First Annual Alumni BBQ
| This month, we launched what we expect will become a beloved annual tradition with our first UTSC & Centennial College Catholic Campus Ministries Alumni BBQ. We gathered in the welcoming backyard of the St Barnabas rectory, under a tent on a beautiful summer evening. Alumni from many different graduating years came together for our first event, especially for alumni. It was an opportunity to reconnect, catch up, and celebrate the friendships and faith that last long after graduation. The evening was simple, relaxed, and just what we hoped for. As everyone shared a meal and stories from life after university, it was clear that even though people graduated years apart, it still felt like family. The relationships formed through our campus ministries do not end at convocation. They keep growing and getting stronger wherever life takes us. As our campus community grows, our alumni family grows too. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make this first gathering a success. We look forward to making this an annual summer tradition and welcoming even more alumni in the future. |
A Journey of Faith and Community:
An Interview with Brother Francis
Brother Francis, a graduate of both UTSC (2013–2017, Philosophy) and Centennial College (2017–2018, Paralegal Studies), reflects on his call to religious life and the profound impact the chaplaincy had on his spiritual journey.
Discovering a Vocation
Brother Francis didn’t always see himself on a religious path. It wasn’t until high school, after beginning to pray the rosary, that he discovered the richness of Catholic vocations.
“I asked God one night in prayer what He was asking of me, and He told me clearly.”
Drawn to the communal aspect of religious life, he found a spiritual home in the Franciscan tradition, guided by the example of St. Francis.
Brother Francis on the top left with early members of the chaplaincy
A Home on Campus
As an undergraduate, Cody Theagali (now Brother Francis) became a committed member of the chaplaincy during its initial years and served as the first student president at both UTSC and Centennial. Despite early challenges, the chaplaincy became a “safe haven in the midst of chaotic university life.”
The arrival of a campus director marked a turning point. Weekly Masses, socials, and thought-provoking talks helped the chaplaincy blossom.
Supporting Faith and Discernment
Brother Francis credits the chaplaincy with supporting his discernment and faith. It provided a space to share what was on his heart and to seek guidance during challenging moments.
“The chaplaincy also kept me rooted and focused on Christ,” he recalls, especially after long days of academic pressures.
Highlights and Memories
His fondest memories center around seeing students grow in faith and fostering a vibrant Catholic community. Highlights include attending the Rise Up conference, experiencing the sacraments on campus, and witnessing the chaplaincy’s transformative power. “In those moments, the Christian journey did not feel like a battle but something natural, joyful, and peaceful.”
Words of Encouragement
To current students, Brother Francis offers encouragement: “God loves you. He will never give up on you… Always return to Him through the sacraments and never be afraid to start again.” He advises students to stay close to Our Lady and pray the rosary daily, reminding them that there is more to life than grades or worldly success.
A Call to Support
Brother Francis emphasizes the impact of financial support for the chaplaincy.
“The students need a home, a space where they can be themselves and grow spiritually without fear of being mocked or judged. By financially supporting the ministry, you enable students to become disciples who witness to Christ through lives shaped by Christian charity.”
Brother Francis’ journey is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance and community. The campus ministries at UTSC and Centennial College continue to be a place where students find belonging, encounter Christ, and are equipped to share His love beyond campus.
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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