September 20th, 2020
Since March of this year our lives have been turned upside down. A virus, a plague has spread around the world with lightning speed. We are helpless before it. Scientists around the world are co-operating to find a cure. As of now they have not been successful.
Think of how this virus has affected us personally. Right here right now we have to sign in to come to this Mass. We have to wear masks, sit a certain distance apart, we’re not allowed to sing our hymns, there’s no choir and then we are restricted in our greeting of peace. We receive Holy Communion in a well ordered way. There is no spontaneity – we have to be careful. We can no longer take our time after Mass to greet and talk with one another.
There’s no more social life. We live in our own bubbles. No parties, no picnics, no fun.
The saddest and the hardest of all is the reality of seniors dying alone in nursing homes, no love ones allowed to hold and comfort them.There are no wakes, no hugging, no words of sympathy and encouragement. No funerals.
Weddings and their reception are cancelled; Thanksgiving and Christmas family gathering and dinners are discouraged. Snow birds are grounded.
Think of the numbers of small businesses that are gone. The financial impact of this virus has been disastrous for so many people.
This devious virus has touched us all in one way or another.
But think on this. We, the human family have become a virus to Earth. By our lifestyles, our consumerism, our wastefulness, our exploitation of Earth’s limited resources, our pollution of Earth’s oceans and lakes and rivers, our part in the extinction our so many species of plants, animals and birds and insects all these plus the climate change we’ve caused by our irresponsible human activity we’ve have caused a virus that damages and diminishes the health of Earth. What we do to Earth we do to ourselves.
We have no idea when our lives will get back to normal but scientist tells us the healing of Earth will be a long, long process.
Think on this. If we change our attitudes on our relationship with Earth, if we learn to respect the fragility of the life systems of Earth, if we appreciate the limits of Earth’s resources and live within them, if we are willing to live a simple life style, if we control our use of fossil fuel and harvest the energy of the sun and the winds, if we are willing to control the ways we harvest the seas and the land; then we will go a long way to developing an antivirus to the virus with which we’ve inflicted Earth and go a long way toward the healing of Earth.
A healthy Earth will be the antivirus we’re looking for and we can put behind us these difficult and tragic times in which we live.
Pope Francis and the Patriarch of Constantinople have asked that these days, until Oct. 4th the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi be known as the Season of Creation – days on which we see our place in God’s good creation.
Will we, during the Season of Creation, take the time to wonder at the beauty of creation, especially during this Fall season and take the time to examine our own life styles and by changing them make our own effort to work toward the healing of Earth and the healing of ourselves?
| Posted in Homily |
September 16th, 2020
Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, has announced the institution of Stewardship Sunday across the archdiocese on the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time. The first Stewardship Sunday will take place on September 20, 2020. To mark the occasion, Cardinal Collins, authored the below homily on stewardship (which is also available in a video format). Click on the link to view the video or read the homily.
Read more – and see the video – on the Archdiocese web site
| Posted in Notice |
Dear brothers and sisters,
Every year ShareLife gives us the opportunity to reach out with the hands of Christ to care for those who are most in need. This is what we’re called to do as His disciples: to be with those at the side of the road who are suffering, just as the Good Samaritan did. This is what it means to be a Christian.
At this time especially, in the midst of this pandemic, so many people are suffering greatly. There are people who are in great need of help for them as they struggle mentally and psychologically. ShareLife helps in that.
For people lonely, isolated, for seniors who need help, ShareLife reaches out to them.
There is a great deal of domestic violence and the ShareLife agencies are there at this time of great need to bring the loving hand of Christ into the midst of situations of such suffering.
In ShareLife we find the presence of Christ in the midst of those who suffer. We are there with them because He is with us, sending us out to be with those who are in need. That’s the purpose of ShareLife.
Especially in this time of such great need in the midst of this pandemic, I ask you to, in a very particular way, be generous in supporting those in need during the ShareLife Sunday collection.
May God bless you as you serve Our Lord by serving those who are in need.
Cardinal Thomas Collins Archbishop of Toronto
September 12th, 2020
If you are returning to St. Gabriel’s, welcome back. We are very happy to see you!
September 14th to 20th
MONDAY – MICHAEL & AURITA FERNANDES – Requested by Tony Fernandes TUESDAY – MICHAEL & AURITA FERNANDES – Requested by Tony Fernandes WEDNESDAY – GABRIELA & FLOR ACOSTA – Requested by Mirian Fabra THURSDAY – LOZANO FABRA – Requested by Mirian Fabra FRIDAY – LUKE VUKOVIC – Requested by His Family SATURDAY – CATHERINE MINNAN-WONG – Requested by Noreen Chen SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – DARKO SEIFERT & MARIA REIS – Requested by Mirjana Seifert SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – MICHAEL THOMPSON – Requested by Patrick Mohan
We are discerning how the program will be delivered in these times. More information will be forthcoming, so stay tuned.
Interviews for children who have been preparing to receive their First Communion are now being scheduled.
Interviews will begin on Tuesday, September 15th and continue until Thursday, October 1st. They are scheduled every 15 minutes from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866-to book your appointment with Fr. Brando as soon as possible.
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome these little ones: Gabriel Kent Abilay Clara Mirabella Aykroyd Olivia Brianna Canasa Declan Charles Terrence Long Zane Pierce Rozario
These children received the Sacrament of Baptism in July and August. Congratulations!
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 probably 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.
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.
Next Weekend, September 19th/20th
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is collecting gently used clothing, shoes and linens to support our neighbors in need or to be sold to help support their special works in the community next weekend, September 19th/20th.
They cannot accept books, dishes, furniture, appliances, mattresses, construction materials or videos and cassettes. Please bring your donations and help others in your community.
The truck will be open: Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM Sunday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Volunteers will be there to assist with loading before and after Mass.
For Families of Parishioners
The Archdiocese Office for Refugees has a program to assist parishioners who would like to sponsor a family member that is in need of refugee sponsorship. This program is intended to assist parishioners only. If you are a parishioner, and would like to sponsor a family member, please contact the parish office to schedule a meeting with the pastor prior to November 15th. The Office for Refugees will look to the sponsoring family to provide the necessary funds for sponsorship.
The Process Step 1: The Program is Announced at Parish by October 20th, 2020. Step 2: The Parishioner Meets with the Pastor – Interested parishioners are to arrange a meeting with the pastor by November 15th, 2020 Step 3: The Pastor Sends Request to ORAT by November 29th, 2020 Step 4: ORAT Invites Parishioner to an Information Session – Following the receipt of the request from the pastor, ORAT will extend an invitation to the parishioner, inviting them to attend the Introduction to Resettlement Information Session. This is a mandatory session for the parishioner. The session will take place on or before Saturday, December 12th, 2020.
As you are aware, St. Gabriel’s has always collected food for Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.
During the pandemic, there was no food collection and shelves were depleted so these organizations are desperate.
Please help if you can by bringing non-perishable foods such as rice, canned goods, powdered milk, coffee, tea sugar, cereal, peanut butter, jam, pasta and sauces. You may place them in the large bin in the Gathering Space.
Thank you to all the parishioners who heeded the announcement and already brought food. Your response has been awesome!
Live your best life in love. No matter where you are in your marriage journey, the Marriage Encounter experience is a heart haven that helps you listen, share and connect more deeply. There’s no group discussion. It’s just about the two of you learning to be the best, most loving couple you can be. Reclaim your love’s joy. It is based around Catholic values, but couples of all faiths are welcome.
For application and inquiry contact Gerard & Marge McCauley at gerard.marge@rogers.com or (905) 792-1925. Website: www.wwme.org
Are you a post-secondary student? Catholic campus ministry is a great way to meet new people, both in-person and online, and journey together throughout the school year. Check it out at: www.chaplaincyconnect.ca. If you’re studying from home this year, find out how to connect with a nearby chaplaincy by emailing: chaplaincyconnect@gmail.com
Did you know that St. Gabriel’s gardens are an example of living in harmony with God’s creation? They were created and are maintained sustainably. Featuring indigenous plants, they are naturally pest resistant, requiring no pesticides or herbicides and they are drought -resistant, requiring less water than non-indigenous plants. Soil health is maintained by regular applications of compost, most of which comes from the garden’s own composting system. No chemical fertilizers are used.
For more information on St. Gabriel’s gardens visit the Garden Ministry web-page on the parish website. If you would like to participate in caring for our gardens, please email heathermjb@gmail.com.
There are several collections that were missed during the pandemic. You will have the opportunity to drop these envelopes in addition to your regular offertory envelope into the second collection box in the Gathering Space.
The schedule is as follows: Needs of the Church in Canada – weekend of September 26th/27th, 2020 Pope’s Pastoral Works – weekend of October 3rd/4th, 2020 World Mission Sunday – weekend of October 17th/18th, 2020 The Shepherds’ Trust – weekend of November 14th/15th, 2020
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.”
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.
| Posted in Bulletin |
September 6th, 2020
Welcome back to all our parishioners who have been away since Covid 19 began. We have missed seeing you and are so happy that the church is now open for Mass, with limited capacity.
Please remember that, for the foreseeable future, masks are required to enter the church. Reservations are also required for weekend Masses. You may register online or by calling the Parish Office through the week at 416-221-8866.
Thank you for returning to our parish! The recent months have been difficult for all of us, so we hope this celebration of the Eucharist was a comforting and uplifting sacred experience.
We thank you for your understanding and cooperation. It is great to see you all once again!
Monday September 7th is Labour Day. The Parish Office will be closed and there will be no 9:00 AM Mass that day.
September 7th to September 13th
MONDAY – LABOUR DAY – No 9:00 AM Mass TUESDAY – MICHAEL & AURITA FERNANDES – Requested by Tony Fernandes WEDNESDAY – MANUEL COSTA – Requested by Celeste Costa, Sons & Grandchildren THURSDAY – JOSE & EULALIA ACOSTA – Requested by Mirian Fabra FRIDAY – HARRY LEUNG – Requested by John Chan SATURDAY – HEUNG WAH LAM – Requested by the Fung, Lam & Moreno Families SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – HARRY LEUNG – Requested by Mary Leung SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – DOREEN YOUNG – Requested by Noreen Chen
Father please hear us when we tell You of our concerns of sending our children and educators back to school.
Know that we are striving to make all of the right decisions.
We need Your love and power to help us overcome any difficulties.
Please watch over everyone as times and routines are about to change once again.
We know that we can do anything through You.
Please help us ensure health and semi-normalcy in the coming months.
We give our hearts to You, now and forever. Amen.
Thank you to all the parishioners who heeded the announcement and brought food for the Good Shepherd Centre and Rosalie Hall. Your response has been awesome!
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 14 casseroles for August.
For September, your prepared frozen casseroles will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of September 26th /27th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
This fall, a great many more volunteers are needed to become active in helping to feed our less fortunate sisters and brothers. Three different recipes are available in the Parish Office or online at the Parish website. Casserole pans are also available in the Parish Office. If you require more information please contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.
Weekend of September 19th/20th
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is collecting gently used clothing, shoes and linens and household goods to support our neighbors in need or to be sold to help support their special works in the community on the weekend of September 19th/20th.
The truck will be open Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Volunteers will be there to assist with loading before and after each Mass.
As our gardens begin their long slide into dormancy, here are a few highlights from the summer of 2020. Abundant harvests from our community garden have been delivered to the Good Shepherd Ministries: lettuce, chard, cucumber, beans, peas, carrots, beets, celery, onions, scallions, zucchini, haskap berries, currants and several herbs Still to come will be more beets, carrots, lettuce, arugula, squash and radish.
The two donation gardens that showcase plants from parishioners’ gardens were mulched this spring and have fared well through the heat. Strolling through the north garden you can enjoy the lilies, anise and Joe Pyeweed attracting loads of insects and butterflies. The south garden continues to offer radiant displays of giant ferns, smooth oxeye and calendula, with hairy beardtongue beginning to wane.
Plans are moving forward to plant a cover crop in the cleared area of the south garden just west of the mulched pathway. Do have a look! For more information on the Garden Ministry, please email Heather Bennett at heathermjb@gmail.com.
Weekend of September 12th/13th
The Pontifical Collection in support of the Holy Land, usually collected on Good Friday was cancelled when churches were closed due to the pandemic. Pope Francis has requested that it be taken up on the weekend of September 12th /13th.
The Annual Holy Land Collection not only helps to maintain churches and shrines located at holy sites, but it also helps to support the pastoral, welfare, educational and social works the Church undertakes in caring for the local population. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis invites you to be in solidarity with the Church and the Christians in the Holy Land. Please be as generous as your means allow.
As well, there are several other collections that were missed during the pandemic which will be taken in addition to regular parish collections.
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
