Forward in Faith: A Night to Build What’s Next
What a milestone. What a night.
On Saturday, June 7 our chaplaincy community gathered to mark 10 years of Catholic campus ministry at UTSC and Centennial College – and the atmosphere was nothing short of extraordinary.
From the reverent beauty of Mass at St. Barnabas Church to the warmth and laughter that echoed through our dinner celebration, the evening was a joyful tribute to all that God has done through this mission.
Over the past decade, we’ve seen hundreds of students encounter Christ, grow in their faith, and carry that light into their families, workplaces, parishes, and the world.
And on this night, that legacy came to life in a powerful way.
We were deeply touched to receive a congratulatory certificate from Scarborough North Councillor Jamaal Myers, recognizing our chaplaincies’ positive impact on the Scarborough community.
One thing was clear: the strength of the past ten years has built a foundation for something even more beautiful ahead.
We’re not just marking an anniversary. We’re stepping into a new chapter.
The heart of the evening lay in the reflections shared. Through moving speeches, we travelled back to the earliest days – when a few students and a lot of faith were enough to get started.
We also looked forward, envisioning new spaces, expanded outreach, and a next generation of student leaders formed in faith and service.
The first ten years were just the beginning. Let’s keep going – together.
A Yes That Echoes: Vocation, Community, and 10 Years of Mission
As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the UTSC & Centennial College Catholic Chaplaincies, we reflect on the countless lives transformed through this ministry. From building faith to fostering vocations, our chaplaincy has been a beacon of light for students navigating the complexities of campus life.
Sister Maria Goretti, an alumni and founding member of the Centennial College Chaplaincy, exemplifies this impact. Her journey from a UTSC/Centennial College paramedicine student to entering religious life testifies to the power of God’s call and the community that nurtures it.
Sister Maria Goretti first encountered the Sisters of Our Lady Immaculate (SOLI) during high school, at a retreat at the Martyrs’ Shrine.
“What stuck out was the authentic joy and tremendous peace of the sisters,” she shared. The seed of her vocation was planted there, but it took root during her time in chaplaincy.
Her experience at the Steubenville Toronto conference was pivotal.
“During Adoration, I asked Our Lord, ‘Do you want me to be a Sister?’ and I heard the ‘yes’ in the depth of my heart. But at first, I thought it was impossible.”
From participating in weekly Mass to leading CCO faith studies, Sister Maria Goretti found a community that challenged her to deepen her relationship with Christ.
“The chaplaincy was where I encountered faith lived out in joy and simplicity.”
Marking the Start of Our 10th Year in Faith
Alumni BBQ at St. Barnabas: A Heartwarming Reunion
On Tuesday, June 18, 2024 a large group of alumni, friends and current students gathered at St. Barnabas Church to celebrate the UTSC Catholic Chaplaincy’s 10th anniversary. The evening was a perfect blend of delicious food, cherished memories, and the opportunity to reconnect with old friends.
The event not only celebrated ten wonderful years of journeying with and supporting students in their Catholic faith, but also highlighted the enduring friendships and strong community bonds built over the past decade. The Alumni BBQ was a testament to the importance of faith, the power of community and the value of staying connected beyond our time at post-secondary institutions.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to share with you our hopes and dreams for the UTSC and Centennial College Catholic Chaplaincies at future events. We’re planning a future where our chaplaincies continue to grow, offering spiritual guidance and support to students and alumni alike, and creating a vibrant network of faith and friendship.
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