January 12th, 2020
We welcome new members of our Parish, individuals and families who joined and registered for the months of November & December 2019: Ryan Caesar, Liliana Cappella, Franklyn Disano, Juliana Doumakis, Dexter Flor, Daniela Gutierrez, Ann Krajan, Jed Lamoste, Ariana Martin, Benny Muega, Anthony Nasturzio, Elsa Pieto, Roshan Pillay, Yvonne Tio Nigel Wilson
We encourage you to participate in any of the various ministries of our parish community.
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. Please help us make the air we share healthy and fragrance free. We appreciate your help with making our Church comfortable for all.
January 13th – January 19th 2020
MONDAY – MOST NEEDY SOULS IN PURGATORY – Requested by Nguyen Family TUESDAY – ANGELINE NICHOLAS NAZARETH – Requested by John, Clara, Isidore & Sandra Pires WEDNESDAY – MARGARET & CATHERINE MORIARTY – Requested by Teresa Sheldrick THURSDAY – MAGDALENE LAM – Requested by John Chan FRIDAY – ANTONIA EVANS – Requested by Teresa Sheldrick SATURDAY – RENATO BELLISARI – Requested by Chiara SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – PHILIP TAYLOR – Requested by Anna Taylor & Family SUNDAY – 12:30 pm – LUCY BANEL – Requested by Joe Banel
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel would like to welcome Tomas Alejandro Leon Ayala and Keanna Pearl Lleno Bael who received the sacrament of Baptism on December 25th, 2019. Congratulations!
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.
Each month the 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.
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.
Wednesday, January 15th from 1:00 PM -to 3:00 PM Gabriel Room
Did you know that milk bags can be cut, looped and woven into sleep mats for individuals or families in developing countries? Please drop the colourful outer bags in the bin located in the gathering space. Please make sure that the bags are clean, dry and flat. All are welcome!
Weekend of January 18th/19th
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, January 14th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Blessed Trinity Church, 3220 Bayview Avenue
This year, Pope Francis will inaugurate “Word of God Sunday” – the third Sunday in ordinary time (January 26).
Accordingly, his Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, will speak about the importance of the Word of God, the Bible in the life and ministry of the believer. Please join them. All are welcome.
Beginning January 15th
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 will be available beginning Wednesday, January 15th at 10:00 AM. Parents should complete an application at http://soar.tcdsb.org on or after this date.
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
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.
St. Augustine’s Seminary, 2661 Kingston Road, Toronto Monday, January 27th at 4:45 PM
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/
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 Dr., Toronto
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
Celebration of Marriage Mass, February 9th at 3:00 PM,
St. Isaac Jogues Parish, 1148 Finch Ave, Pickering
As part of Marriage Sunday 2020 celebrations, Cardinal Thomas Collins will preside at a special Mass to honour married couples in the Archdiocese of Toronto. All married couples are welcome to come and will have an opportunity to renew their wedding vows. A special blessing will be given to couples celebrating milestone wedding anniversaries (25th, 40th, 50th or 60+) in 2020 and group photos will take place after the Mass. A reception will follow after Mass.
In anticipation of high demand and attendance, please note that everyone wishing to attend the Celebration is required to register due to space limitations and to avoid disappointment. Non-reserved seating will be provided on a first-come first-served basis to all other married couples, family members, friends and others attending the Mass. Doors open at 2:00 PM.
For more information please contact Ella Okonkwo at the Office of Formation for Discipleship; at 416-934-0606, ext. 523, email formation@archtoronto.org or visit: www.archtoronto.org/marriage.
Several boxes of offertory envelopes are waiting for pick-up. They are now in the hallway outside the Gabriel Room. Please pick yours up as soon as possible.
Under the Canadian Income Tax laws, a donor is entitled to an income tax credit against income taxes payable based on a tax receipt from a registered Canadian charity like St. Gabriel’s parish.
You should consider using offertory envelopes, enrolling in Pre-Authorized Giving (PAG) or Donate Now via Archdiocese of Toronto’s online giving for your offertory giving no matter the amount of your weekly donation. Envelopes are available at the Parish Office if you need one.
| Posted in Bulletin |
On this feast of the Baptism of Jesus in the Jorden River we are taken back to the time and day when we were baptised – baptised by water and the Holy Spirit and adopted by our Father as God’s sons and daughters. Because most of us were baptised as infants we have no memory of that event, when through no merit of our own God’s Holy Spirit was poured into our hearts giving us the boldness to call God – Father/Mother.
Today’s gospel tells of Jesus approaching his cousin John the Baptist to be baptized. John protests saying it should be the other way around. Jesus says, do what I ask. We don’t know how many people were around on that occasion but our scriptures tell us that as Jesus came out of the river the heavens opened and Jesus saw God’s Spirit descending like a dove over him and an approving voice saying the words,’ this is my son, the Beloved with whom I am well pleased.’
Our first reading from Isaiah tells of unknown servant who delights the soul of God and receives God’s Spirit. This unknown servant is to bring justice to the nations and he is to be a source of healing and a light to the nations and bring freedom to oppressed people. Both this unknown person and Jesus were sources of delight to God
Can we imagine, even believe that God looks of each one of us here and now and says; ‘this is my son, this is my daughter in whom I am well pleased?
They’re not perfect, they’re not faultless but they are trying. They don’t live up to their own ideals, they struggle with their own issues and they keep coming back to me for the help and strength they need. They worry about their jobs; they worry about whether they are a good father, a good mother.
They struggle with their faith in a church that has shamed them with its scandals. They worry about their health and the health of those they love and they grieve over the death of those they loved. They wonder about the future of their children and grandchildren and the diseased planet they’re leaving them.They do their best to be there for people who need their help, they do what they can to help the poor and homeless and they resist the temptations that surround them to be racist and anti-semitic.
There are many times when wonder if I even care for them or even remember them.
But it is good for us to remember, to trust this truth; God does not deal with people as faceless members of a collective. He calls, and he heals one particular person at a time, as each individual comes to him. But then we ourselves need to come to the Lord, to face him, to know him, to love him, and to let him heal us. Come as ourselves, as we are, warts and all. We are God’s and God is our well pleased Father.
| Posted in Homily |
January 5th, 2020
The Epiphany of Christ is a shining light set at the turning of the year to illuminate all that has gone before and to guide us through the year ahead.
January 6th – January 12th 2020
MONDAY – JEANNE CLARKE – Requested by Patricia Bristol-Clarke TUESDAY – JUAN & CANDIDA VILLORIA – Requested by The Family WEDNESDAY – GERRY MOLLOY – Requested by Katherine Pezzack THURSDAY – ALL WHO ARE IN HOSPICE AND ILL – Requested by Mary & Ravi FRIDAY – STELLA VENTURINI – Requested by Cheryl Rancati SATURDAY – GEORGE OLDEN – Requested by Kathleen Olden-Powell SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – PERRY TANG – Requested by Amy & Michael Tang SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – WLLIAM SAURET – Requested by The De Biasio & Roman Families
With this Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, we close our celebration of Christmas and we look forward to a peaceful New Year.
Sincere thanks to Everyone who supported our various outreach programs and all other events held and organized by our Parish.
A special mention also goes to all our Parish Ministries and their Volunteers. Your selfless contribution of your time and talents are certainly the greatest blessing that our Parish continue to have!
You are truly wonderful people!
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 54 casseroles for December. For January, your prepared casseroles (frozen please) will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of January 25th/26th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
You may pick up a copy of a casserole recipe and a pan from the Parish Office. Three recipes are also available on St. Gabriel’s web site. Please remember to mark the label on the pan lid with the name of the casserole. More volunteers are urgently needed to help feed the hungry in our city. For more information, please contact Irene Albrecht at 416 221-2791.
Sunday, January 26th, 2020 at 7:00 PM
St. Augustine’s Seminary, 2661 Kingston Road, Toronto Monday, January 27, 2020, 4:45 PM
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.
CONTACT: Office of Vocations at (416) 968-0997 Email: vocations@archtoronto.org WEB: https://www.vocationstoronto.ca/
Listening to God’s Voice When Facing a Decision Monday, January 27th, 2020 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM The Duke of York Pub, 39 Prince Arthur Dr., Toronto
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!
The Elementary Student Online Application for Registration (S.O.A.R.) for enrolment September 2020 will be available beginning Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 10:00 AM EST. Parents should complete an application at http://soar.tcdsb.org on or after this date.
For registration information, please call (416) 222-8282, ext. 5314 or visit www.tcdsb.org.
A few more offertory envelopes are in the Gathering Space awaiting for pick-up. Please pick yours up as soon as possible.
Under the Canadian Income Tax laws, a donor is entitled to an income tax credit against income taxes payable based on a tax receipt from a registered Canadian charity like St. Gabriel’s parish. You should consider using offertory envelopes, enrolling in Pre-Authorized Giving (PAG) or Donate Now via Archdiocese of Toronto’s online giving for your offertory giving no matter the amount of your weekly donation. Envelopes are available at the Parish Office if you need one.
January 1st, 2020
| Posted in Events |
December 29th, 2019
“The most beautiful thing that God made, was the family. … All of the love that God has in Himself, all of the beauty that God has in Himself, all of the truth that God has in Himself, He gives to the family.” Pope Francis
Heavenly Father, you have given us the model of life in the Holy Family of Nazareth. Help us, O Loving Father, to make our family another Nazareth where love, peace and joy reign.
December 30th 2019 to January 5th 2020
MONDAY – DOREEN YOUNG – Requested by Noreen Chen TUESDAY – NEW YEAR’S EVE – No Announced Mass WEDNESDAY – NEW YEAR’S DAY – No Announced Mass THURSDAY – ALL WHO ARE IN HOSPICE & ARE ILL – Requested by Mary & Ravi FRIDAY – CATHERINE MINNAN WONG – Requested by Noreen Chen SATURDAY – GUS & MARIE CALDERONE – Requested by the Family SUNDAY – 10:30 AM – JOSEPH D’GAMA – Requested by the Family SUNDAY – 12:30 PM – ELENA D’ANTUONI – Requested by Humberto Holanda
NEW YEAR’S EVE – Tuesday, December 31st No 9:00 AM Mass
Office Open – 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Vigil for Feast of Mary the Holy Mother of God 5:00 PM Mass
NEW YEAR’S DAY – Wednesday, January 1st
Office Open – 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Feast of Mary the Mother of God Mass at 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM
Parking at ground level is limited to 51 spaces. Do not park in front of the Church since this is a fire route and must be kept clear. There is plenty of space in the underground parking lot.
Additional parking is available on the east side of Elkhorn Public School and in the bus loop. The school requests that we do not park on the grass Please follow the instructions of the attendant.
Many thanks to the Elkhorn Public School for allowing us the use of the school property.
Sunday, January 5th 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.
The guided reflection brings an ecological perspective to the readings. All are welcome.
Friday, January 3rd from 9:30 AM to 12 Noon
English: Saturday, January 4that 3:15 PM in the Library Chinese: Sunday, January 5th at 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room.
For further information, please contact Linda Law at 416-918-8029.
Sunday, January 26th, 2020 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.
Monday, January 27th, 2020 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
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 to join the Sisters of St. Joseph on January 27th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM for an evening of faith, food , fun and fellowship!
Your offertory envelopes are now available in the Gathering Space. Please pick yours up as soon as possible.
Under the Canadian Income Tax laws, a donor is entitled to an income tax credit against income taxes payable based on a tax receipt from a registered Canadian charity like St. Gabriel’s parish. You should consider using offertory envelopes, enrolling in Pre-Authorized Giving (PAG) or Donate Now via Archdiocese of Toronto’s online giving for your offertory giving no matter the amount of your weekly donation.
If you do not presently have Offertory envelopes and would like to have a box, please let the office know and we will prepare a box for you.
Please note: All donations for 2019 must be received in the Parish Office by Monday, December 30th, 2019 to be included in your 2019 Tax Receipt.
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
