February 23rd, 2020
Thursday, February 27th is the feast of St. Gabriel. St. Gabriel, a member of the Passionist Community, was born Francis Possenti on March 1st, 1838 in Assisi.
In September, 1856, he entered the Passionist novitiate but before his ordination, he contracted tuberculosis. He died February 27th, 1862 at the age of 24. Francis had a special devotion to Mary and chose as his religious name Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin. He is remembered for his enthusiasm in life and his extraordinary generosity. Pope John XXIII proclaimed him as a special Patron of Youth. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 AM.
Saturday, February 29th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Can one person make a difference in the world? Using Scripture, stories and Indigenous myths from the Canadian north, Bishop Jon Hansen examines some of the major issues facing the world and how we can effect change by beginning with ourselves,
Redemptorist Bishop Jon is the seventh Bishop of the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith and was ordained Bishop while ministering as the Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. His episcopal motto is “Truth and Reconciliation” which makes reference to the healing journey of Residential School survivors and the ongoing work of reconciliation in the context of God’s redeeming love for us all.
This Sunday, February 23rd at 6:30 PM
Did you know that we have many talented young people within our Parish Community? In honour of the Feast of St. Gabriel, Patron Saint of Youth, all parishioners are invited to attend our Youth Group’s Talent Night. It will be held this Sunday, February 23rd at 6:30 PM here at the church. Admission is by donation. Please come and support our youth’s talents!
Wednesday, February26th, 2020
February 26th is Ash Wednesday. Special Masses will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon and 7:30 PM. Ashes will be distributed. There will be no 9:00 AM Mass.
Stations of the Cross will take place each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 PM. We also encourage your attendance at our daily Mass throughout Lent.
February 24th March 1st, 2020
MONDAY – NEEDY SOULS IN PURGATORY – Requested by the Nguyen Family TUESDAY – IRENE MOXAM – Requested by Wai Chin & Paul WEDNESDAY – ASH WEDNESDAY – No 9:00 AM Mass THURSDAY – MIKE HATCH – Requested by his Family FRIDAY – RICHARD CHUCHRA – Requested by Wanda & Jack SATURDAY – GORDON OATWAY – Requested by Pat Oatway SUNDAY – 10:30 AM SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – CORAZON MALUNAS – Requested by her Family
Friday, March 6th from 9:30 AM to 12 Noon
Ash Wednesday: Wednesday, February 26th Mass – 12:00 Noon Mass – 7:30 PM No 9:00 AM Mass
Stations of the Cross: Friday Evenings at 7:30 PM
Parish Lenten Retreat Saturday, February 29th From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Individual Confessions Thursday, March 26th From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Reconciliation Service Wednesday, April 1st at 7:30 PM
Palm Sunday, April 5th Masses Sat., 4:30 PM Sun., 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM
Holy Thursday, April 9th No 9:00 A.M. Mass 7:30 PM – Mass of the Lord’s Supper Followed by Adoration until 10:00 PM
Good Friday, April 10th 10:00 AM – Morning Prayer 3:00 PM – Solemn Passion of Our Lord 7:30 PM – Stations of the Cross
Holy Saturday, April 11th No 4:30 PM Mass 8:00 PM Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday, April 12th Masses 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM
Easter Monday, April 13th No 9:00 AM Mass Office Closed
EXTRA PARKING AT ELKHORN PUBLIC SCHOOL
Sunday, March 1st at 11:30 AM in the Gabriel Room
On the first Sunday of each month, the Passionist Centre for Ecology and Spirituality facilitates a 30 minute reflection and discussion prompted by the readings for that Sunday’s liturgy. All are welcome to attend.
Chinese: Sunday, March. 1st at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room
English: Saturday, March 7th at 3:15 PM in the Gabriel Room.
For information, please contact Linda Law at 416-918-8029.
Saturday, March 7th at 10:30 AM
St. Gabriel’s Church
First Reconciliation for children attending St. Gabriel’s School, those in the Children’s Faith Program and children attending other Catholic Schools will be held at St. Gabriel’s Church on Saturday, March 7th at 10:30 AM.
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 everyone 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, March 7th from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W.
Come and experience why thousands return each year! The theme of this year’s rally is “Jesus Light of the World”.
The Rally will be held on Saturday, March 7th from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building.
Be inspired by compelling speakers, inspiring personal testimony, powerful Christian music, Divine Mercy Celebration Eucharistic procession and prayer ministry for healing and empowerment. Cardinal Thomas Collins will celebrate Mass. There is a separate youth event (13-18 years) with great music, dynamic talks and inspirational skits in the John Basset Theatre, next door. Tickets are $ 25 for adults and $15 for the youth. For tickets please email: contact@ljhr.ca or visit: www.ljhr.ca or call 647 243 9441.
Friday, March 6th at 1:30 PM
Blessed Trinity Church 3220 Bayview Avenue.
You are cordially invited to the annual ecumenical World Day of Prayer Service which will be held at Blessed Trinity Church on Friday March 6th at 1:30 PM. The theme this year, “Rise! Take your mat and walk.” was written by the women of Zimbabwe.
St. Gabriel’s is one of three Catholic churches involved but has very little representation at the service. Please join us, along with our neighbouring Christian churches, in prayer and reflection. A reception will follow.
Presented by St. Michael’s Concerts Thursday, March 12th at 7:00 PM St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica
A concert, Mozart Requiem, will be held on Thursday, March 12th at 7:00 PM at St. Michael’s Cathedral. It will feature the St. Michael’s Choir School Cantorum and the Scola Cantorum Orchestra, conducted by S. Bryan Priddy. Guest Soloists include Teri Dunn, Krisztina Szabo, Michael Colvin and Robert Pomakov.
A free will offering would be very much appreciated. For more information, visit www.stmichaelscathedral.com/concerts.
If you want to get a head start on spring, you are welcome to join the Garden Ministry in the Gabriel Room on Wednesday, February 26th, Ash Wednesday after the noon Mass. We will be planting celery and parsley seeds.
| Posted in Bulletin |
February 22nd, 2020
I think the message of today’s gospel could be; ‘you are meant to be better than this’. Jesus reminds the men and women to whom he was speaking that the lessons they were taught by the ancient laws were meant to influence their daily lives.
He tells them, you were taught to love your neighbour, that is the members of your own tribe and hate those who do you wrong. But I want you to know that you are meant to be better than this. I want to broaden the horizons of your minds. Open your heart to everyone who comes into your life no matter where they come from, no matter how they pray, no matter the color of their skin. Jesus calls them to pray for those who do them wrong. We are challenged to echo the words of Jesus as he hung from the cross; Remember the prayer of Jesus as he hung on his cross; Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.
As followers of Jesus Christ we’re all challenged to grow beyond our latent bigotry and prejudice and our stereo typing of other people. God’s sun shines on the evil and on the good and God’s rain falls of all of us.
It’s easy to be friendly with friends but it is a challenge and a struggle to be pleasant to men and women with whom we have nothing in common.
Jesus tells us, be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect. Who of us can be faultless? We’re all mistake making beings. God’s perfection is in God’s love for each one of us, the good the bad and the ugly. God’s perfection is in his willingness to forgive and forget our sins and failing. That’s the perfection to which we are called.
We are meant to be better than people with closed minds and hard hearts. Jesus wanted to broaden the horizons of his hears minds and hearts and he wants the same for us. Our neighbour is anyone who comes into our lives especially the poor, the homeless, the newcomers to this land.
Our national crisis this past while is the confrontation between the first nations in BC and their resistance to a pipe line going through their nation’s sacred lands and the disruption to our economy by the blockading of the railroads that has been disastrous on the economy. We see the clenched fist of those who want to call in the troops and let big business get on with the job and we see the open hand of those who want to negotiate with the heritage chiefs – equal to equal, nation to nation. Today’s gospel might be a guide to both sides in this conflict. At this Mass we can pray for a just solution.
| Posted in Homily |
February 16th, 2020
Gift, Greed and Gratitude: Changing our Hearts to Change the World
Can one person make a difference in the world? Using Scripture, stories and Indigenous myths from the Canadian north, Bishop Jon Hansen examines some of the major issues facing the world and how we can effect change by beginning with ourselves.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you to all those who worked to make this year’s Lunar New Year Party a wonderful celebration This is one of the nicest events we have throughout the year and, as always, it was a huge success.
Thanks to those who donated the delicious food, those who decorated so beautifully and everyone who worked to make this celebration a truly memorable event.
All who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Our Youth Group would like to thank all parishioners who supported their Valentine’s Day Fundraiser last weekend. More than $500 was raised towards helping our youth attend the Steubenville Catholic Youth Conference this summer. Thank you all for your generous support!
Sunday, February 23rd at 6:30 PM
Did you know that we have many talented young people within our Parish Community? In honour of the Feast of St. Gabriel, Patron Saint of Youth, all parishioners are invited to attend our Youth Group’s Talent Night. It will be held on Sunday February 23rd at 6:30 PM here at the church. Admission is by donation.
Please come and support our youth’s talents!
Monday, February 17th
Monday February 17th is Family Day, a day to celebrate our families. The Parish Office will be closed and there will be no 9:00 AM Mass on that day.
Saturday, February 22nd from 2:00 to 3:30 PM
Gabriel Room
The first Confirmation class for those students from St. Gabriel’s School and all other Catholic Schools who are to be confirmed on May 17th will be held here in the Gabriel Room on Saturday, February 22nd at 2:00 PM.
Stations of the Cross will take place each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 PM.
We also encourage your attendance at our daily Mass throughout Lent.
February 17th – February 23rd, 2020
MONDAY – FAMILY DAY – No 9:00 AM Mass TUESDAY – ANTONIA EVANS – Requested by Teresa Sheldrick WEDNESDAY – YANG PILLBUN – Requested by Veronica Do THURSDAY – REGINA TA – Requested by Veronica Do FRIDAY – KEVIN McGOURAN – Requested by John Kahnert SATURDAY – MR.& MRS. WONG – Requested by Catherine Soong SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – TARCISIO GRIPP – Requested by Humberto Holanda SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – IN THANKSGIVING – Requested by Maria Lourdes Luz
Saturday, March 7th at 10:00 AM
Your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses next weekend. Each month, the casseroles are picked up early on Monday morning for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
More volunteers are needed to help feed the hungry in our city. We encourage you to pick up a copy of a casserole recipe and a pan and give it a try. Three recipes are available on St. Gabriel’s web site. Printed copies of the recipes are also available in the Parish Office. For more information, you may contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791.
Wednesday, February 19th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Our group of dedicated volunteers continue to cut, loop and weave plastic milk bags into sleep mats for individuals or families in developing countries If you wish to join them, the volunteer milk bag weavers will be meeting Wednesday, February 19th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the Gabriel Room. All are welcome!
Be inspired by compelling speakers, inspiring personal testimony, powerful Christian music, Divine Mercy Celebration Eucharistic procession and prayer ministry for healing and empowerment. Cardinal Thomas Collins will celebrate Mass.
There is a separate youth event (13-18 years) with great music, dynamic talks and inspirational skits in the John Basset Theatre, next door.
Tickets are $ 25 for adults and $15 for the youth. For tickets please email: contact@ljhr.ca or visit: www.ljhr.ca or call 647 243 9441.
Saturday, March 7th from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
St. Edward the Confessor Parish
Youth, both male and female, ages 12 to 17 are invited to attend a Young Peoples Retreat Themed Love in Service on Saturday, March 7th from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM at St. Edward the Confessor Parish. The day will include Holy Mass, reflection talks, recreation and lunch at no cost. Please call the Office of Vocations at 416 968 0997 or visit vocations@archtoronto.org for more information on this wonderful retreat!
March 13th at 7:00 PM to March 15th
St. Augustine’s Seminary
Young Catholic men, grades 12+ and older, who are considering a possible call to the diocesan priesthood are invited to cultivate a deeper prayer life and relationship with Jesus Christ, leading to a better discernment of God’s call for their lives. Registrants age 17 will require a parental consent.
There will be time for prayer, reflection and information on the process of becoming one of Christ’s disciples as a Catholic priest. Please register online at www.vocationstoronto.ca.
For more information, please contact the Office of Vocations at 416-968-0997 or email vocations@archtoronto.org.
“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.” Luther Burbank
Our St. Gabriel’s-Good Shepherd Community Garden has grown!
Beginning with 4 boxes last year, it will grow to 10 boxes by April, 2020. Chef Devon Palmer at the Good Shepherd has requested a variety of herbs, as well as vegetables like tomatoes, greens, squash, carrots and potatoes. You can observe the indoor germination as early as Ash Wednesday, when the seeds requiring a 12 week germination before last frost will be planted. Children of the Children’s Liturgy will plant the remaining seeds requiring indoor germination on Sunday, March 22.
Our indoor garden is located at the bottom of the stairs leading to the indoor parking lot.
February 8th, 2020
This Sunday, February 9th after 12:30 PM Mass
Saturday, January 25th marked the beginning of Lunar New Year. This year is the Year of the Rat. For many years, the Asian community in our parish has gifted our parish community with a wonderful Lunar New Year Party.
This year, the Lunar New Year Celebration will take place this Sunday, February 9th after the 12:30 PM Mass in the Gathering Space. All are welcome.
This Weekend, February 8th and 9th
The St. Gabriel’s Youth Group will be selling Valentine’s Day greeting cards before and after all the Masses this weekend. Funds raised will go towards our youth’s attendance at the annual Steubenville Conference. Please support our youth
Monday, February 18th
February 10th – February 16th, 2020
MONDAY – NORA LAGULA’S INTENTION – Requested by Nora Lagula TUESDAY – TONINO DIDIODATO – Requested by the Family WEDNESDAY – ALEXANDER TA – Requested by Veronica Do THURSDAY – JACK TA – Requested by Veronica Do FRIDAY – CATHERINE MINNAN – WONG – Requested by Noreen Chen SATURDAY – GUS & MARIE CALDERONE – Requested by the Family SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – NIKOLA VUKOVIC – Requested by the Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – HERNAN VARILLAS – Requested by the Family
As you are aware, in recent weeks, hundreds of forest fires in Australia have killed dozens, destroyed thousands of homes and threatened many local species with extinction
Funds channeled through our Australian St. Vincent de Paul partners will provide:
• Emergency financial packages to families who have lost their homes or been impacted in other ways by the fires.• Food, clothing, generators, household items, furniture, vouchers and other essential items. • Direct support with crisis accommodation through our own services or making referrals onto a range of other organizations and specialized services. • Much-needed emotional support and counselling.
100 percent of donations are used to support those who have been affected. Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways:
*Online through the Archdiocese of Toronto website: www.archtoronto.org *By phone through the Development Office at 416-934-3411 *By cheque made payable to
St. Gabriel’s Parish – Australia Fires – Relief
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 everyone 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.
Weekend of February 15th/16th
Fair trade organic coffees will be on sale after all the Masses next weekend.
Regular ground coffee: $5.50 Decaffeinated: $6.00 Whole Beans: $5.50 Chocolate Bars: $4.50 incl. Taxes Hot Chocolate and Cocoa: $6.00 Teas: $4.25
Saturday, March 7th from 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Metro Toronto Convention Centre 255 Front St. West
The theme of this year’s rally is “JESUS, LIGHT OF THE WORLD.” featuring inspired talks by: Ralph Martin; Christy Dupuis; Monsignor Gregory N. Smith; and keynote speaker Fr. James Mallon.
An adult High Mass (with Sunday readings) will be celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Thomas Collins. There will be a youth Mass (with Sunday readings); a separate youth event with great music, dynamic talks and inspirational skits (ages 13-18).
The cost is $25 for adults, $15 for youth
You may contact Catholic Renewal Ministries by phone at (647) 243-9441 or email contact@ljhr.ca, www.ljhr.ca
Saturday, March 28th from 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Le Treport Banquet Hall 1075 The Queensway East, Mississauga
The 11th Annual Dynamic Women of Faith Conference will be held on Saturday March 28th at the Le Treport Banquet Hall in Mississauga. The Closing Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Edward Curtis, rector of St. Michael’s Cathedral. The speakers include Colleen Carroll Campbell and Kimberly Hahn.
The cost is $65 which includes lunch. Register at www.dynamicwomenfaith.com. If you have questions, contact 416-907-1042.
Friday, March 27th – from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Colleen Carroll Campbell will be doing a book signing.
Speakers & Topics: Adeodata Czink – What Makes a Lady a Lady? Dr. Sandra Sagrati – Get Uncomfortable: Less Stress & Anxiety Dorothy Pilarski – The Power of Prayer
Register at www.dynamicwomenfaith.com
ATTENTION All Gardeners and Would-be Gardeners
Sunday, February 9th from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
It may only be February, but the Garden Ministry is busy planning for the coming growing season. On Sunday, February 9th, from 1:30 to 3:00 PM in the Gabriel Room, we will be designing the planting layout of our community garden. If you are an experienced gardener, we can use your expertise; if you are an interested novice, come and learn; If you want to learn more about Square Foot gardening, this will be a good place to start. Everyone is welcome!
TAX RECEIPTS FOR 2019
Tax receipts for 2019 were mailed out this last week. Please check your mail for your receipt.
For contributions made in 2019 to the Archdiocese for Donate Now, ShareLife or the Family of Faith Campaign, your tax receipt will come directly from the Archdiocese.
February 2nd, 2020
Most afternoons at 3; 30 I look out my window and watch the children from Elkhorn school heading home with their parents. It’s a mosaic of Canada, children from many countries of different ethnic backgrounds and of different faith backgrounds. It’s the future of Canada and it is beautiful to see. Watching them holding a mother of father’s hand talking away like mad, probably telling them all that happened that day. I often wonder what the future holds for these children. How will they deal with developing artificial intelligence and its impact on their lives? How will they cope with the environmental mess we leave them? What careers will the find?
Today we celebrate the feast of the Presentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple. Keeping the ancient Law of Moses which stated that every first born male shall be designated at holy to the Lord the teenaged Mary and Joseph brought their first born son Jesus and offered him to God. Their sacrifice was two turtle doves. They could barely afford that. Were relatives present for this happy occasion? We don’t know.
Two total strangers were there, Simeon and the widow Anna. These were two elderly people who prayed in the temple every day. Simeon ruined the day for Mary and Joseph. He thanked God for the birth of Jesus as the fulfilment of God’s promise of a Messiah but then warned Mary that this child would break her heart. He would be a trouble maker.
This wasn’t the message of Gabriel when he told Mary of the future of the child she was to conceive. He will be great, he will be called son of the Most High and the Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David, his kingdom will have no end.’
This message of Simeon must have been a cloud over Mary’s head for many years. What will this child become, what does the future hold for him? But Mary stayed faithful to her response to the Angel, ‘be it done unto me according to you word.’
None of knows what our futures will be. There is a saying that if you want to make God laugh tell him you plans. Mary was warned her future would be dark and this handmaid of the Lord said let it be so. She knew she was part of a plan that had its origin in God and God would see her through to the end.
This feast presents Mary as a woman who was open to her future and the future of her infant son, whatever that future may be. Can we have that same trust in the goodness of God, in God’s love for each of us and trust in that love as we face our unknown futures?
Maybe all we can respond to these thoughts is, ’Lord I trust You, help the little trust I have.’
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.
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Companion for the Walk of the Stations of the Cosmic Earth
St. Gabriel’s Garden – Guided Sensory Reflective Walk