Lots of Benefits

On April 28 a parish team walked in the annual Rotary event in the Beach. Our goal was to raise $2,000 to support initiatives of Latinos Poisitivos - an organization that supports people from Latin American persons with HIV/Aids in Metro Toronto and beyond..  Some of their members join us on the walk and we  learn of their challenges with health and immigration as new Canadians - not the least of which is dealing different languages and cultures from their countries of origin. 

And we won a prize as a successful team - an executive tour of Steamwhistle Brewery on May 19.  We learned how a small company that wanted to start with the name "Three Guys Who Got Fired Brewery" instead became an environmentally responsible company, It values its employees and provides bottles that are recycled more than 50 times and avoids paper labels -. as well being a great place to work.  After the Blue Jay fans cleared out, we also enjoyed several varieties of pizza - and tried a cloudy pilsner available only at the brewery.  The steam whistle of Canada's early industrial days is a reminder that work is not the be-all and end-all of life and that time,  relationships and meeting with friends matter.  We agree.

A Faithworks Visit

On Sunday, May 6 we welcomed the Rev'd Beverley Williams, the Executive Director of Flemingdon Park Ministries to hear about its work. For 40 years this storefront ministry has walked alongside women suffering violence and abuse, stood with other community members against drug dealers, advocated for housing, sought to secure access to healthy food for all community members, stood up to racism through walks of peace, worked and advocated for new Canadians and refugees, and has sat with the broken hearted and listened to the stories of struggle and pain. Flemingdon Park has developed into one of the most diverse communities in Canada, and FPM has always offered, and will continue to offer a safe space for each and every community member to gather.  You can learn more about it here.

Community Fun Day Ahead

Planning has begun for our annual Family Fun Day on Saturday July 21 - part of the weekend when we celebrate our patron saint, Mary Magdalene.  Join us for this entertaining street fair with a bouncy castle, outdoor games, face painting, crafts and free food.  If we are lucky we will also have a visit from the local fire department and kids of all ages can sit in the driver's seat. Save the date and we hope to see you there.  The event is free but we would be happy to know you are coming when you register here.

A baptism

Celebration of the Baptism of our newest member today, followed by spirit filled song and dance.

Vacation Bible Camp Returns

We;re now in our fourth year in running a camp the week before school begins.  This year's dates are August 27-31 and highlights Babylon, Daniel's Courage in Captivity.  This popular program features mornings of stories, crafts, dram and games and afternoons visits to museums, parks and other exciting places.  You can register your children online here or contact the parish office,

Students Complete Placements

Michael and James , with fellow theological student and parishioner Martha Riddell.

We have been fortunate to have two theological students join us from January to April. Both are studying at Trinity College in the University of Toronto and parish placements give them hands on experience of parish life.  We said goodbye to Michael Perry in this role on April 8,  Michael has focused on Children and Youth Work and we soon welcome him back in this capacity as as a pastoral associate until Labour Day. James Leatch has assisted with the liturgies of the parish.  We thank them both for their contributions.