St. Joan of Arc Parish in Toronto, which has been serving the community, bringing the welcome and warmth of Christ to all since its foundation in 1919, will celebrate the beginning of 100 years this month. For the past 20 years, the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement have served as pastoral ministers, promoting an atmosphere of shared stewardship, involving a comprehensive participation in the life and worship of the parish. Fr. Dan Callahan, SA, currently serves as pastor of the parish.
“Our parish is inspired by the mission of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement who exist to invite the world to join in the quest for healing and reconciliation,” says Fr. Dan Callahan, SA. The parish mission statement best sums up the goal: Living and Proclaiming the Gospel through Stewardship. All are welcome. The presence of the Friars, and their commitment to reconciliation, can be felt by the spirit of the mission statement and the feeling that “At-One-Ment” is truly the goal for the parish.
Fr. Dan, and all the Friars who have served before him, have seen the growth of the parish and served as celebrants for countless Masses, Baptisms, first Communions, and first Confessions.
The parish offers five Sunday Masses per week so that all may attend, in addition to daily Mass offered Monday through Friday.
Every week following the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass different families, in turn, provide refreshments with coffee and tea, allowing parishioners an opportunity for fellowship and to encourage one another. It is always a joyful gathering reminding all of Acts 2:46 “…they ate together with glad and sincere hearts.”
“My experience in the parish is one that calls me to presence to the people, service to the stewardship volunteers, pastoral ministry to all who are in need and making sure the Church provides a welcoming atmosphere. Our pastoral mission is to live and proclaim the gospel and welcome all,” said Fr. Dan.
Find out more about St. Joan of Arc Parish at www.joanofarc.ca.