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.’
| Posted in Homily |
February 1st, 2020
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 on Sunday, February 9th after the 12:30 PM Mass in the Gathering Space. All are welcome.
There has been an influx of request to bring the Eucharist to the homebound members of our parish community. As such, we are requesting anyone who would be interested in assisting us in this ministry of Extra-Ordinary Eucharistic Minister of the Eucharist for the Homebound, to contact Sr. Maria Lucia at (416) 221-8866. There is mandatory training for all those who are interested in visiting those who are homebound and giving them the Eucharist.
Valentine Sale Weekend of February 8th and 9th
The St. Gabriel’s Youth Group will be selling Valentine’s Day greeting cards during all the Masses on February 8th and 9th. Funds raised will go towards our youth’s attendance at the annual Steubenville Conference.
Please support our youth
Youth Group Talent Night 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.
Friday, February 7th is First Friday. Eucharistic Adoration will be from 9:30 AM to 12 Noon
English Rosary – Saturday, February 1st at 3:15.
Chinese Rosary -Sunday, February 2nd at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room
For information, please contact Linda Law at 416-918-8029.
February 3rd – February 9th, 2020
MONDAY – MICHAEL FERNANDES – Requested by the Family TUESDAY – HUI SAU LIN – Requested by Veronica Do WEDNESDAY – LYDIA D. CECILIO – Requested by Veronica Do THURSDAY – SUZANA & MAXIMIANO VILLORIA – Requested by Steven Rozario FRIDAY – CATHERINE MINNAN-WONG – Requested by Simone D’Souza SATURDAY – KINGTAN CHEN – Requested by Noreen Chen SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – IRENE MOXAM – Requested by Paul, Wai Chin & Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – ALL WHO ARE IN HOSPICE AND ILL – Requested by Mary & Ravi
Sunday, February 9th at 3:00 PM Mass
St. Isaac Jogues Parish, 1148 Finch Avenue, Pickering
Marriage Sunday highlights the importance of the sacrament of marriage and complements World Marriage Sunday celebrations that take place across North America.
The Celebration of Marriage Mass in the Archdiocese of Toronto will take place on Sunday, February 9th at St Isaac Jogues Church, Pickering. Cardinal Thomas Collins will preside over this special Mass with special recognition for couples celebrating their milestone 25th, 40th, 50th and 60+ wedding anniversaries.
A reception will follow Mass. All are welcome to attend. Everyone is required to register as seating is limited. Designated seating is available for milestone couples only. Register online at www.archtoronto.org/marriage or call 416 934 3400, Ext. 523.
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
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 62 casseroles for January. For February, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of February 22nd /23rd for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
More volunteers are encouraged 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 Church website. You may pick up casserole pans at the Parish Office. If you require more information, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.
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.
Sunday, February 2nd at 3:00 PM
St. Paul’s Basilica, 83 Power St., Toronto
On Sunday, February 2nd the Church celebrates the World Day for Consecrated Life. In the Archdiocese of Toronto, we are blessed to have living and serving among us more than 900 consecrated men and women. The World Day for Consecrated Life is a wonderful opportunity for us to thank God for the gifts of these sisters, virgins, brothers and priests and to pray for God’s blessing upon them in their efforts to faithfully live the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick will preside at a special Mass on Sunday, February 2nd at 3:00 PM at St. Paul’s Basilica, Toronto in celebration of the vocation and witness of these special men and women religious who are such a vital and important part of the life and ministry of the Church in our Archdiocese. All are welcome to attend.
The Bentway Skating Trail (250 Fort York Blvd) Thursday, February 6th from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Join the Sisters of St. Joseph for outdoor skating on the Bentway Skating Trail! It is located underneath the Gardiner Expressway, just beside Fort York. We’ll warm up after at nearby “Roses of New York” Restaurant.
Skate rentals are free on Thursday nights or you may wish to bring your own skates. This event is free!
Please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/skating-social-tickets to reserve.
**Please note, a minimum of 10 registrants are required to avoid event cancellation. **
Saturday, February 8th from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Blessed Trinity Parish Hall, 3220 Bayview Ave.
The CWL of Blessed Trinity Parish presents: Rev. Stephan Kappler, PsyD, President and Chief Psychologist, Southdown Institute. An invitation to accompany each other with kindness and compassion. Fr. Stephan will speak on “The Grace of Accompaniment.” He will touch on the ministry that is provided at Southdown and invite listeners to think through the invitation we all have to accompany each other with kindness and compassion. Fr. Stephan will expand his talk to include how faith and mental health issues are connected. There is a free-will offering. All are welcome.
For more information call Kay Booker at 416-357-5378 or Maria Luz Manalo at 416-459-9586. You may also email Kay at kaymax@sympatico.ca
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!
ATTENTION All Gardeners and Would-be Gardeners Sunday, February 9th from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM Gabriel Room
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!
| Posted in Bulletin |
January 26th, 2020
Saturday, January 25th marks 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.
January 27th – February 2nd, 2020
MONDAY – EDNA TIERRA – Requested by the Family TUESDAY – REGINA TA – Requested by Veronica Do WEDNESDAY – CHRISTOPHER TA – Requested by Veronica Do THURSDAY – TERENCE ROZARIO – Requested by Steven Rozario FRIDAY – ANUNCIATION D’SOUZA – Requested by Simone D’Souza SATURDAY – KINGTAN CHEN – Requested by Noreen Chen SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – IRENE MOXAM – Requested by Paul, Wai Chin & Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – ALL WHO ARE IN HOSPICE AND ILL – Requested by Mary & Ravi
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome: Christina Rose La Delfa Gemma Carmelina La Delfa and Milan Nicolas Ciaramella
These children received the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, January 19th. Congratulations!
Sunday, February 2nd 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.
Friday, February 7th from 9:30 AM to 12 Noon
English: Saturday, February 1st at 3:15 PM in the Gabriel Room. Chinese: Sunday, February 2nd at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room
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. At present, more than 10 million hectares of bush, forest and parks in the country have been impacted.
100 percent of donations are used to support those who have been affected. Funds channeled through our Australian St. Vincent de Paul partners will provide:
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 toSt. Gabriel’s Parish – Australia Fires – Relief
Sunday, January 26th – Used Stamp Collection
Effect:Hope is a Christian organization, focused on achieving lasting, positive change among people living with the effects of leprosy and similar diseases – conditions long forgotten by much of the world. Your donation is a gift that will change their lives forever.
Please bring us your used postage stamps. These are passed on to Effect Hope helping them work towards the day when leprosy is eradicated. They are happy to accept any and all trimmed stamps, leaving no less than ¼ inch and no more than ½ inch paper border. Stamps may be deposited in the basket on the cabinet just outside the Parish Office. For more information please go to www.worldleprosyday.ca.
Listening to God’s Voice When Facing a Decision Monday, January 27th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM The Duke of York Pub, 39 Prince Arthur Drive
Fontbonne Ministries invite you to join Kevin Kelly SJ, a Deacon of the Society of Jesus, as he shares his insights into listening to God’s voice when facing a decision. All young adults, ages 19 to 39 are invited for an evening of faith, food, fun and fellowship.
Monday, January 27th at 4:45 PM
St. Augustine’s Seminary, 2661 Kingston Road,
Have you ever thought about becoming a priest? Spending an evening at the seminary offers discerners a glimpse into the place where priestly formation begins. The evening includes Holy Mass in the beautiful seminary chapel, dinner, a talk by Director of Vocations Fr. Chris Lemieux, and a tour of the seminary. Please contact the Office of Vocations at (416) 968-0997 or email vocations@archtoronto.org for more information. WEB: https://www.vocationstoronto.ca
Taking Care of Our Common Home Saturday February 1st from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM Blessed Trinity Parish Hall, 3220 Bayview Avenue
Almost 5 years after Pope Francis called on us in his encyclical Laudato Si to care for our common home, the ecological signs have grown more urgent. How can we live hopefully today? Karen Van Loon will explore what is happening to the world we share, how the Church is responding and what are ways for people of faith to protect and care for our common home.
Contact Kay Booker at 416 357 5378 or Maria Luz Manalo at 416 459 9586.
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!
January 19th, 2020
This day is the beginning of the week of prayer for Christian lead by Unity. The Christian family throughout the world does not have a good history of family love and unity. Yet Jesus prayed for unity among his followers; Father may they be one as we are one may they be one is us that the world may believe that you have sent me. St. Paul prayed that the early Christians communities preserve the unity of the Spirit in a bond of peace.
Things have not worked out that way. There were divisions in the early centuries of the church; divisions healed by church councils. But the first great family feud was in the 12th century when our family split between the east and the west, the east following the oriental churches led by the Patriarch Constantinople; the west following the churches faithful to Rome.
The second great split was the Protestant Reformation led by the German monk Martin Luther. He called for a reformation of the abuses of the Church of Rome. Since then there have been other splits within the reforming churches both in Europe and in North America. Just recently there was a split in the Methodist Church in the U.S over the issue of accepting Gays and Lesbians into the Church.
In our Catholic Church we have divisions over people’s understanding of the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, especially in the ways Mass and the Sacraments are celebrated. Some, not many, want to put things back the way they were years ago, Mass in Latin, Gregorian chants and the priest with his back to the people. Some people find Pope Francis too easy on people.
But there is way we Christians can be one; One in our respect for other people’s faith and convictions. One in our willingness to let go of ingrained prejudices of other faiths. One in our efforts to oppose anti-Semitism. One in our co-operation to work for social justice, such as affordable housing, a living wage, One in our willingness to accept refugees and immigrants to Canada. This is a oneness that bears witness to our faith in Jesus Christ.
Let our common prayer be, not just for this week but for every week; May we all be one in being faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
There has been an influx of request to bring the Eucharist to the homebound members of our parish community. As such, we are requesting anyone who would be interested in assisting us in this ministry of Extra-Ordinary Eucharistic Minister of the Eucharist for the Homebound, to contact Sr. Maria Lucia at (416)221-8866. There is mandatory training for all those who are interested in visiting those who are homebound and giving them the Eucharist.
Many people suffer from intense allergies today. Chemicals used in scented products can make some people sick, especially those with fragrance sensitivities, asthma, allergies and other medical conditions. Help us make the air we share healthy and fragrance free. We appreciate your help with making our Church comfortable for all.
January 20th– January 26th 2020
MONDAY – PAULINE FONG – Requested by Meiyung Fong TUESDAY – DOREEN YOUNG – Requested by Noreen Chen WEDNESDAY – DELPHINE OAKIE – Requested by the Family THURSDAY – JOSEPH D’GAMA – Requested by The Yeung Family FRIDAY – THANKSGIVING – Requested by John Chan SATURDAY – DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE SICINSKI FAMILY – Requested by Jack & Wanda SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – THANKSGIVING TO DIVINE MERCY – Requested by Steven & Simone Rozario SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – JOHN MCDONOUGH – Requested by Vivian Mulhall McDonough
Sunday, January 26th at 7:00 PM
Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge Street, Toronto
“They showed us unusual kindness” cf. Acts 28:2
His Eminence Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, will reflect on the Word of God with other Christian leaders. For more information, please contact ecumenical@archtoronto.org or 416-934-3400, Ext. 527. All are welcome.
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 at416-934-3411
By cheque made payable to St. Gabriel’s Parish – Australia Fires – Relief
Next Weekend, January 25th/26th
Your prepared frozen casseroles will be collected at the Masses next weekend for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
More volunteers are needed to help feed the hungry in our city. Three recipes are available on St. Gabriel’s web site. Printed copies of the recipes are also available in the Parish Office. Please remember to mark the label on the pan lid with the name of the casserole. For more information, you may contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791.
Each month the food we collect is sent to Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre.
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.
Your food donations are more important than ever as the winter begins and numbers of needy people continue to increase. Please check the expiry dates before donating since we cannot pass on food that has expired. Thank you for your generous support.
Effect:Hope is a Christian organization, focused on achieving lasting, positive change among people living with the effects of leprosy and similar diseases – conditions long forgotten by much of the world. They continue to go into the slums and poverty-stricken communities of the world to bring healing and hope. They provide ulcer care, food and sanitary conditions, a safe home, help with mobility, job training and small business loans Your donation is a gift that will change their lives forever.
The Toronto Catholic District School Board welcomes families with junior kindergarten-aged children (born in 2016) to register for the September 2020 school year.
The Elementary Student Online Application for Registration (S.O.A.R.) for enrolment September 2020 is now available. Parents should complete an application at http://soar.tcdsb.org.
The TCDSB is proud to provide a wide range of programs and services to students in 201 publicly-funded Catholic schools from kindergarten to Grade 12.
For registration information, please call (416) 222-8282, ext. 5314 or visit www.tcdsb.org
Listening to God’s Voice When Facing a Decision
Monday, January 27th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM The Duke of York Pub, 39 Prince Arthur Drive
Have you ever thought about becoming a priest? Spending an evening at the seminary offers discerners a glimpse into the place where priestly formation begins. The evening includes Holy Mass in the beautiful seminary chapel, dinner, a talk by Director of Vocations Fr. Chris Lemieux, and a tour of the seminary. Please contact the Office of Vocations at (416) 968-0997 or email vocations@archtoronto.org for more information.
WEB: https://www.vocationstoronto.ca/
Help for Troubled Marriages, January 24th at 6:00 PM, Niagara Falls
If you are thinking of separation or divorce — or you are already separated but want to try again — then Retrouvaille can help. This program will give you the tools to help get your marriage back on track. It will also give you the opportunity to rediscover one another and examine your lives together in a new and positive way.
For more information please call 416-281-6007, email info@torontoretrouvaille.com or go to www.torontoretrouvaille.com
Taking Care of Our Common Home
Saturday February 1st from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Blessed Trinity Parish Hall, 3220 Bayview Avenue
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
