What We Support
Renovatio:
Rebuild and Renew
Our two most recent fundraising ventures are related to each other. The first project (Renovatio) was the building of a new seminary residence, chapel, and classrooms at St Philip's Seminary. St Philip's Seminary is run by the Toronto Oratory, and trains seminarians from all over the world, the majority of whom are from the USA and Canada. In supporting this work of St Philip's, we are helping to build up the Church in the USA and Canada and further afield.
Sacred Art
Our other main project has been the installation of paintings by Ken Woo in Holy Family church where the seminarians of St Philip's serve, sing, and pray. We are convinced that a sound liturgical formation is important for future priests.
Foundation Stone: Parish Hall Renovation Project
Having helped Holy Family church, our attention turns to St Vincent de Paul, the sister church run by the Toronto Oratory. The church has great historic importance in terms of priestly vocations in Canada and other parts of the world. In this centenary year of the church, an exciting restoration is happening, beginning with the parish hall, thus recapitulating Fr Minehan’s own starting point of building the St Vincent’s community up from the parish hall to the sanctuary.
Further Projects
In addition to helping to complete the new seminary building, we are convinced of the ongoing importance of the sacred music program and the liturgical vestments studio at the Toronto Oratory for the enhancement of Catholic worship. Increasingly the beauty of their weekly music and liturgical arts is being made available to a wider audience via the internet.
The Toronto Oratory, moreover, broadcasts talks, night prayers, and the annual Oratory Summer School for the education and formation of laity. Due to restrictions on travel over the past few years, St Philip's Seminary developed online philosophy and theology courses for seminarians. The Oratory's Annual Appeal seeks donations to increase their capacity for these important apostolates.
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Friends of the Toronto Oratory
A 501(c)(3) Organization incorporated in the District of Columbia
© 2020 Friends of the Toronto Oratory
