March 21st, 2020
Contact Your Member of Parliament!
New Euthanasia Legislation Introduced in Canada
Legislation that would expand access to euthanasia in our country has been introduced by the federal government. Among the alarming changes are amendments to expand euthanasia to those without a terminal illness, including those with disabilities. Only 30 per cent of Canadians have access to quality palliative care which would significantly reduce the number of people wanting to end their lives. Every life has value – visit www.helptheliving.ca to send a letter (prepared for you) to your Member of Parliament. The process takes less than 5 minutes. More information can also be found at: www.archtoronto.org/euthanasia. We continue to pray and advocate for the vulnerable among us.
“In view of the requirements of the Government of Ontario, during this medical emergency, beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020, I instruct that all public Masses be cancelled, both during the week and on the weekend. Churches will be available for individual private prayer.
The priests of the archdiocese will celebrate Mass every day privately for the intentions of the people.
The faithful will be able to watch, via livestream, a Mass which will be celebrated every day at 7:30 a.m. at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, which will be followed by the Angelus and the Rosary. I will personally celebrate this Mass as much as is possible. This Mass, Rosary and Angelus will also be available on the Archdiocese of Toronto’s YouTube channel for those who cannot join at 7:30 a.m. These Masses and prayers will be offered for the intentions of everyone as we go through these trying times.
In addition, Mass will be broadcast daily on Salt & Light Catholic Media Foundation, VisionTV (Daily TV Mass) and EWTN.
Baptism – At this time, communal celebrations of Baptism are not allowed. Individual Baptism is allowed with immediate family and following the regulations established by the health authorities.
RCIA – I dispense the catechumens from the scrutinies. Information will be sent out later on the Triduum and reception into the Church.
First Holy Communion, First Reconciliation and Confirmation will be postponed for the duration of the emergency.
Sacrament of Reconciliation – Communal celebrations of the Sacrament of Reconciliation are not allowed at this time. All those who wish to receive the sacrament should contact a priest. The sacrament is to be celebrated not in a confessional but rather in another location, where confidentiality may be ensured and where the distance required by the health officials can be maintained.
Marriage – Marriages without Mass may take place with the immediate family members, provided they follow the regulations established by the health authorities. The postponement of the wedding may be requested given these circumstances, but if this is granted there may be a need for revision of the canonical requirements.
Marriage Preparation is very important. At this time, however, marriage preparation classes are cancelled and pastors are to arrange for individual couples to be prepared properly for marriage.
Visits to the Sick and Homebound should continue as much as possible. As previously communicated, visiting clergy and volunteers should take direction from the health care facility. Parishes should also take care to contact the homebound and vulnerable.
Funerals – During this emergency, there will be no vigils or wake services. The Rite of Committal will take place with the immediate family at the cemetery. There will be no funeral Mass at this time, but we encourage the celebration of a funeral Mass at a later date when it is possible.
Parish Meetings and Events are cancelled at this time.
Parish Offices – While parish offices may offer more limited operating hours, they should maintain an active presence in the community and be accessible to the faithful. The Archdiocese of Toronto’s Catholic Pastoral Centre will also follow this practice, ensuring that offices remain accessible.”
As directed by Cardinal Collins, all communal celebrations of the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Marriage and Funerals are not allowed at this time.
Please contact the Pastor should you have plans for Baptism, Reconciliation, Marriage, Marriage Preparation or Funerals.
Please contact the parish office should you know of someone vulnerable or homebound that need assistance.
Emergency provisions are reviewed regularly in accord with the requirements of the public health officials and updates are provided at: www.archtoronto.org/covid19
This event scheduled for Sunday, April 26th from 2:00 PM to 5:00PM has been postponed.
Confirmation class on Saturday, March 28th from 2:00 to 3:30 PM is cancelled.
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome:
Norah Tze Ching Ho Aliyah Rachele Juliete Morrison Noah Finn Tarvairen
These children received the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, March 15th. Congratulations!
March 23rd to March 29th, 2020
MONDAY – ABANDONED SOULS IN PURGATORY – Requested by the Nguyen Family TUESDAY – FR. STEVE, FR. BRANDO & THE STAFF OF ST. GABRIEL’S – Requested by a grateful Mother WEDNESDAY – EAMON GAUGHAN – Requested by the Gaughan Family THURSDAY – THANKSGIVING FOR THOSE CELEBRATING THEIR 75TH BIRTHDAY – Requested by Linda Law FRIDAY – INTENTIONS OF MARK DESROCHES – Requested by Mark DesRoches SATURDAY – DOREEN YOUNG – Requested by Noreen Chen SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – FERNANDO LASA – Requested by Ana Maria Lasa SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – MANUEL NUNEZ SANTA CRUZ – Requested by Jimena Nunez
With masses being cancelled across the country the Daily TV Mass offers Mass each day on television and the internet.
Vision TV Sunday – 8:00 AM Monday – Friday 8:00 AM & 12:00 PM Saturday – 8:00 AM & 9:30 AM
Salt + Light Sunday – 11:00 AM & 10:30 PM Monday – Saturday – 6:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 10:30 PM
yesTV Sunday – 10:30 AM Monday – Saturday – 1:00 PM Internet
www.dailytvmass.com www.youtube.com/dailytvmass
How can you “Live the Gospel” when life is so busy?
Many people help those in need by volunteering at a local organization. But if your schedule doesn’t allow for it, you can still make a huge impact in your community by supporting ShareLife-funded agencies. Next Sunday is the first ShareLife collection. Over the next week, please reflect on your ability to “Live the Gospel” by making a sacrificial gift to our parish ShareLife campaign.
Next Sunday, March 29 is ShareLife Sunday. Please give generously.
We have already begun the preparation for the greatest feast of all: The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. During this time of prayer, almsgiving, and fasting, the Church endeavors to remind parishioners of the gift of Reconciliation, as a loving act through which the Father restores us to the fullness of life and to call them to full participation in the Holy Week and Easter liturgies. Our Day of Confession will be March 26th from 3:00 PM to 6:00PM. Please contact the Pastor for individual Confession.
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.
Please check the expiration on food package to avoid passing food that has expired. Thank you for your generous support!
Delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre has been suspended for the time being. We will post a notice when the pick up resumes.
You may consider to prepare casseroles when pick up resumes, the 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.
For more information on the Garden Ministry, please email Heather Bennett at heathermjb@gmail.com.
During this time of uncertainty, please remember that the expenses of operating and maintaining the church and its premises continue. Our Church remains open and our outreach programs and pastoral presence remain active.
Because there will be no masses, there will no offertory collections taken up.
Monthly contributions to the Parish by monthly Pre-Authorized Giving would have continued automatically.
Please consider changing your offertory giving, at this time, to monthly Pre-Authorized Giving. Forms are available at the Parish office or on-line at the Parish website in the “Weekly Giving” section under the Finances tab.
| Posted in Bulletin |
March 17th, 2020
For more information, please read the March 17, 2020 Cardinal’s message on COVID-19 by clicking on the following link:
https://www.archtoronto.org/media-centre/news-archive/chancery-news/cardinals-message-on-covid19–march-17-2020
| Posted in Notice |
March 15th, 2020
Masses for the weekend of March 14 and 15, 2020 are cancelled.
You may view the Cardinal’s Message on COVID-19 by clicking on this link: https://www.archtoronto.org/media-centre/news-archive/chancery-news/cardinals-message-on-covid19
Contact your Member of Parliament today!
The federal government has tabled legislation to expand what they refer to as medical assistance in dying but is more accurately called euthanasia/assisted suicide. More than 13,000 Canadians have been euthanized since 2016.
New legislation would make assisted death available to those without life-threatening illnesses including those with disabilities and those no longer capable of making decisions for themselves. Some Canadians may even be euthanized on the same day they make the request.
Visit www.helptheliving.ca to send a letter (prepared for you) to your Member of Parliament expressing deep concern. The process takes less than 5 minutes. More information can also be found at: www.archtoronto.org/euthanasia. We continue to pray and advocate for the vulnerable among us.
The Archdiocese of Toronto continues to work with health officials to monitor the local situation regarding active cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time, Cardinal Collins has asked all parishes to implement the following measures:
At the Sign of Peace, refrain from shaking hands – a simple bow, nod or “Peace be with you” to your neighbour is appropriate.
For parishes offering communion under both species, forgo the distribution of the Precious Blood from the chalice for the congregation at this time.
Parishes should ensure that those distributing communion wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after the distribution of communion.
Please also continue to practice healthy hygiene – wash your hands with soap or use hand sanitizer regularly, remain home if you are sick, sneeze/cough into your sleeve and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Let us continue to care for ourselves and one another as we pray for all those impacted worldwide by COVID-19.
You are strongly encouraged to take Communion only in the hand.
Sunday, April 26th from 2:00 PM to 5:00PM
Attention: all Parish Volunteers Mark your calendars! Volunteer Recognition Celebration Sunday, April 26th, from 2:00 PM to 5 :00 PM Inspirational Talk / Refreshments / Fellowship Invitations to Follow
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.
Saturday, March 28th from 2:00 to 3:30 PM Gabriel Room The next 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, March 28th at 2:00 PM.
March 16th – March 22nd, 2020
MONDAY – GABRIEL TREVISAN – Requested by Sue Woodcock TUESDAY – ALFRED YAP – Requested by his Family WEDNESDAY – ARMAND OAKIE – Requested by his Family THURSDAY – ANTONIA EVANS – Requested by Teresa Sheldrick FRIDAY – EUGENIO, LUCIA & PHILI VILLAMOR – Requested by their Family SATURDAY – GIUSEPPE & CLEMENTINA INTINI – Requested by Chiara SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – CECILIA MANALANG – Requested by Plutarco Manalang SUNDAY – 12:30 PM –
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
Living the Gospel by helping young mothers
Kristen was 17 when she found out she was pregnant. Worried she wouldn’t be able to graduate from high school, she reached out to Rose of Sharon. At this ShareLife – funded agency she was able to focus on school work with the help of child minding by the agency. Kristen graduated and was accepted into the medical administration program at Seneca College. “Without Rose of Sharon,” says Kristen, “there’s no way I would have believed college was a possibility.”
March 29th is ShareLife Sunday. Please give generously
These agencies provide essential services to young parents and the homeless in our city.
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 March 21st/22nd
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
Tuesday, March 17th From 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Mustard Seed, 791 Queen St E., Toronto
Join Faith Connections on St. Patrick’s Day for an evening of fun, fellowship and just a little competition for adults aged 30-45! Some board games will be provided.
We also invite you to bring games of your own. Light snacks and beverages will be provided.
The cost is $10 per ticket and includes a can of Guinness! RSVP required to faithconnections@csj-to.ca or or by phone at 416-467-2645. For more information, please go to http://www.faithconnections.ca.
St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, 65 Bond Street Tuesday, March 17th at 10:00 AM
The Annual Mass of St. Patrick will be held at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica on Tuesday, March 17th at 10:00 AM.
The presider will be Fr. Edward J. Curtis, Rector of St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica. Msgr. Patrick O’Dea will be the homilist. All are welcome.
March 20th at 7:30 PM to March 23rd after lunch
Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, 1617 Blythe Road
Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre is presenting a Women’ Lenten Retreat from March 20th at 7:30 PM until after lunch on March 23rd. The theme,” In the Spirit of Quietude” will be preached by Fr. Peter Nowak OMI.
The cost for the weekend is $200 per person. For more information, please call 905 278 5229.
Thank you to everyone who dropped by to ask about the Garden Ministry and garden care after Mass last Sunday.
On Sunday, March 22nd the children of the parish will be planting seeds indoors for the St. Gabriel’s-Good Shepherd community garden as part of their Children’s Liturgy at the 10:30 Mass. We suggest they dress in their “garden best.”
The Garden Ministry would like to acknowledge and thank several partners who are generously supporting our community garden for the Good Shepherd Ministries: Woodhill Garden Centre at 320 Steeles Ave. East, and Sheridan Nurseries, for gardening supplies and tools, Urban Harvest for organic seeds, and the Home Depots at Yorkdale – 90 Billy Bishop Way, and at 2375 Steele’s Ave. West, for construction supplies.
We’ve all heard this story of Christ meeting a women at a well. They are both thirsty, Christ for water and the woman for God. They quenched each other’s thirst.
But I’d like to say a few words on Paul’s letter to the Romans.
It would be an under-statement to say these are troublesome times. We’ve yet to come to grips with our environmental reality and now we face a viral pandemic. In a way we’ve brought it all on ourselves. Environmentally we’re living beyond our means. We can travel anywhere in the world but that blessing can expose us to many dangers. A virus that came out of a market place in China has spread around the world by jet travel. Italy is in lock down, the stock market is in shambles and tourism is at a standstill.
What we need now is the strength of God’s gift of Hope. We believe in God, we believe in God’s Son, Jesus our Christ and we believe in God’s life giving Spirit. Hope is God’s gift to us that helps us trust that God’s promises will be kept, no matter how our present circumstances make us wonder if this be true.
St. Paul tells us we are justified, made right with God, by our faith, our conviction that we are loved by God, we are precious to God. God proves this to us when God sent Jesus into our world not to judge or condemn us but to die his shameful, painful death on the cross so that might be one again with God.
No matter what we give up for Lent or what good works we do in Lent, no matter what prayers we pray this Lent the upmost conviction we must have this Lent is based on these words of Paul in our first reading;’ While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly, Christ died for you, Christ died for me. Christ died for Jewish people, Christ died for Moslem people, Christ died for Gay and Transgender people, Christ died for the refugees and immigrants of our troubled world. God our Father proves his love for all of us in that we were still sinners Christ died for us all.
We say we believe all this but there are many times in our lives when things are so confused, so uncertain, so unfair when all we can say is this simple truth; Lord I believe, help the little faith I have.
We hang on to Hope. In the face of global or personal crises we hang on to our conviction that God, our Father, our Mother is true to the promise, I am with you always even til the end of days. Hold on to hope, keep the Faith, God is with us especially in these uncertain times. Remember at this Mass those suffering from these disease, the scientists searching for a cure and the nurses and doctors caring for the sick.
| Posted in Homily |
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
