March 15th, 2025
Our parish is considering offering communion with celiac safe gluten-free hosts in the near future to parishioners requiring these. If this is your case, in order to help us assess the need, please let yourself be known, by visiting, calling or emailing the office. We do not require any specific information about yourself, other than what mass you usually attend.
Please stay tuned for further details about how and when communion with gluten-free hosts will be able to be received at St. Gabriel’s.
March 17th – March 23rd, 2025
MONDAY – V. JOHN JOSEPH ✞ – Requested by his Family TUESDAY – ARMAND OAKIE ✞ – Requested by his Family WEDNESDAY –YONG SOOK CLARA LEE ✞ – Requested by Cecilia Yoon THURSDAY – SUSANNA WONG ✞ – Requested by Jenny Lo FRIDAY – ANDREW HUI ✞ – Requested by Howa Hui SATURDAY – DAVID CRADDOCK ✞ – Requested by his Family SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – CHIARA INTINI ✞ – Requested by Carmina Filice SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – SALVADOR SANJUAN ✞ – Requested by his Family
Let us pray that the Lord grant Pope Francis strength and peace, restore his health and guide him to a full recovery so that he may continue to lead the holy People of God, with wisdom and love.
Fair Trade coffee will be sold after all the Masses next weekend. The cost is $7.00 per bag.
Saturday, March 29th 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 29th at 10:00 AM.
Stations of the Cross will take place each Friday evening during Lent at 7:30 PM.
You are also encouraged to attend our daily Mass as often as possible throughout Lent.
Wednesday, April 2nd from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Thursday, April 3rd at 7:30 PM
April 13th, 2025 Masses – Sat. 4:30 PM, Sun. 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM
April 17th, 2025 No 9:00 AM Mass 7:30 PM – Mass of the Lord’s Supper Followed by Adoration until 10:00 PM
April 18th, 2025 No 9:00 AM Mass 3:00 PM – Solemn Passion of Our Lord 7:30 PM – Stations of the Cross
April 19th, 2025 No 4:30 PM Mass 8:00 PM – Easter Vigil
April 20th, 2025 No 8:30 AM Mass Masses – 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM
EXTRA PARKING AT ELKHORN PUBLIC SCHOOL
Good Shepherd provides more than 240,000 meals a year to people who would otherwise go hungry. Please think about volunteering to help 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.
Your support is a tremendous help and is appreciated in the fight to end hunger and chronic homelessness. For more information, you may contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.
ShareLife Sunday is March 30.
Through your support of ShareLife, you extend the hands of Christ to those in need: the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized in our community. Because you care, more than 40 agencies provide strength to people of all ages in their weakest moments. You’ve been there for young parents as they worried about their next meal, isolated seniors yearning for companionship, teenagers seeking guidance in a confusing world, refugees longing to rebuild their lives, and people with special needs striving for dignity and acceptance. Thank you for living the Gospel through your compassion.
Our parish goal this year is $169,000.
Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.
Rosalie Hall is an accredited children’s mental health facility focusing on the needs of pregnant and parenting youth ages 12-25, their children, and their families.
Here the needs of young families are met, offering prenatal and parenting classes as well as staff to aid in the transition to parenthood. A school program enables clients to finish high school. The food we donate from our parish often replenishes their empty food bank.
Good Shepherd provides hot meals, clean clothes and shelter for the homeless in our city. They help find housing and provide follow up support. They support the homeless who are working to overcome addictions and provide a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs.
Your food donations are so important as numbers of people in need continue to increase. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired.
The series titled “Journey through Lent” is now available on the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishop’s website:
in English: https://www.cccb.ca/lent/ in French: https://www.cecc.ca/careme/
It includes reflections on the readings for Ash Wednesday, and each Sunday in Lent including Palm Sunday.
March 29, 2025
The Office of Vocations is hosting a high school day retreat for high school men, in grades 11 & 12, at St. Augustine’s Seminary, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This retreat is designed to help young men cultivate a deeper prayer life & relationship with the Lord. Seminarians will offer reflections on practical aspects of faith. This retreat will offer opportunities for communal prayer, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration & socializing. Lunch will be provided.
Registration: www.vocationstoronto.ca/hscomesee.
For more information please email: vocations@archtoronto.org
St. John the Evangelist Parish, 903 Giffard Street, Whitby
St. John the Evangelist Parish in Whitby is holding a Marriage preparation course on Monday nights starting April 7, 2025 until May 12, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Call 905-668-3676 to register. Cost is $300 per couple.
May 2nd to May 4th, 2025
Project Rachel at St. Mary’s Refuge is offering a weekend retreat, May 2nd to May 4th 2025, for women who have been hurt by abortion. You can speak with someone who understands and cares, and have a chance to begin the healing from loss and grief.
For more information, phone 289-691-6840, or e-mail ProjectRachel@stmarysrefuge.org
July 23rd to August 5th, 2025
Calling all young adults (ages 19 – 39), join Fr. Paul Magyar and the OCY team for a pilgrimage of a life time! We will be embarking on a pilgrimage to Venice, Padua, Florence, Assisi and Rome from July 23rd to August 5th, 2025.
Please contact youth@archtoronto.org to receive the pilgrim information package and detailed itinerary.
Please consider giving your offertory by picking up Envelopes, enrolling in Pre-Authorized Giving (PAG), or Donate Now (through the Archdiocese of Toronto website).
Offertory envelopes for 2025 are still available in the Gabriel Room. Boxes are usually not assigned to parishioners who are donating via Pre-Authorized Giving or Donate Now through the Archdiocese.
Please contact the parish office at 416-221-8866 with any questions.
What do you call a fish with no eyes? Fsh
| Posted in Bulletin |
March 8th, 2025
March 10th – March 16th, 2025
MONDAY – JULIE CHAN ✞ – Requested by the Chan & Choy Families TUESDAY – FRIEDRICH WILHELM BRANSCHAT ✞ – Requested by his Family WEDNESDAY – BORIS CELIS ✞ – Requested by his Family THURSDAY – GEORGE P. VALAVI ✞ – Requested by his Family FRIDAY – MARIAM KUTTY VALAVI ✞ – Requested by her Family SATURDAY – V. JOSEPH & ANNA VALAVI ✞ – Requested by their Family SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – MEI YUNG FONG ✞ – Requested by the Fong Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – LEONARD T. SANDRASAGRA ✞ – Requested by Rohini Xavier
First Sunday of Lent, March 9th, 2025
Psalm 91
This psalm sings of the constant, protective, life-giving presence of the Lord with all of Creation. It’s our response to the words of Moses in Deuteronomy about the formation and deliverance of God’s people.
Lent begins with the hope-filled message of this psalm as we sing to the Lord: “My refuge and my fortress; my God in whom I trust.”
The theme of the 2025 Jubilee is “Pilgrims of Hope”. In the words of Pope Francis: “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.”
May this Holy Year provide a grace-filled opportunity to nurture the seeds of faith for you and your loved ones, immersing ourselves as Pilgrims of Hope into a year-long journey of prayer, witness and service drawing on the example of Jesus, our Lord.
Your love is a guiding light during Lent.
Maria, a 64-year-old newcomer to Canada, arrived seeking a fresh start but found herself struggling to find both stable employment and affordable housing. Through your support of ShareLife, she received personalized guidance at Catholic Crosscultural Services that helped her secure both a job and a home. She found stability and peace of mind, giving her the strength to embrace her new life.
Now, she’s a guiding light for seniors, helping others access the support that changed her life. This Lent, you can walk the same path as a testament to resilience and the transformative power of community.
Good Shepherd provides hot meals (more than 240,000 a year), clean clothes and shelter for the homeless in our city. They help find housing and provide follow up support. They support the homeless who are working to overcome addictions and provide a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs.
The Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops is pleased to announce that the video series Journey Through Lent is now available. It is a joint project between three CCCB offices. It includes reflections on the readings for Ash Wednesday, and each Sunday in Lent including Palm Sunday.
This year’s spiritual reflections are delivered by the Most Rev. Gary Franken, Bishop of St. Paul, in English, and the Most Rev. Michel Proulx, Bishop of Bathurst, in French.
To view these reflections go to: in English: https://www.cccb.ca/lent/ in French: https://www.cecc.ca/careme/
Saturday, March 15 to Wednesday, March 19, 2025 345 Gladpark Ave., Stouffville
Weekend Masses: Saturday, March 15 at 5 p.m. & Sunday, March 16 at 9 and 11 a.m. Weekday Masses: Monday March 17, Tuesday March 18 & Wednesday March 19 Mass at 7 p.m. and Mission to follow. Confessions at 6 p.m. Guest Speaker & Presider: Fr. Ben St. Croix, CC
Father Ben St. Croix of the Companions of the Cross has a great zeal for the New Evangelization. He is a spark the Lord uses to set hearts on fire.
For more information, please contact St. Mark’s Parish, Stouffville. Phone: 905-640-6954 Email: stmarksst@archtoronto.org
Monday, March,17, 2025, 10:00 AM
St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, 65 Bond St., Toronto
The annual Mass of St. Patrick at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in Toronto will take place on Monday, March 17 at 10:00 AM. His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto, will be the presider and homilist. All are welcome. Those unable to attend can participate in the celebration via livestream at www.stmichaelscathedral.com/live
Are you seeking meaningful employment or volunteer opportunities within Catholic agencies? Look no further!
Catholic Charities’ online job board connects passionate individuals with rewarding positions in Catholic organizations across the archdiocese.
Why Choose Us?
Check us out at: www.1155jobs.ca Contact: hkandiah@ccat.ca
Calling all young adults (ages 19 – 39): join Fr. Paul Magyar and the OCY team for a pilgrimage of a life time! We will be embarking on a pilgrimage to Venice, Padua, Florence, Assisi and Rome from July 23rd to August 5th, 2025.
To ensure the proper recording for tax receipt purposes, please do not use any envelopes from 2024 or any prior year for any 2025 donations.
Please contact the parish office at 416-221-8866 with any questions
What are you told when you receive ashes, and how does that inform what you do during Lent?
March 4th, 2025
Join us on Wednesday evenings for a prayerful reflection on our Lenten journey through the lens of our Passionist charism.
Zoom Sessions in English and Spanish at 7:00 PM :
To register, please e-mail ProvSecretary@cpprov.org and specify English or Spanish, individual or group.
| Posted in Events |
March 1st, 2025
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.
The decorations were amazing. The food was delicious. Everyone enjoyed the games. Thank you to those who planned and worked so hard in making this celebration a truly memorable event. All who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Thank you!
March 3rd – March 9th, 2025
MONDAY – MARGARET HUI ✞ – Requested by Howa Hui TUESDAY – ODILIA YIU ✞ – Requested by the Loretto Girls WEDNESDAY – JOSEPH SUNG ✞ – Requested by Cecilia Sung THURSDAY – THANKSGIVING FOR PASSING EXAMS – Requested by Dhanyia Valavi FRIDAY – GORDON OATWAY ✞ – Requested by the Pat Oatway SATURDAY – PATRICIA BRISTOL-CLARKE ✞ – Requested by Karen Crichton SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – BRUNO CORTESE ✞ – Requested by Antonietta Cortese and Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – DELFINO CANDIDO ✞ – Requested by Janet Candido
Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. March 2 2025
Psalm 92
We have here the first four lines of this psalm and then the last eight lines. In response to our First Reading from Sirach, our psalm declares that the words of our mouth ought to give thanks, to speak of the love and constancy of the Lord. To declare the justice of the Lord, who is like a rock for us, in whom there is nothing but goodness.
“The Lord is upright; he is my rock.”
Wednesday, March 5th, 2025
March 5th is Ash Wednesday. Masses will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon and 7:30 PM. Ashes will be distributed at both Masses.
Pope Francis remains in critical condition although he is alert and was able to participate Sunday in Holy Mass. Early Sunday afternoon local time, Francis expressed gratitude for supportive notes and prayers dedicated to his wellbeing during his time under medical care. Please pray for his speedy recovery.
Rosalie Hall is an accredited children’s mental health facility focusing on the needs of pregnant and parenting youth ages 12-25, their children, and their families. Here the needs of young families are met, offering prenatal and parenting classes as well as staff to aid in the transition to parenthood. A school program enables clients to finish high school. The food we donate from our parish often replenishes their empty food bank.
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 44 casseroles in February.
Please think about volunteering to help 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.
Announcing the 2025 ShareLife Campaign
As we approach our first ShareLife Sunday collection on March 30, it is essential that we come together in compassion to meet our Parish Campaign goal, addressing the growing needs in our communities.
By reaching this goal, ShareLife agencies will continue to:
Your support of ShareLife makes these programs possible, among many others. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate
February 5 to April 15, 2025
Theme: Faith as a Pathway from Division to Unity
High school students (aged 13 to 19 years) in the Catholic School Boards within the Archdiocese of Toronto are invited to participate in this annual celebration of the United Nations International Human Fraternity Day on February 4 each year.
Students are encouraged to create a three-minute video that captures this year’s theme. Please adhere to the guidelines provided on our website and submit your entries via the submission form at https://bit.ly/DFVCSubmission
For further information, please contact us at interreligious@archtoronto.org or call 416-934-3400 ext. 527.
March 14th to March 16th, 2025
St. Augustine’s Seminary
The Office of Vocations will be hosting a Come & See Weekend Discernment Retreat for men 18 years and older, at St. Augustine’s Seminary on Friday, March 14th at 6:30 PM until Sunday, March 16th at 2:00 PM. This Retreat offers a way for men to discern a possible call to priesthood at our seminary.
Registration must be done online at www.vocationstoronto.ca/comesee.
Monday, March 17th, 2025 10:00 AM
The annual Mass of St. Patrick at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in Toronto will take place on Monday, March 17th at 10:00 AM. His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto, will be the presider and homilist. All are welcome. Those unable to attend can participate in the celebration via livestream at www.stmichaelscathedral.com/live.
Friday, March 14th to Sunday, March 16th , 2024
Manresa Jesuit Renewal Centre 2325 Liverpool Rd., Pickering, (at top of Liverpool Rd., N. of Finch)
Theme: The Wisdom of Henri Nouwen: Guidance for the Lenten Journey
One of Henri Nouwen’s greatest gifts was his ability to help people connect with their vulnerabilities in order to grow in trust and intimacy. This Lenten retreat will consider this and other common themes in Nouwen’s writing, such as being the beloved of God, giving and receiving forgiveness, growing in hope, and accepting one’s limitations.
The focus will be on providing concrete ways to incorporate these ideas into our prayer lives. The retreat will take place from Friday, March 14th to Sunday, March 16th. The facilitator will be Fr. Kevin Kelly, S.J. For more information contact Manresa: 905-839-2864 To register go to https://manresa-canada.ca/events/
How does a North Pole carpenter fix something broken?
Igloos it together.
February 22nd, 2025
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.
This Sunday, February 23rd after the 12:30 PM Mass
There will be a gathering for youth (Grades 5-12) and young adults (18 and older) on Sunday February 23rd after the 12:30 Mass. Join us for an afternoon of food, games, and activities tailored to our different age groups. All are welcome!
February 24th – March 2nd, 2025
MONDAY – SHEILA EMBLEM ✞ – Requested by Anne Marie Bielska TUESDAY – JOSEPH & KATHLEEN McCARTHY ✞ – Requested by Agnes Gaughan & Family WEDNESDAY – ANA SANTOS & FAMILY – Requested by Warren & Judy Webb THURSDAY – BRENDAN KERR ✞ – Requested by Nora Kerr FRIDAY – BORIS CELIS ✞ – Requested by the Macaraeg Family SATURDAY – PETER & BRIDGET PEREIRA ✞ – Requested by Sophie & Candida Pereira SUNDAY – 8:30 AM – FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – LYDIA McGRANN – Requested by Ron & Anne Ackber SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – ANDREW HUI ✞ – Requested by Howa Hui
Pope Francis is suffering from an “infection of the respiratory tract,” test results revealed Feb. 17th, “which required a further modification of his therapy,” a Vatican medical bulletin said. Please pray for his speedy recovery.
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 23rd, 2025
Psalm 103
Were we to pick favourites, this psalm would surely be the favourite of many.
We are invited to bless the Lord, to call out God’s holiness, and never to forget all of God’s benefits.
God forgives all, heals all, and redeems your life.
This psalm concludes as it began, with these words to hold in our heart: “Bless the Lord, O my soul.”
All Parishioners are invited to celebrate the Opening Jubilee Year Mass in the Central Region of the Archdiocese of Toronto.
The mass will be held at: St. Edward the Confessor Church (75 Churchill Ave) on Tuesday Feb 25th, celebrated by Cardinal Francis Leo
Mass begins at 7:00 PM Confession time from 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM No need to register. Just come!
Good Shepherd provides hot meals, clean clothes and shelter for the homeless in our city They help find housing and provide follow up support. They support the homeless who are working to overcome addictions and provide a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs.
Your participation in the 2024 ShareLife Parish Campaign has been truly extraordinary, achieving a record-breaking $14.4 million raised. Your compassion is making a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community.
In acknowledgement of your kind generosity, Archbishop Francis Leo extends his heartfelt gratitude to all. His letter expressing thanks for the positive impact you have made is posted on our bulletin boards.
If you are planning to be a teacher, it is important for you to know that to be hired to teach in any Catholic school board in Ontario, there must be a reference form from your pastor as part of your application.
The form explaining that you belong to and participate in the community cannot be written if your pastor does not know you. It is recommended that you have a conversation with him early in the process well before the applications are to be submitted.
As Ontarians prepare for a provincial election on February 27th, 2025, Catholics are encouraged to both learn more about the candidates and parties seeking our support and to vote as part of the democratic process.
To assist with this process, two resources may be helpful as Catholics prayerfully discern their vote in the coming days:
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto has prepared a 2025 Ontario Election Guide.
Catholic Conscience has prepared “Voting Like A Catholic”, a 2025 Provincial Election Resource.
Both resources are available on the Archdiocese website, archtoronto.org.
We pray for all those who serve in elected office and for those who will form the next provincial government. May they lead prudently and thoughtfully, discerning how to best strengthen our communities and province for years to come.
Saint Thomas More, patron saint of politicians, pray for us.
Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 39 Green Ln., Thornhill
AN IN-PERSON EVENT SPONSORED & RECOMMENDED BY THE OFFICE FOR INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE
Commemorating the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, this special event brings together faith leaders from diverse traditions. Speakers include representatives from Islam, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism and Sikhism. Musical accompaniment by Greg Benoit, Music Director at St. Luke’s Catholic Church.
Registration is required: https://bit.ly/40wc9lM
Come together in an open and neighbourly spirit, sharing our common hopes for understanding and peace.
The Office of Vocations will be hosting a Come & See Weekend Discernment Retreat for men 18 years and older, at St. Augustine’s Seminary on Friday, March 14th at 6;30 PM until Sunday, March 16th at 2:00 PM. This Retreat offers a way for men to discern a possible call to priesthood at our seminary.
What do you call a dinosaur with an extensive vocabulary?
A thesaurus
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
