March 8th, 2020
Today’s scripture might be about our comfort zones. For Abraham, his comfort zone was in the city of Ur, his home town. He was surrounded and supported by the members of his clan. He was wealthy. Abraham had it made. But God had other plans for Abraham. He lured him and his clan away from Ur with a promise of a new land flowing with milk and honey. Childless at that time God promised Abraham he would be the father of a mighty nation, his sons numberless like the stars of heaven. Abraham believed God and left his comfort zone and followed God into an unknown future.
For Peter, James and John their comfort zone was on the mountain where Jesus was transfigured before their very eyes and they saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus and all they could say was, “It is good for us to be here.’ But that was not to be. Jesus got them off the mountain, away from their wonderful comfort zone. They would not be blessed with another such experience until they saw the Risen Christ. In the meantime they would endure experiencing their part in the betrayal by Judas, Peter’s denial and the trial and shameful, painful crucifixion of Jesus on Calvary. At no time at any of these events did any of them say, ‘it is good for us to be here.’ Comfort zones are nice but they can be dangerous. Our personal comfort zones can cause us to stagnate, become idle and without motivation.
On our own journey of life and our journey of faith we are meant to be on the move, to grow and deepen our relationships with the other people in our lives. St. Paul challenges us to grow to full maturity in our relationship with Christ. Marriages are meant to grow and deepen from one comfort zone to another. Personal careers happen when a man or woman knows they can and want to move on. Fear to move on leads to stagnation and stagnation leads to death.
Our baptism was our birth into our relation with Christ in the community of the Church. Think on this. What is your comfort zone as a member of St. Gabriel’s parish? Do you feel welcomed as you come to Sunday Mass? Have you made an effort to get to know other parishioners? Are you involved in any parish event? Do you serve your fellow parishioners in any of the parish ministries? When you come to Sunday Mass or to a parish event have you ever thought, ‘it is good for me to be here?
From the moment we were born we were meant to grow, meant to move from one comfort zone to another. It is not always ‘good for us to be here.’ Christ is calling all of us to grow to move on. Belonging,Believing, Becoming, the greatest of these is becoming.
| Posted in Homily |
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.
Coronaviruses are spread mainly from person to person through close contact. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses. Take these everyday steps to reduce exposure to the virus and protect your health:
wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer sneeze and cough into your sleeve avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth avoid contact with people who are sick stay home if you are sick
Regarding liturgical practices, local health officials have indicated that it is NOT necessary to alter current practices at this time.
We welcome new members of our Parish, individuals and families who joined and registered in the months of January and February, 2020:
Crystan Calica Lucia Salcedo Crysteen Calica Nicholas Moniz Jeremy Aykroyd Joyce Many Clara Aykroyd Cynia Sanchez Valerie Ciaramella Barbara Schmin Milan Ciaramella Doug Schmin Josie Da Silva Ngante Akosung Eric Da Silva Alan Akosung Patricia Robinson Swinnie Akosung Tuomas Tarvanen Maureen Asumin Noah Tarvanen Robert Wan Mary Wan
Gift, Greed and Gratitude: Changing our Hearts to Change the World
On Saturday, February 29th, the Parish held a Lenten retreat on the theme Gift, Greed and Gratitude It was led by Redemptorist Bishop Jon Hansen, Bishop of Mackenzie -Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories.
We would like to thank Bishop Jon for his insights using scripture, stories and indiginous myths from the north. It was a prayerful and enjoyable afternoon for all who attended.
Thank you Bishop Jon!
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
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 9th – March 15th, 2020
MONDAY – ANTONIA EVANS – Requested by the Teresa Sheldrick TUESDAY – KEVIN PEARCE – Requested by Fergus O’Connell WEDNESDAY – PATRICIA CLYDESDALE – Requested by Nora Kerr THURSDAY – ROMEO LIGGAYU – Requested by His Family FRIDAY – JOSEPHINE BADALI – Requested by John, Sal & Patsy SATURDAY – GUS & MARIE CALDERONE – Requested by their Family SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – VICENTE LANSANGAN – Requested by Leticia SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – ADORACION LIGGAYU – Requested by the Family
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.
Catholic agencies have been serving those among us who are poor, sick and marginalized since the founding of our diocese 178 years ago – it’s who we are as Catholics in the Archdiocese of Toronto! We continue that legacy through ShareLife, which funds over 40 agencies that provide unconditional care, regardless of religious affiliation.
March 29 is ShareLife Sunday. Please give generously.
Each month food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.
Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired. Thank you for your generous support!
Mother Daughter Event 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
Saturday, March 28th from 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Le Treport Banquet Hall 1075 The Queensway East
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.
Saturday March 28th, from 9:00 AM.to 4:00 PM.
Led by Lynn Gow, ‘Who Am I?’ is a time to stop, reflect and look inside yourself with a new lens. You will be given a framework to use in your journey of self-discovery. Knowing ourselves, our core values helps to focus us on where we need to be spending our energy to become the women we were created to be.
The cost is $125 which includes lunch on Saturday. For more information or to register please call 306-242-1916 or email: receptionist@queenshouse.org Registration is limited to a minimum of 6 participants and a maximum of 12 participants – register soon!
A $25 Deposit is required when registering. Registration deadline: March 21st.
The next meeting of the Garden Ministry will be on Sunday, March 8th at 1:30 PM in the Gabriel Room. Everyone is welcome.
Also, on March 8th, members will be on hand in the Gathering Space after all the Masses to answer your questions and invite your participation.
Please drop by the lights at the bottom of the stairs leading to the garage to watch the progress of the onion and celery seeds, planted for the St. Gabriel’s Good Shepherd Community Garden.
And, if you are looking for a Lenten meditation, you can view Fr. Steve Dunn’s presentation on the Stations of the Cosmic Earth on the parish website at https://stgabrielsparish.ca/ – under Photos and Videos.
| Posted in Bulletin |
March 1st, 2020
“An investigation has revealed very disturbing behaviour by Jean Vanier, revered and loved by so many, both in Canada and around the world. The news is tragic and heart wrenching. We pray for the victims of abuse, mindful of their immeasurable pain and suffering. In the midst of this darkness, we find a ray of light in those who so faithfully serve in L’Arche communities worldwide and have dedicated their lives to friendship, care and love.”
Daylight Savings Time begins next weekend. Please remember to set your clocks forward 1 hour on Saturday evening, March 7th.
We are very pleased to report that that the original refugee family that the parish sponsored in 2012 (the Saoor family) has just sponsored a family of their own. They are very proud to be able to do for another family what our parish did for them. The sponsored family arrived January 22nd. Several members of our parish donated, arranged or transported furnishings for the new family.
Congratulations to the Youth Group for another very successful Talent Show on Sunday. The performances showcased a great deal of talent among the young people of the Parish. A total of $715 was raised in support of their attendance at the Steubenville Youth Conference.
The Youth Group feel so blessed to have such a supportive and generous parish community. They wish to thank all the volunteers, parents, parish staff, and clergy who helped make the show a great success. All who attended enjoyed the show. Way to go, Youth Group!
Saturday, March 7th at 10:00 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 10:00 AM.
Friday, March 6th from 9:30 AM to 12 Noon
Saturday, March 7th at 3:15 PM in the Gabriel Room.
For information, please contact Linda Law at 416-918-8029.
March 2nd – March 8th, 2020
MONDAY – ANTONIA EVANS – Requested by the Teresa Sheldrick TUESDAY – PEGGY DILLON – Requested by Eamon & Agnes WEDNESDAY – KRISTOPHER TA – Requested by Veronica Do THURSDAY – ALEAXANDER TA – Requested by Veronica Do FRIDAY – CATHERINE MINNAN-WONG – Requested by Noreen Chen SATURDAY – PETER & BRIDGET PEREIRA – Requested by Sophie & Candida Pereira SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – SHELLA TANG – Requested by Amy & Michael SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – JOSÉ CURY SAHĂO – Requested by Gabriel Ghiraldi
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.
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!
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 46 casseroles for February. For March, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of March 28th/29th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
More volunteers are encouraged to become active in helping to feed our less fortunate sisters and brothers. Recipes are available in the Parish Office or at the Church website. You may pick up casserole pans at the Parish Office. For more information, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.
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.
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.
The next meeting of the Garden Ministry will be on Sunday, March 8th at 1:30 PM in the Gabriel Room. The agenda will include planning for the March 22nd indoor planting by the Children’s Liturgy, the community garden and the Stations of the Cosmic Earth. Everyone is welcome. Also, on March 8th, members will be on hand in the Gathering Space after all the Masses to answer your questions and invite your participation.
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.
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
Ash Wednesday: Wednesday, February 26th Mass – 12:00 Noon Mass – 7:30 PM No 9:00 AM Mass
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.
Saturday, March 7th at 10:30 AM
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.
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.
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.
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
