November 15th, 2020
In a way we can hear today’s parable as a ‘give an accounting of your self. What have you done with the gifts God gave you?
Let’s start with ourselves as members of the human species.
Think on these things;
God our master has left us with the earth, not to do with it what we want but to care for it even as we live off of its abundant riches.
God created the land to support living things: What will happen when God returns to find so much land strip-mined, strip-cleared, eroded, and burdened with toxic waste?
God created the waters to support all living things: What will happen when God returns to find the oceans and rivers polluted with our garbage and chemical by-products?
God created the air to support all living things: What will happen when God returns to find polluting smog and holes in the ozone?
God created plants and animals to live on this wonderful earth and revel in its beauty: What will happen when God returns to find so many of them driven to extinction by our destructive practices?
What answer can we give? What excuses can we make?
Another thing to think about…God graced us with the gift of our Christian faith. St. Paul urges us to grow to grow in our faith to a full maturity in Christ
Years ago Pope John 23rd challenged us with these word’ we are not on earth to guard a museum but to cultivate a flourishing garden of life. This challenge is still vital. At a moment when many good people are preoccupied with keeping the deposit of our faith secure, faithful to the past, this is the way we always thought, Pope John called us to a new venture of openness and dialog with the world in which we live. To use Pope John’s own image, ‘open the windows and let in the fresh air.
In Pope Francis choice of Bishops and Cardinals he’s moved beyond the old practice of choosing places like Paris or Milan, London or New York. He’s gone to the frontiers, choosing bishops who have the smell of their sheep. Pope Francis chooses pastors over administrators.
The Pope promotes, what he call a culture of encounter, he talks with and listens respectfully to people who think differently from himself, so he’s upset many people with his opinions of the LGBTO community and his thoughts on civil unions.
A Jesuit author wrote an article about 80 year old Bob Dylan’s recent album , Rough and Roudy Ways. This Jesuit sees Dylan as a deeply spiritual person whose musical message encourages us to ‘stop spending our efforts on earning God’s, bur to spend our efforts on receiving God’s love.
Something to think about…am I trying to earn God’s love or am I willing to accept God’s love? A love we celebrate right here, right now – this is my body given for you, this is my blood poured out for you – receive!
| Posted in Homily |
November 8th, 2020
After many years working in the Parish Office, Wanda Wrobel has decided to retire. Her work with Parish tools has been invaluable. Her enthusiastic attitude and friendly manner will certainly be missed.
Wanda, may this next chapter of your life bring you endless time to do the things you love!
Wednesday, November 11th is Remembrance Day, a day to remember all who have served, and continue to serve in our armed forces, especially those who have died and those wounded in battle. We pray for healing and peace; that one day, all peoples will lay down their arms and embrace one another as brothers and sisters in one human family.
A Box 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 on a sheet of paper and place it in the box. They will be typed and placed in the Book of Remembrance. We will remember them at all the Masses celebrated in November.
November 9th to November 15th
MONDAY – FR. FERNANDO PERO – Requested by Humberto Holando TUESDAY – FR. BRANDO RECANA CP – Requested by Veronica Do WEDNESDAY – JOAN RUEST – Requested by her Family THURSDAY – ERIKA LEEGIHEUN – Requested by Veronica Do FRIDAY – JOHN YO HAN KIM – Requested by Veronica Do SATURDAY – DECEASED FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE ROSARY GROUP – Requested by Linda Law SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – JOSE ENRIQUEZ SR. – Requested by Jackie Enriquez SUNDAY 12:30 PM – DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE LOZANO ACOSTA FAMILY – Requested by Mirian Fabra
Connecting with each other during the Pandemic
The St. Gabriel’s Friendly Connections is a program of the Ministry for Maturing Adults that being initiated during the second wave of COVID 19. It has been developed to encourage independence and social contact parishioners, especially those who live alone.
Our goal is to help people who have limited social networks to maintain healthy community living. Using regular contact, via the telephone or email, friendship and support are provided to encourage independence and social contact. The method of contact and frequency can be determined by the participants for.
The team members of the Ministry of Maturing Adults would like to invite anyone who would like a telephone pal or email pal to contact the parish office or email us directly at stgabrielmma@gmail.com.
No one should feel alone… Each of us are weathering this storm in a different way, but we are all part of the same storm. Let us know if we can help!
Meetings in preparation for the R.C.I.A. (Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults) have begun. These meetings are normally in person but, due to Covid 19, they are being held online. They 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.
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 at 416-221-8866.
Registration Began on October 19th
The 2020-2021 Children’s Faith Program will follow a home-school model with email resource support from volunteer catechist. At registration, you will receive a textbook for use as a primary resource. Parents will home school the child, with guidance from the textbook material and email resources from the catechist. Registration forms are available on line or in the Parish Office.
November 15th, the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, is the World Day of the Poor. Your Society of Saint Vincent de Paul,
St. Gabriel’s Conference invites you to help our less fortunate brothers and sisters, especially at this uncertain time. We encourage you to lend a hand by participating as a member in our conference.
In this very busy period, we always need volunteers and, of course, financial help is always appreciated. You may donate to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul using the envelopes in the gathering space beside the St. Vincent de Paul box or putting your donation in that box. For information on membership in the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, St. Gabriel Conference, please call Brenda D’Souza at 416-990-8892.
Each month food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.
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.
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.
With so many out of work and struggling at this time, your food donations are more important than ever. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired. Thank you for your generous support.
Saturday, November 14th from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Ending Poverty Together is an interactive workshop designed to help redefine your understanding of poverty — both causes and solutions — in Canada and abroad. Connect with individuals in your community while gaining a healthy, hope-filled approach to poverty alleviation. Join thousands of Canadians who have enjoyed the interactive content, videos and discussion.
REGISTER: http://bit.ly/EndingPovertyWorkshop CONTACT: lenita.lopes@newmantoronto.com
A virtual event Saturday, November 21st from 9:30 AM. to 1:00 PM
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son, working to sanctify us every day. This workshop will explore the activity of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians.
Presented by Fr. Joseph Chandrakanthan.
The cost is $25. Please contact St. Augustine’s Seminary of Toronto at: 416-261-7207 or by email at lay.formation@staugustines.on.ca WEBSITE: www.staugustines.on.ca
Virtual Archdiocesan Event for Families Saturday, November 28th from 10:00AM to 9:15 PM
Cardinal Collins is pleased to invite families from across the archdiocese to our third annual (virtual) gathering of families on Saturday, November 28th from 10:00 AM to 9:15 PM. The family day will include; prayer; praise and worship; games; Q&A with Cardinal Collins; family activity challenges; and a parent talk and discussion session with lay evangelist Patrick Sullivan. Parents and children of all ages are invited to join us for online sessions and offline activities.
There is no cost to attend, but capacity is limited. One ticket per household. To register, please visit: www.archtoronto.org/family. This event is being hosted by the Office of Formation for Discipleship at Archdiocese of Toronto in partnership with BLD Toronto, Couples for Christ, Focolare and Teams of Our Lady.
If you have further questions, please call Annalisa Parente at: 416-934-3400 ext. 569 or aparente@archtoronto.org.
| Posted in Bulletin |
November 1st, 2020
Every evening at the end of our meal we read out the names of all the men of our Passionist Province who died on this day. Some of these men died before our time. Some were our professors or our superiors, some we lived with in different monasteries. After their names are read we share our memories of the ones we knew. Some were great preachers, some great leaders, some great teachers. Many we remember with great kindness, others not so much, after all we are aa family. Some of these men had power over us as seminarians. They could decide whether we stayed of sent home. Some we remember as saints – others, not so.
Today is the feast of All Saints. Today we remember the saints we knew and those who challenged us to be saints – I’ve worked with you good people of St. Gabriel’s since 1960 and I’ve known so many saints among you – men and women, mothers and fathers who lived lives that put me to shame – as I’ve said so many times before the saints of the church and in the pews of the church.
Every Sunday we rush through the words, “I believe in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. The communion of saints is all about our oneness with all the members of the church. We used to talk about the church militant, the church suffering and the church triumphant..the communion of saints.
This feast reminds us we are family with all God’s people.
We remember our saints and those who challenged us to be saints –
On this feast, this celebration of all saints we thank God for the many saints who have touched our lives, we thank God for family members and friends who challenge us to be saints, challenge us to be open and loving people, who challenge us to free ourselves from bigotry or narrow mindedness, who challenge us to be people who let past hurts and slights be gone.
Today we thank God for inviting us into this wonderful family that stretches back two thousand years and looks forward to an always better future – this wonderful family not bound by time of space – this communion of saints and those struggling to be saints. This is our family. By the way we struggle to live our own Christian lives may it always be a better family – a family of justice – love and peace
October 31st, 2020
November 2nd to November 8th
MONDAY – SOULS of MICHAEL & AURITA FERNANDES – Requested by Tony Fernandes TUESDAY – ALL SOULS IN PURGATORY – Requested by John Chan WEDNESDAY – VLADO PETRANOVIC – Requested by Mira Petranovic THURSDAY – CARL LEFEBOUR – Requested by Yvonne Lefebour FRIDAY – LUISA ALMENARA – Requested by The Almenara – Chau Family SATURDAY – GUS & MARIE CALDERONE – Requested by Their Family SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – DECEASED MEMBERS of the MINNAN WONG FAMILY – Requested by The Noreen Chen SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – SOULS IN PURGATORY – Requested by Mirian Fabra
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome the following children who received the Sacrament of Baptism during the month of October: Rhon Meriales Kaylin Camarines Lalongisip Theodore Camarata Henry Camarata
Congratulations and blessings to you!
Beautiful religious Christmas cards will be available after all the Masses next weekend, November 7thand 8th. The suggested cost is $3.00 per card.
All donations will go directly to support the Passionist Missions in Haiti, Honduras and Jamaica. Your support is invaluable in caring for the needy in some of the poorest communities of North America.
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 31 casseroles for October. For November, your prepared frozen casseroles will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of November 28th/29th 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.
As we put the garden to bed, the idea of hibernation becomes irresistible. And so, with this entry, we close the doors on The Garden Shed until spring. To all you who made donations, helped out in the garden and with our communications, gave us words of encouragement during your walks, delivered harvests to the Good Shepherd or simply enjoyed your garden, the Garden Ministry sends a heartfelt Thank You! If you are interested in learning more about the Garden Ministry, check out our page on the parish website and/or email Heather Bennett at heathermjb@gmail.com.
November 5th at 7:00 PM
Salt & Light TV and www.facebook.com/archtoronto
The 41st annual Cardinal’s Dinner will be celebrated as a virtual event, open to all, on Thursday, November 5th at 7:00 PM
Join them on Salt & Light TV and the Archdiocese of Toronto’s Facebook page for an inspiring 60-minute program that will include musical performances, profiles of Cardinal’s Dinner beneficiaries, an interview with Cardinal Collins, greetings from dignitaries and a special thank you to volunteers who have been assisting parishes throughout the pandemic.
There is no cost to attend the event however the goal is to continue to support the Cardinal’s Dinner charities during these challenging days. For more information or to donate in support of the dinner, visit: www.archtoronto.org/cardinalsdinner.
Saturday, November 14th from10:30 AM to 1:00 PM
October 24th, 2020
October 26th to November 1st
MONDAY – UNBORN SOULS – Requested by Nguyen Family TUESDAY – YANG PILL BUN – Requested by Veronica Do WEDNESDAY – MARGARET NORONHA – Requested by Alcuin Noronha THURSDAY – DRAGICA PETRANOVIC – Requested by Mira Petranovic FRIDAY – LAU KOON TING – Requested by Linda Law & Family SATURDAY – VINCENZA & LORENZO GRECH – Requested by The Family SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – THERESE & VED MEHARCHAND – Requested by The Meharchand Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – SOULS IN PURGATORY – Requested by Mirian Fabra
Meetings in preparation for the R.C.I.A. (Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults) will begin in October. These meetings are normally in person but, due to Covid 19, they will be online. They 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.
Thank you so much for your overwhelming support of our Thanksgiving Food Drive for the Good Shepherd Centre and Rosalie Hall. They were extremely grateful for the donations they received.
With so many out of work and struggling at this time, your food donations are more important than ever. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired. Please no fresh or frozen foods. Thank you for your generous support!
Monday October 26th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The speaker for this online event is Lisette Romero, BAS, B.Ed. Lisette enthusiastically works as a Youth Minister and a Lay Pastoral Assistant in two parishes of the Diocese of Peterborough. She invites us to share in her passion for the Catholic Faith and rich knowledge of Saints and Sainthood.
Please join her for a night of learning, fellowship, and sharing! Space is limited. Please contact faithconnections@csj-to.ca for more information.
October 29th at 8:00 PM
Join the deVeber Institute for their first virtual lecture! The featured speaker, Dr. Jane Pritchard, will discuss the affect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on already marginalized individuals in Toronto. In addition, bioethicist Bob Parke will present on the urgent need to improve palliative care for individuals with intellectual disabilities. It is sure to be a thought-provoking evening of incredible discussion and research. They hope to see you there!
For more information, please contact bioethics@deveber.org or by phone at 416-256-0555.
WEB: www.deveber.org
Friday, October 30th from 8:00 PM until 9:00 PM
Faith Connections and Newman Young Adult Ministry invite all young adults aged 18-39 to a virtual murder mystery evening! Ten strangers arrive on an island invited by an unknown host. Each of them has a secret … and then someone dies. Join them online to solve this murder.
For more information, contact Faith Connections at 416 886 8412 or by email at faithconnections@csj-to.ca
REGISTER at http://bit.ly/NewmanMysteryNight
Join them on Salt & Light TV and the Archdiocese of Toronto’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/archtoronto) for an inspiring 60-minute program that will include musical performances, profiles of Cardinal’s Dinner beneficiaries, an interview with Cardinal Collins, greetings from dignitaries and a special thank you to volunteers who have been assisting parishes throughout the pandemic.
Friday, November 6th at 7:00 PM to Sunday, November 8th at 1:00 PM
Manresa Jesuit Spiritual Renewal Centre 2325 Liverpool Rd., Pickering
Learn the basics of praying in the Jesuit tradition. Understand the essential elements of Jesuit spirituality, a spirituality for busy, active people. St. Ignatius Loyola wanted Jesuits to be “contemplatives in action” but the busyness of our lives is often the thing that distracts us most from God. Learn to develop your awareness of God’s presence in your life. Develop the tools for deepening your relationship with God while maintaining all your usual commitments to family and work.
Facilitated by Fr. Michael Rosinski, SJ. A suggested offering of $225 per person. Includes two-nights of accommodation, meals, program and spiritual direction.
REGISTER: manresa-canada.ca CONTACT: registration@manresa.ca PHONE: 905-839-2864.
COVID restrictions and anxiety weigh heavily on our hearts, minds and bodies. The COVID walk has become a daily ritual for many of us and the only escape from isolation for some. For your next walk, consider the garden as your destination.
It offers a healing oasis of calm and quiet and a smorgasbord of sensory enrichment: tweets, scurryings, rustles, golden leaves gliding on breezes, a visual salad of leafy greens, spruce spires piercing a brilliant blue sky, and here and there spots of pinks, purples and whites proffered by enduring yarrow and hyssop. Let it refresh you.
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
