December 9th, 2023
“The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.”
Please note the change for the Reconciliation Service and Confession:
Wednesday, December 13th from 7:30 PM
Thursday, December 14th from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Friday, December 22nd – Office Open 8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
Saturday, December 23rd – 4:30 Mass Sunday, December 24th – 8:30 AM Mass, 10:30 AM Mass, There is no 12:30 PM Mass, Office Open – 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Sunday, December 24th – 6:00 PM Family Mass, 9:00 PM Mass, 12:00 AM Midnight Mass
Monday, December 25th – 10:30 AM Mass, 12:30 PM Mass, Office Open – 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Tuesday, December 26th – There is no 9:00 AM Mass, Office Closed
Friday, December 29th – Office Open 8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
Saturday December 30th – 4:30 PM Mass
Sunday, December 31st – 8:30 AM Mass, 10:30 AM Mass, 12:30 PM Mass, Office Open – 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Sunday, December 31st – There is no Vigil Mass
Monday, January 1st – 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 the Principal of Elkhorn Public School for allowing us the use of the school property.
We invite the children to participate in the 6:00 PM Christmas Eve Family Mass.
Nativity Play
Children will wear costumes for a visual reenactment of the birth of Jesus during the Mass. Rehearsal is Sunday, December 17th from 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM.
Choir
Children will sing carols and hymns before and during the Mass. Rehearsal is Sunday, December 17th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.
Contact our parish youth minister at youth@stgabrielsparish.ca or call 416 221 8866 Ext. 227 to register.
December 11th to December 17th, 2023
MONDAY – MICHAEL McCARTHY ✞ – Requested by Christine & Roland Kilchling TUESDAY – THERESA JULIA COOPER ✞ – Requested by Mary Anne Barnes WEDNESDAY – TINA INTINI ✞ – Requested by Chiara Intini THURSDAY – UMBERTO INTINI ✞ – Requested by Chiara Intini FRIDAY – VU VAN TAI ✞ – Requested by the Nguyen Family SATURDAY ̶ JOSEPH DOAN PHUC AI – Requested by the Nguyen Family SUNDAY – 8:30 – MASS FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE PAUL AND PEREIRA FAMILIES ✞ – Requested by Sophie & Candida Pereira SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – EFREN BORMILADO ✞ – Requested by the Gaitan Family
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome the following children who were baptized during the month of November:
Ellis Ivar Aquino Asuncion Pia Cyrille Marasigan De Guzman Olivia Kim Emilie Chung Yan Wong Zavivar Marian Ali
Congratulations to the children and their families!
Tuesday, December 12th 2023
On December 12th, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, the Church in Canada celebrates the National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. This year, we take a moment to recall the Holy Father’s Penitential Pilgrimage to Canada in July 2022, and in particular his words of prayer offered at Lac Ste. Anne:
“Lord, as the people on the shores of the Sea of Galilee were not afraid to cry out to you with their needs, so we come to you, Lord … with whatever pain we bear within us. We bring to you our weariness and our struggles, the wounds of the violence suffered by Indigenous brothers and sisters. In this blessed place, where harmony and peace reign, we present to you the disharmony of our experiences, the terrible effects of colonization, the indelible pain of so many families, grandparents and children. Lord, help us to be healed of our wounds. We know, Lord, that this requires effort, care and concrete actions on our part; but we also know that we cannot do this alone. We rely on you and on the intercession of your mother and your grandmother. Yes, Lord, we entrust ourselves to the intercession of your mother and your grandmother, because mothers and grandmothers help to heal the wounds of our hearts.”
until Sunday, December 10th
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.
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 10th. 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..
Would the person who has envelope 220 please contact the parish office at 416 221 8866. Thank you.
Your assistance is requested!
Our archbishop, the Most Rev. Francis Leo, is inviting Catholics throughout the archdiocese to share their key priorities to help inform and guide an updated Pastoral Plan. To participate in the consultation, visit: www.archtoronto.org/consultation to complete a brief survey by December 15, 2023, where you can offer your suggestions and insights.
The process should take just a few minutes and we ask that you complete the short survey as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from the Catholic community throughout the archdiocese. Thank you in advance for sharing your insights, ideas and discernment.
Saturday December 16th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM St. Gabriel’s church
Our parish youth group will be hosting an Advent Prayer & Worship Night on Saturday December 16th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. All are welcome to spend an hour in prayer, reflection, and contemporary worship music as we prepare for the birth of Jesus. Refreshments will be available after the service.
Wednesday, December 20th from 1:30 to 3:00 PM
Please note the change of Date.
Enjoy an afternoon of singing your favourite Christmas carols and while having some afternoon libation and cookies on Wednesday, December 20th from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM.
To register please contact stgabrielmma@gmail.com or call the Parish Office.
Offertory envelopes for 2024 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. However, if you want envelopes, please contact the Parish Office
On the first few 2024 envelopes, please write your name and complete address so that the office can ensure they have your correct information when sending out 2023 tax receipts.
To ensure the proper recording for tax receipt purposes, please do not use any envelopes from 2023 or any prior year for any 2024 donations.
| Posted in Bulletin |
December 2nd, 2023
December 4th to December 10th, 2023
MONDAY – KRISTOPHER TA – Requested by Veronica Do TUESDAY – MARIA DIDIODATO ✞ – Requested by her Family WEDNESDAY – JOHN MENDES ✞ – Requested by his Family THURSDAY – PAT BRISTOL-CLARKE – Requested by Karen Crichton FRIDAY – QUEENIE PINTO ✞ – Requested by Bernard Pinto SATURDAY – NICKOLAS ANTONIOU – Requested by the Ruff Family SUNDAY – 8:30 – MASS FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – BRUNO CORTESE ✞ – Requested by his Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – CRISTINA BELLO ✞ – Requested by Tullio Marra
Archbishop Leo invites you to join ShareLife’s fight against hunger
Your gift will double in value! From November 1st until year end, your contribution to our parish’s ShareLife campaign will be matched by an anonymous donor up to a total of $500,000.
“It is heart-wrenching and unacceptable that anyone today lacks access to food which is a most basic human right,” shares Archbishop Francis Leo. “Our parishioners are taking action in response to the Lord’s call to feed the hungry. Since the earliest days of the Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Toronto, the faithful have cared for those in need, on the margins of society and we continue this life-giving legacy.”
Please support the fight against hunger at sharelife.org/donate or by giving at our parish using a ShareLife envelope.
Thank you for reaching out with the hands of Christ to feed the hungry.
St. Vincent de Paul
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.
Thank you to those parishioners who prepared casseroles for November. For December, your prepared frozen casseroles may be dropped off at the Parish Office by December 30th/31st for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
Let’s see if we can increase that number!
The need is very great especially as the colder weather 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.
December 9th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
St. Gabriel’s Church
The theme of this reflection, led by Fr. Paul, is Compassion: The Journey from Loneliness to Solitude.
This day is for all who find Christmas to be a difficult time. It can be a lonely time when we are supposed to be having ourselves a Merry Little Christmas. Please join us on Saturday, December 9th at 2:00 PM.
Saturday, December 9th at 7:30 PM
‘When You Believe’ – A heartwarming Christmas concert series by the Seraphim & Cherubim Chorus, unfolds like a holiday story told in song.
Join us on an uplifting voyage through the most beloved melodies of Christmas past, present, and future with a few magical surprises along the way. Let’s ring in the season together December 9th, 7:30 pm at St. Gabriel’s Parish. Advanced tickets available online at www.seraphimandcherubim.ca
Friday, December 15th from 1:30 to 3:00 PM
Enjoy an afternoon of singing your favourite Christmas carols and while having some afternoon libation and cookies on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM.
Saturday December 16th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM
St. Gabriel’s church Our parish youth group will be hosting an Advent Prayer & Worship Night on Saturday December 16th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. All are welcome to spend an hour in prayer, reflection, and contemporary worship music as we prepare for the birth of Jesus. Refreshments will be available after the service.
November 26th, 2023
A Book 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 in the book. They will be remembered at all the Masses celebrated in November.
Our Wall of Remembrance is dedicated to all those Members of our Faith Community who have gone home to God this year. Please continue to pray for them. A candle will be lit before each Mass in remembrance of them.
November 27th to December 3rd, 2023
MONDAY – ANDREW HUI ✞ – Requested by Diana Lau TUESDAY – BONIFACIES D’MELLO ✞ – Requested by his Family WEDNESDAY – MOLLY McCONKEY ✞ – Requested by Patrick McConkey THURSDAY – GIUSEPPINA & ORESTE SMERIGLIO ✞ – Requested by Lina Giannotta FRIDAY – THANKSGIVING – Requested by the Cabacunban Family SATURDAY – DORA PEREZ PICADO ✞ – Requested by Petrona Rivas SUNDAY – 8:30 – MASS FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – DR. EUGENE JUWAH ✞ – Requested by Pricilla Juwah SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – THANKSGIVING – Requested by the Gaitan, Domopoy, Ferrer & Nemento Families
Haven’t yet made your annual contribution to our parish’s ShareLife campaign? Wait no longer! From November 1 until year end, your gift will be matched by an anonymous donor up to $500,000. That means your compassionate generosity helps even more families in need, including those nourished through ShareLife’s recently announced food programs.
Our parish has currently raised $169,733 towards our suggested goal of $192,000. Double the impact of your kindness by giving at the parish with a ShareLife envelope or anytime at sharelife.org/donate.
November 18th, 2023
Weekend on November 11th/12th
Thank you to all the members of the Parish Ministries for yourtime and dedication. The Ministry Fair was a great success, informing our parishioners of all that is happening in our parish.
November 20th to November 26th, 2023
MONDAY – SIMON GALVEZ PRINCIPIO ✞ – Requested by Marciana Principio TUESDAY – LAU KWONG-CHUNG ✞ – Requested by Diana Lau WEDNESDAY – ALAN LAU ✞ – Requested by Diana Lau THURSDAY – YANG-PILLBUN – Requested by the Veronica Do FRIDAY – JACK TA – Requested by Veronica Do SATURDAY – JOYCE & CATHY DRAB ✞ – Requested by their Family SUNDAY – 8:30 – MASS FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – GEORGE HALE ✞ – Requested by his Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – MOLLY, TONY & PAUL McCONKEY ✞ – Requested by Patrick McConkey
November 19th is World Day of the Poor. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides food and material help to more than 350,000 persons in need on a yearly basis in Canada.
The Society also provides assistance to refugees, immigrants and to northern communities.
Help the Society of St. Vincent de Paul assist people who are in a situation of poverty. Tax receipts will be issued for donated amounts over $20. Please provide your address on the envelope to receive the tax receipt. Thank you and God Bless.
The Altar Server Ministry needs children, 10 and over, to learn how to serve at Mass.
If you have a child who might be interested, please email stgabrielsaltarservers@gmail.com
There will be a second collection today, for The Shepherds’ Trust. The mission of the Shepherds’ Trust is to help ensure that elderly and disabled priests are provided with sufficient financial resources to lead a dignified life after many years of ministry. Your generous gift will help our priests to maintain a modest but active and independent lifestyle in their retirement years. For priests who are ill or otherwise infirm, the Trust ensures they have access to nursing home facilities and medical care. Thank you for your support of this important work.
Saturday, November 19th to Sunday, December 10th
Rosalie Hall
Saturday November 19th to Sunday December 10th
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 10th.
ShareLife update: Your gift will be matched!
Haven’t yet made your annual contribution to our parish’s ShareLife campaign? Wait no longer!
From November 1st until year end, your gift will be matched by an anonymous donor up to $500,000. That means your compassionate generosity helps even more families in need, including those nourished through ShareLife’s recently announced food programs.
Our parish has currently raised $169,633 towards our suggested goal of $192,000. Double the impact of your kindness by giving at the parish with a ShareLife envelope or anytime at sharelife.org/donate.
Next Weekend, November 25th and 26th
Thank you to the volunteers who preparedcasseroles for October. For November, your frozen casseroles will be collected after all the Masses next weekend, November 25th/26th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre
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 25th, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Gabriel Room
The Palliative and Bereavement Ministry is presenting a seminar series on topics related to Palliative Care. The seminar series will provide comfort through coming together to learn practical knowledge about palliative care, knowledge which will enhance the journey of care for ourselves, our loved ones and our community.
Join us in the Gabriel room on November 25th, 2023 for the first of 3 sessions.
Dr. Ann Li-Hsu, MD, and Bob Parke, MSW, MHSc (Bioethics), will facilitate this first session which will focus on an introduction to Palliative Care and Advance Care Planning. All are welcome. There is no cost for the sessions.
For more information and to register, please contact StGabrielBereavement@gmal.com
Saturday December 2nd, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 2:20 PM
Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, 1617 Blythe Road
Queen of Apostles renewal Centre is hosting an Advent Retreat on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 2:20 PM. It will be facilitated by the Centre team. Registration begins at 8:30 AM. The cost, which includes coffee / tea with muffins and a hot lunch is $45.00. They will close the retreat day with Mass.
To register call 905-278-5229 or email office@qoa.ca
A gift of securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) is still one of the most financially sound ways to support the Archdiocese of Toronto. When you donate stocks, mutual funds and other publicly traded securities to a registered charity, you pay no capital gains tax and receive a tax receipt for the full amount of the gift. It means a great tax break for you and more significant support of your Parish and various archdiocesan charities such as ShareLife, St. Augustine’s Seminary, The Shepherds’ Trust and many others.
To donate securities, follow this link: https://www.archtoronto.org/en/offices-and-ministries/social-justice–outreach/development-and-sharelife/home/gifts-of-securities/ to download:How to Gift Securities Info Sheet and the Letter of Direction
To ensure you will receive a 2023 tax receipt, kindly submit a completed Letter of Direction to us no later than on December 21st, 2023, either via email to development@archtoronto.org by fax at 416-934-3412For more information, contact our office at development@archtoronto.org.
Will the holder of envelope 237 please contact the Parish Office at 416 221 8866.
November 11th, 2023
This week, Fr. Dennish Joseph CP arrived from Bhopal India to take up his ministry here at St. Gabriel’s Parish.
Please be sure to meet him and give him a warm St. Gabriel’s welcome.
You are invited to St. Gabriel’s Ministry Fair this weekend, November 11th and 12th. Tables are set up in the gathering space for each ministry. A display highlights each ministry and a member or members of that ministry will be there to answer your questions. Come, see and learn about the many events happening in the Parish.
The Altar Server Ministry needs children, 10 and above, to learn how to serve at Mass. If you have a child who might be interested, please email stgabrielsaltarservers@gmail.com
November 6th to November 12th, 2023
MONDAY – DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE INTINI FAMILIES ✞ – Requested by Chiara Intini TUESDAY – TINA INTINI ✞ – Requested by Chiara INtini WEDNESDAY – TONINO DIDIODATO ✞ – Requested by the Family THURSDAY – TERRANCE RITCHIE ✞ – Requested by the Martin Family FRIDAY – PATRICK McGROARTY ✞ – Requested by his Family SATURDAY – PATRICK McGROARTY ✞ – Requested by his Family SUNDAY – 8:30 – MASS FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – BENITO TOMAIUOLI & FAMILY ✞ – Requested by the Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – PLACIDO DOMOPOY ✞ – Requested by Aileen Domopoy
Next Weekend, November 18th/19th
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is collecting gently used clothing, shoes, linens and household goods to support our neighbors in need or to be sold to help support their special works in the community next weekend, November 18th/19th. Please bring your donations and help others in your community
They cannot accept books, dishes, furniture, appliances, mattresses, construction materials or videos and cassettes.
The truck will be open Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Volunteers will be there to assist with loading before and after each Mass.
Our parish has currently raised $167,797 towards our suggested goal of $192,000. Double the impact of your kindness by giving at the parish with a ShareLife envelope or anytime at sharelife.org/donate.
Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre. They are very grateful.
Your food donations are very important as numbers of people in need continue to increase. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired.
November 15, 2023 at 5:00 PM
St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica
We invite you to stand in solidarity with persecuted Christians around the world. On November 15th, take part in Red Wednesday, an international event to raise awareness of the persecution of Christians and promote religious freedom. Participate by attending the Mass to be celebrated by Archbishop Francis Leo at 5:00 PM. at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in Toronto, lighting up a building in red (or alternatively, wearing red) or joining a prayer group. For more information on this not-to-be-missed event and other ways to show your support, please visit https://acn-canada.org/rw/. Let us stand in solidarity with persecuted Christians!
November 17th to November 19th, 2023
St. Augustine’s Seminary
The Office of Vocations will be hosting a Come & See Weekend Discernment Retreat for men 18 years and older, at St. Augustine’s Seminary on Friday, November 17 (6:30 p.m.) until Sunday, November 19 (2 p.m.). This retreat offers a way for men to discern a possible call to priesthood at our seminary.
Registration must be done online at www.vocationstoronto.ca/comesee
For more information, please visit vocations@archtoronto.org
Monday, November 20th, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Online event recommended by the Office for Promoting Christian Unity and Religious Relations with Judaism
Dr. Aaron Koller will answer some basic questions about our obligations towards our neighbours and societies in which we live. These questions will be unpacked through the lens of the Talmud in the Jewish tradition. This session, which is part of a series on friendship, will provide insight into relationships as we face emotional, financial, social, and political challenges in living our faith.
To register go to https://www.jtsa.edu/event/do-good-fences-make-good-neighbors-a-talmudic-teaching/
Saturday November 25th, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Gabriel Room
🌟 ‘When You Believe’ – A heartwarming Christmas concert series by the Seraphim & Cherubim Chorus, unfolds like a holiday story told in song.
November 8th, 2023, to January 15th, 2024
Theme: “You shall love the Lord your God … and your neighbour as yourself.” (Luke 10:27).
High school students (ages 13-19 years) in the Catholic School Boards located in the Archdiocese of Toronto are invited to participate in this annual event that commemorates the global Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from January 18-25.
Write a five-hundred-word essay that explores the 2024 theme. Great prizes await the top three submissions.
Students are to consult the resources at https://rb.gy/wajo9 to understand the meaning and purpose of the theme and address the focus question found on the poster @ http://surl.li/mlfkw and submit their entries at, https://www.catholicregister.org/writingaward.
Contact: ecumenical@archtoronto.org or call 416-934-3400 (Ext. 527) for more information or questions
To donate securities, follow this link: https://www.archtoronto.org/en/offices-and-ministries/social-justice–outreach/development-and-sharelife/home/gifts-of-securities/ to download: How to Gift Securities Info Sheet and the Letter of Direction
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 »
Read about Fr. Tim Boyle’s visit with Fatima. Check out the original blog post with even more pictures.
Companion for the Walk of the Stations of the Cosmic Earth
St. Gabriel’s Garden – Guided Sensory Reflective Walk