the Holy Land.
Envelopes are in the Gathering Space.
Please be as generous as your means allow.
Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre. Your food donations are very much appreciated.
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.
Living the Gospel by supporting residents of long-term care
The Houses of Providence in Scarborough is a ShareLife-funded agency that provides long-term care for seniors.
“It’s been hard during COVID-19,” says Mary, one of its residents, “but we understand the precautions that staff are taking. Providence staff have been absolutely wonderful and are doing a good job. I thank them every time I see them for their hard work.”
Did you know that you can contribute to ShareLife agencies like the Houses of Providence through Pre-Authorized Giving? Please consider making a monthly contribution to ShareLife using PAG.
October 3rd is the next ShareLife Sunday.
Registration for the Garden Retreat is now full. If you would like to attend, please check Eventbrite (periodically for cancellations).
You may have noticed the guide house near the meditation circle, which currently houses a Companion guide for the Walk of the Stations of the Cosmic Earth. Feel free to borrow the guide for your walk, return it and avail yourself of a take-away guide stored beneath the rear portion of the articulated roof. Additional guides for reflective garden walks will appear in the guide house in the coming months.
Last week, we sent a bountiful harvest to the Good Shepherd including carrots, beans, chard, peppers, tomatoes, parsley, thyme and celery, celeriac and yellow squash. Planting for fall crops is underway and will include beets, carrots, spinach, lettuce, radish and cabbage.
Join the Garden Ministry! You are sure to find garden care tasks that appeal to you among the endless variety in St. Gabriel’s garden.
Catholic Conscience is Canada’s non-partisan Catholic civic and political engagement organization. They have prepared a number of resources that will assist Catholics in voter education and engagement in the days leading up to the federal election. These resources can be accessed at: www.catholicconscience.org/canada-federal-current.
All those eligible to vote are encouraged to do so on, or before, September 20th, 2021.
Saturday, October 2nd from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Manresa Jesuit Spiritual Renewal Centre 2325 Liverpool Rd., Pickering
A day of reflection for Catholic parents of young adults with mental health issues. Facilitated by Sr. Mary Rowell, csj. A suggested offering of $50 per person. Includes lunch, break and retreat day program. Space is limited.
For more information, visit their website at www.manresa-canada.ca
To register contact mikehyland@bell.net or phone 647-296-2499.
Tuesday, October 12th from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre 1617 Blythe Rd., Mississauga
Celebrate October, the Month of the Holy Rosary, by attending a day retreat at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga.
The cost is $40 (includes morning coffee and muffin, hot lunch and the program)
To register call Anne at 905-278-5229.
The Finance Council wishes to share this with all who come together as our worshipping community. “The financial burden of the Parish is the responsibility of each and all parishioners to the extent that your means allow.”
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
