UTSC Chaplaincy Celebrates 10th Anniversary

This summer, the UTSC Catholic Chaplaincy reached an important milestone: 10 years of fruitful ministry on the campuses of UTSC and Centennial College. The chaplaincy community marked the occasion on June 7 with Mass offered by the chaplain and pastor Fr. Hansoo Park at St. Barnabas Church in Scarborough. Following the Mass, current students, alumni, parents and friends enjoyed a festive dinner, while reminiscing about the chaplaincy’s small beginnings and celebrating its tremendous growth.

During the evening, the founding Director of Campus Ministry, Erica Figueiredo (née Rodrigues) shared how the chaplaincy got its start in 2009 when a Catholic student club took shape with a handful of members. The group saw steady growth, and the chaplaincy was formally launched by the Archdiocese in 2015 with the appointment of Fr. Park as chaplain. In the following years, campus ministry programs began at Centennial College and additional staff members joined the team.

Over the past 10 years, hundreds of students have been accompanied in their faith journey, and those in attendance expressed gratitude for the guidance and support of the chaplaincies. In recognition of the chaplaincies’ service to the Scarborough community, Scarborough North Councillor Jamaal Myers also attended the event and presented a congratulatory certificate.

The current Director of Campus Ministry, Andrew Brinas, and Campus Minister Marie Gamboa shared stories about the ongoing impact of this vibrant ministry. As the UTSC Chaplaincy moves into its second decade, everyone is looking forward with anticipation to the many new blessings God will bestow on students through the dedicated work of the chaplaincies.

For more information about the campus ministries at UTSC and Centennial College, contact utscchaplaincy@gmail.com.