May 12th, 2019
On May 7th Jean Vanier died at the age of 90 in a hospital in Paris. He lived an interesting life. He served in the British and Canadian navy. He was an intellectual and for a time a professor at St. Michael’s University in Toronto. His life and career changed completely when visiting a psychiatric hospital in France one of the patients there asked him; ’will you be my friend?’ It dawned on Jean Vanier that beyond the limited psychiatric care and counselling this man was receiving the man needed a friend, a relationship with another human being. Will you accept me as I am? That request, ‘will you be my friend?’ was the beginnings of L’Arche, a world-wide network of homes for men and women with intellectual disabilities.
As our parish bulletin reminds every week our parish motto is; belonging, believing, becoming. I found out recently that the Toronto District Catholic School Board that chosen the same motto, ‘we belong, we believe, we become.’
Everyone wants to belong to someone or some group of people. Jean Vanier recognized that need in the simple question of a man most saw people as a simpleton, ‘will you be my friend’. Will you let me into your life? That’s when he opened his life and his heart to men and women with intellectual disabilities and limited social graces who are often brutalized in the institutions meant to help them where they are seen as ‘cases’ not men and women who have their own dignity, hidden though it may be.
Will you be my friend? At this time in our lives, in this time in history we are challenged by this question, will you be my friend. As Canadians, as Catholic Christians there should be no place in our lives for bigotry or racism or xenophobia, that fear of the stranger. Politicians here and abroad are playing on the fear of the stranger, the immigrant or the refugee. These good people are declared to be a threat to our way of life. They will be a burden on our country or a threat to our own job security. If they are allowed to live in our country they should take on Canadian ways and leave their own cultures behind.
Propaganda like this can destroy us, it has destroyed countries before, we think of Nazi Germany, and it can do it again. The bombing of synagogues and mosques and churches are hateful and inhuman acts done by narrow minded and ignorant people.
Will you be my friend? Will you accept me for whom I am? Will you see beyond the color of my skin, see beyond my dress code; see beyond my place of worship. Will you make your own, as followers of Jesus Christ, his welcoming words, come to me all you find life burdensome and I will refresh you. Will you recognize my human dignity as a child of God? Will you be my friend?
That simple question asked of Jean Vanier changed his life. Can that same question challenge us to admit any bigotry or racism hidden in our hearts?
One personal story. From 1968 to 1974 I was the religious superior of the Passionists in Canada. I was attending a meeting at Queen of the Apostles Retreat Centre in Mississauga. The main speaker was a priest from Spain. He clutched a Bible to his chest and spoke almost in whispers. He oozed spirituality of some sort. Hard to take.
During a break I went for a walk. On my way back to the retreat house an automobile stopped and I was asked if I wanted a ride so I got into the back seat and sat next to Jean Vanier and Mother Teresa. Couldn’t believe it. They were guest speakers at this retreat. They both spoke for about 15 minutes and had to move on. There messages were simple and to the point. They were different ways of answering the question, ‘will you be my friend?’ A refreshing break from our bible clutching soft speaking preacher. A cherished memory.
It is a simple question, a challenging question, will you be my friend?
| Posted in Homily |
May 11th, 2019
To all the Mothers, Single Mothers, Adoptive Mothers, Stepmothers and Grandmothers, we wish you a very happy Mother’s Day. May you be blessed with the graces you need, with courage, compassion, patience and peace.
Dear Parishioners, I am away this weekend visiting family in the United States. Following my return to Toronto next week, I will be absent for medical reasons. I am planning to be back sometime in June. Fr. John will assume my duties during my absence. Your prayers are very much appreciated.
This Weekend, May 11th/12th at All the Masses
This weekend, the youth group is holding their annual Mothers’ Day fundraiser to raise funds for their attendance at the Steubenville Conference in July. This will be the youth’s 6th year participating in the conference.
They will be selling flowers, rosaries, and other lovely gifts for mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and aunts. Please support our youth!
The Linen Committee is responsible for keeping the linens used during the liturgy clean, ironed and returned to the parish in a conscientious and timely manner. We are in need of new volunteers to help with this important ministry. If you can help, please contact the Parish Office at 416-221-8866.
May 13th – May 19th, 2019
MONDAY – CHIU SHI GON – Requested by the Chiu Family TUESDAY – WAI CHOON SIEW – Requested by Paul, Wai Chin & Family WEDNESDAY – PAUL RENG & JOHN HENDERSON – Requested by Paul & Wai Chin Hwang THURSDAY – BONA KIM – Requested by Suzanne Kim FRIDAY – MRS. AURITA FERNANDES – Requested by Anthony SATURDAY – MARY ANN OLDEN – Requested by Kathleen Olden-Powell SUNDAY, 10:30 – PAOLINA FRONTE – Requested by her Family SUNDAY, 12:30 – LEAH FERNANDES – Requested by her Grandparents, Ida & Tony
Beginning on May 19th, we will be accepting requests for announced Masses on Sundays at the 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM Masses.
The Parish Family of St. Gabriel’s would like to welcome: Gia Alexis Dela Cruz Enzo Mauricio Cordova-Guillermo Gabriele Giacomo Mazza
These little ones received the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, April 28th, 2019. Congratulations!
It is important for you to know that to be hired to teach in any Catholic School Board in Ontario, as part of your application for employment, there must be a letter of reference from your pastor. If you are planning to apply to teach in a Catholic School, a contact with the pastor is highly recommended. Please plan to have a conversation with your Pastor early in the process, well before applications are to be submitted.
Living the Gospel by helping those with addictions
It had been two years since Adam spoke in full sentences. When he moved into Covenant House’s housing program, he would only say a word or two. Over time, a youth worker succeeded at connecting with Adam and he gradually opened up. Adam finished high school and joined a mentorship program, setting his sights on a career in computer science. With his new voice and positive relationships, his future is open to so many possibilities.
June 2nd is the next ShareLife Sunday. Please give generously.
ShareLife Results for Previous Campaigns 2016 $190,334.25 2017 $217,507.08 2018 $172,230.78 OUR GOAL FOR 2019 $180,000 Collection to Date: $43,665
Weekend of May 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
Thank you for your generous support of Rosalie Hall and the Good Shepherd Centre. Your food donations are very much appreciated.
Rosalie Hall provides a wide range of services for young parents and their children.
Good Shepherd provides hot meals and shelter for 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.
Sunday, May 19th, 2019 at 2:00 PM
Blessed Trinity Parish Hall
The Catholic Women’s League, Blessed Trinity Council invites you to a Family Afternoon Tea on Sunday, May 19that 2:00 PM at Blessed Trinity Parish Hall. There will be entertainment, prizes, & loads of fun in store! Wear your hats & fascinators! The cost is $10 per person or $25 for a family of 3 or 4 persons.
Saturday, May 25th at 10:00 AM
Blessed Trinity Church
Blessed Trinity Community invites you, your family and friends to receive God’s grace of peace, courage, strength, and healing at Holy Mass where those who are suffering from physical and mental illness may receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
The Mass will take place on Saturday, May 25th at 10:00 AM.
A reception will follow in the Church hall where you can gather for support and fellowship.
Monday May 27th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Duke of York Pub, 39 Prince Arthur Drive
A Laudato Si Check-In; as a Catholic community, in 4 years, how well have we responded to Pope Francis’ call to focus on our role as Stewards of Creation? Our guest speaker will be Sabrina Chiefari an Environmental Educator and passionate advocate for ecological literacy and traditional ecological knowledge. For more information, please call 416-467=2645 or email faithconnections@csj-to.ca.
Weekend of May 31st to June 2nd.
“Clear out the old yeast, so that you may become a fresh batch of dough.” 1 Corinthians 5
Do you need to rest your burden? Project Rachel can help.
St. Mary’s Refuge is holding a weekend retreat for women whose hearts have been broken by abortion. Project Rachel is private and confidential. If you are interested, please e-mail ProjectRachel@stmarysrefuge.org or call 416-629-8264.
Saturday, June 1st from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
St. Bonaventure’s Parish, 1300 Leslie Street
A workshop for maturing adults entitled “Stewarding the Fruits of Your Aging: Cultivating, Harvesting, and Feeding the Church with Your Gifts” will be held at St. Bonaventure’s Parish on June 1st. The guest speaker will be Robert L. Weber, Ph.D., M. Div., Clinical Psychologist and author.
Registration includes lunch. To register, please contact Sr. Maria Lucia at 416-221-8866, Ext.228.
Catholic Parents of Lesbian Daughters and Gay Sons Saturday, June 8th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Manresa Jesuit Spiritual Renewal Centre, Pickering, Ontario
The Seeing with the Heart Day of Reflection for Catholic parents of Lesbian daughters and gay sons will be held on Saturday, June 8th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Manresa Jesuit Spiritual Renewal Centre, 2325 Liverpool Road in Pickering. The Cost is $50.00 which includes lunch. For questions and information call John Montague at 416-523-6449.
The Garden Ministry meeting scheduled for Sunday, May 12th is cancelled because of Mother’s Day.
Join us for the spring planting of seedlings and seeds on Saturday, May 18th at 10:00 AM. In the event of significant rain, planting will be moved to Monday, May 20th at 10:00 AM. Everyone, including children, is welcome to come and get your hands in the soil!
Save the Date: On June 23rd Paul Hayden, owner of Grow Wild Native Plant Nurseries, will provide a tour of the new south garden, identifying each plant, its growing information, cultural uses, and other characteristics.
For more information on the Garden Ministry, contact Heather Bennett at heathermjb@gmail.com.
| Posted in Bulletin |
May 5th, 2019
Think on this. Jesus came to his disciples in the midst of their work. Peter announced to his friends, ‘I’m going fishing.’ He had a business to run and a family to feed. His fellow fisherman agreed to go with him. They would share the catch.
Fishing at night on the open sea would be cold. It turned out to be a failed venture. They caught nothing. They probably argued among themselves about where there was a good place to fish. They may have been short tempered after this night of failure.
In the midst of all this Jesus calls to them from the shore. He knows they caught nothing, they’re discouraged and ill-tempered. He encourages them to give it another try,’ cast your nets to your right.’ They are gifted by a huge catch of fish; their nets were endangered of breaking.
Next, Jesus prepares breakfast for them. They’d be starving after this long cold night.
Jesus comes to each of us in our work, no matter how important, no matter how ordinary our tasks. We’ve all heard the word, burnout. Burn out is not the result of too much work, burn out is the result of a work that does not vitalize us, work from which we see no returns, work from which we get no positive feedback, no recognition.
When I was stationed at our retreat house at Port Burwell there was a young man on retreat who was a high school teacher. I presumed that teaching teenager must be a thankless task. He told me he couldn’t wait to get back to school on Monday morning to be with his students. He said he felt guilty taking his pay check because he enjoyed his work so much. That man will never suffer burn out.
But how many people do jobs, have careers or professions that are just jobs, jobs that enable them to raise a family and lower a mortgage but jobs that lack a challenge, lack excitement. There is a story told of three men working on a massive building project, maybe the building of Notre Dame. That took over 200 years. They were asked ‘what are you doing?’ one answered, I’m carrying a stone.’ Another answered, ‘I’m feeding my family.’ The third answered, “I’m building a cathedral.’ He saw himself involved in a project he would never see finished but he saw himself as an important part of it.
No matter what our work we are involved in God’s ongoing work of creation. Creation is an activity of all men and women who work no matter esteemed or belittled that work may seem to others, it is still God’s work. The work each one of us does echoes the glorious work of God’s ongoing creation; even a wasted night fishing on a cold sea.
Christ comes to us not only in our work but he comes to us in the men and women with whom we work. They may be people, who need our guidance, or people who support us, or people who challenge us, even people who test our patience. In these good people Christ tests our willingness to be open minded, to be supportive, to be patient even forgiving. But try to remember, your work is a sacred reality, a sacred activity. God’s work must truly be our own.
Maybe you could think on this as you head for work tomorrow morning.
May 4th, 2019
Fr. Rick Frechette wishes to extend his heartfelt thanks for the generosity of St. Gabriel’s Parish Community for the aid and support of his mission in Haiti. It is very much appreciated.
Please keep Fr. Rick and his team in your prayers as they continue to work in this necessary but dangerous situation.
The youth group will be having their annual Mothers’ Day fundraiser to raise funds for their attendance at the Steubenville Conference in July. This will be the youth’s 6th year participating in the conference.
They will be selling flowers, rosaries, and other lovely gifts for mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and aunts at all masses during the May 11th /12th weekend. Please support our youth!
A big thank you to our wonderful parishioners at St. Gabriel’s for your generous baked goods donations and purchases at the D & P Bake sale. Our community can be proud that we raised a total of $1538.20 for Fr. Rick Frechette’s Haiti Mission and take joy in the message of Jesus “in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers and sister of mine, you did it to me.”
May 6th – May 11th, 2019
MONDAY – MAURICE MICHAEL – Requested by Charmaine Michael TUESDAY – CATHERINE MINNAN-WONG – Requested by her sister Noreen WEDNESDAY – MARIE CALDERONE – Requested by Anna Milone THURSDAY – ALLAN PERSAUD – Requested by the Persaud & Goldenberg Families FRIDAY – RICHARD CHUCHRA – Requested by Jack & Wanda Wrobel SATURDAY – FR. JOSEPH PAUL – Requested by Sophie & Candida Pereira
Sunday, May 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.
All are welcome to attend. This will be the last Eco-Sabbath until the fall.
There are still several children who have not been registered for their First Communion interview.
Interviews began on Tuesday, April 23rd and will continue until Friday May 10th. They are scheduled every 15 minutes from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Please call the Parish Office at 416-221-8866-to book your appointment with Fr. Brando or Fr. John as soon as possible.
English: Rosary – Saturday, May 4th at 3:15 PM in the Gabriel Room Chinese Rosary – Sunday May 5th 3:30 PM in the Gabriel Room
For information, please contact Linda Law at 416-918-8029.
Friday, May 3rd from 9:30 AM to 12 Noon
Catholic Education Week 2019
Catholic Education Week 2019 begins on Sunday, May 5th. The Catholic schools in our parish will engage in a series of events to celebrate the ongoing gift of publicly funded Catholic education. You are invited to discover what celebrations are happening in your children’s school and if possible, attend. Publicly funded Catholic education has existed in Ontario since 1841 and its graduates have served Ontario and Canada very well. The current generation of students in our publicly funded Catholic schools will serve with the same spirit and generosity as their previous generations.
This year’s Catholic Education Week theme is “Living as Joyful Disciples.”
Leprosy Mission of Canada Stamp Collection Program
Make a difference with your mail! You can get involved by collecting, trimming and sending your used postage stamps to Effect Hope, the Leprosy Mission of Canada.
Please place stamps in the basket provided outside the Parish Office.
Living the Gospel by providing for those in need
Today is our second ShareLife Collection weekend. As we “live the Gospel by providing for those in need,” we are reminded of the Gospel value to”love one another as I have loved you”.
Through ShareLife, we are able tobring this value to life through the work of over 40 agencies, caring for families in crisis, people with special needs, the elderly, immigrants and refugees, and children and youth. In addition, our support provides for the formation of our clergy and for international programs in the developing world.
This Sunday, May 5th is ShareLife Sunday. Please give generously.
ShareLife Results for Previous Campaigns 2016 $190,334.25 2017 $217,507.08 2018 $172,230.78
OUR GOAL FOR 2019 $180,000 Collection to Date: $43,665
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 while Good Shepherd provides hot meals and shelter for the homeless in our city.
Your food donations are more important than ever as the 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.
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared 46 casseroles for April. For May, your prepared frozen casseroles will be collected at the Masses on the weekend of May 25th/26th for delivery to the Good Shepherd Centre.
More volunteers are needed 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. Casserole pans are also available in the Parish Office. If you require more information please contact Irene Albrecht at 416-221-2791.
Sunday, May 19th, 2019 at 2:00 PM Blessed Trinity Parish Hall
The Catholic Women’s League, Blessed Trinity Council invites you to a Family Afternoon Tea on Sunday, May 19th at 2:00 PM at Blessed Trinity Parish Hall.
There will be entertainment, prizes, & loads of fun in store! Wear your hats & fascinators!
The cost is $10 per person or $25 for a family of 3 or 4 persons.
5km Fundraising Walk and Hug Saturday, May, 11th, 2019 Registration from 8:30 to 9:30 AM at Fort York 9:30 AM Registration Closes. 10:00 AM Walk to SickKids begins.
The eighteenth annual Meagan’s Walk: – Creating a Circle of Hope will take place on Saturday, May 11th. You may register online at meaganswalk.com. Registration also opens at 8:30 AM at Fort York, followed by family activities and entertainment. Registration closes at 9:30 AM. The Walk begins at 10:00 AM. and concludes at SickKids with the “Hug”.
Over the last 18 years, proceeds of over 5 million dollars from this event have been directed toward paediatric brain tumour research, faster diagnoses, personalized treatments and improved outcomes for young people faced with brain tumours and treatment of paediatric brain tumours at SickKids.
St. Mary’s Refuge is holding a weekend retreat for women whose hearts have been broken by abortion. Project Rachel is private and confidential. The retreat will be held on the weekend of May 31st to June 2nd. If you are interested, please e-mail ProjectRachel@stmarysrefuge.org or call 416-629-8264.
Join us for the spring planting of seedlings and seeds on Saturday, May 18th at 10:00.AM. In the event of significant rain, planting will be moved to Monday, May 20th at 10:00 AM. Everyone, including children, is welcome to come and get your hands in the soil!
April 28th, 2019
We can just imagine the shame and the embarrassment the Apostles felt when they remembered their cowardliness and how they denied and betrayed and abandoned Jesus to his fate at the hands of those who were out to destroy him and his reputation.
But in our gospel we see Jesus coming among them and offering them peace. Then Jesus shows them the gaping wounds in his hands and side. Wounds that are blazing badges of his love for each of them. Wounds that say, ‘let’s put all this behind us, all is forgiven.’
Then Jesus breathes on them a breath that gives them the power to forgive, forgive the hurt and harm they will suffer as they carry the message of his cross and resurrection to the world. Forgiveness and the peace that comes with it is one of the great themes of Jesus mission. When Peter once asked.’ How many times must I forgive, seven?, Jesus answered not a stingy seven times but seventy times seven. A limitless number! Peter gets a warning, if you can’t find it in your heart to forgive others; God won’t find it in God’s heart to forgive you.
Don’t we pray every day,’ forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us?
Can you imagine what a challenge faces our fellow Catholics in Sri Lanka this Sunday as they continue to bury their murdered children or spouses, victims of terror on Easter Sunday? They are challenged to forgive. This is what today’s gospel calls them to do. It may take them a long time to do this, some may never will.
Forgive does not mean forget. Every time we meet a person, maybe a betraying spouse, a son or daughter who we feel let us down or wasted their God-given talents, or a business person who cheated us. Feelings of anger and resentment rise up in us like bile, we can’t forget, it’s a memory that won’t go away. But we can forgive, we must forgive. The truth of the matter is the unforgiving heart languishes unforgiven and incapable of receiving forgiveness.
Forgiveness and the peace that comes with it is the great teaching of Jesus. One of the last prayers he prayed on his cross was; ‘Father forgive them, they know not what they do. As we live our faith in this holy season of the Resurrection may we all be graced to pass on to others who may have harmed us, the forgiveness we’ve received from our crucified and risen Lord.
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
