Lament and Love: Lenten Meditation in Music
Join us for an evening of sacred music as we stand on the threshold of Holy Week. Music by contemporary composers John Tavener, Olivier Messiaen, and Arvo Pärt, traces a path from lament to love at the foot of the Cross. From the cry of Threnos to the stillness of Spiegel im Spiegel and the profound meditation of Stabat Mater, this programme invites us into the depth and hope of the Passion.
Performed by an ensemble of voices, strings, and piano, including Musician-in-Residence Lindsay McIntyre, Schola Cantorum countertenor Peter Koniers, and Director of Music John Paul Farahat.
Free admission. Donations in support of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health are gratefully received (suggested $25).
Holy Week
Holy Week begins on the weekend of March 27-28 with our regular liturgy schedule on Palm Sunday.
Wednesday, April 1, Tenebræ Prayer: 8pm
Holy Thursday, April 2, Mass of the Lord’s Supper: 7pm
No 12:10pm Mass. Confessions 11:15am to 1pm. Adoration at the Altar of Repose ends at 11pm.
Good Friday, April 3, Celebration of the Passion: 3pm
No Masses. No confessions. Office closed. Church open from 10am to 6pm.
Holy Saturday, April 4, Easter Vigil: 8:15pm
No 5pm Mass. No confessions. Church opens at 4pm.
Easter Sunday, April 5, Mass: 9am, 10:30am & Noon
No 4:30pm Mass. Church closes at 2pm.
Easter Monday, April 6, Mass: 7:30am & Noon
No confessions. Office closed.
Tenebræ Prayer
All are invited to join us on Wednesday, April 1, at 8pm in the church for our annual Tenebræ service. Latin for "shadows", this contemplative service of readings, choral music, and congregational chants uses light and darkness to draw us into the sense of grief and loss of Holy Week, as we await the hope of Resurrection.
John Ford First Sunday Food Drive
The John Ford First Sunday Food Drive supports our Outreach Ministry through monetary contributions as well as donated items that can be used for our meal service or distributed directly to our patrons.
Meal-replacement drinks, canned stews, and canned meat and fish are particularly helpful to our patrons. Cash donations to support the meal program are also gratefully accepted at the table in the narthex, and you can donate online through our website.
Please note that this month’s Food Drive is not on the First Sunday due to Easter Sunday.
Encounter: 24 Hours for the Lord
Join St. Basil’s and USMC Campus Ministry for a special time of prayer, service, and community to Encounter God this Lent. Beginning on Friday evening with Vespers, and ending with Saturday evening Mass, we will devote ourselves to encountering Christ’s merciful love. Featuring Eucharistic Adoration, Liturgy of the Hours, Scripture, Praise and Worship, activities for families, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we will be keeping the church open overnight for prayer as a community. Please sign up to hear more details about the event. To find out more, visit: www.stbasiltoronto.org/24hours
John Ford First Sunday Food Drive
The John Ford First Sunday Food Drive supports our Outreach Ministry through monetary contributions as well as donated items that can be used for our meal service or distributed directly to our patrons.
Meal-replacement drinks, canned stews, and canned meat and fish are particularly helpful to our patrons. Cash donations to support the meal program are also gratefully accepted at the table in the narthex, and you can donate online through our website.
We also welcome donations of rain gear to support our patrons.
Lenten Christian Meditation Retreat
The World Community for Christian Meditation - Toronto (WCCM-Toronto) invites you to a Lenten retreat day at St. Basil’s parish on Saturday, February 21.
Repent and Believe: Entering into the Mystery of Spiritual Transformation
The first words of Christ Jesus recorded in Mark’s gospel proclaim the essence of his call to the world: “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news.” These words set the stage perfectly for the season of Lent in which his followers are summoned to a deeper repentance or transformation in the Spirit. We will take time during this Lenten retreat day to explore questions of conversion and call as a spiritual community through meditation, silent reflection, and group sharing.
To Register, visit: www.bit.ly/2026-Lenten
Lenten Retreat in Daily Life
Register by February 11!
Join a 5-week Lenten retreat made in daily life hosted by St. Basil’s parishioners. Based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), this retreat uses Michael Hansen’s The First Spiritual Exercises and offers an accessible introduction to Ignatian spirituality. No prior retreat experience is needed. Register: https://forms.office.com/r/tEfFTyBLs2
Participants commit to 40 minutes of personal prayer at home (4–5 times per week) and gather weekly for small-group conversation on Mondays, February 16 & 23, March 2, 9 & 16, from 7-8:30pm
John Ford First Sunday Food Drive
The John Ford First Sunday Food Drive supports our Outreach Ministry through monetary contributions as well as donated items that can be used for our meal service or distributed directly to our patrons.
Meal-replacement drinks, canned stews, and canned meat and fish are particularly helpful to our patrons. Cash donations to support the meal program are also gratefully accepted at the table in the narthex, and you can donate online through our website.
We also welcome donations of winter gear to assist our adult patrons. Items such as winter socks, gloves, scarves, toques, and especially warm winter coats will truly make a difference in someone's life this winter.
Choral Concert: Silver Thread
Join Toronto's newest choral octet, Silver Thread, for a concert of sacred music at St. Basil’s entitled "Like a Rose". With music by Caroline Shaw, Benjamin Britten, Kerensa Briggs, Herbert Howells, and Kai Leung, this program promises to explore creation and beauty as a form of worship and reverence. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $25.
Reading Group
2nd and 4th Monday of each month
We are a welcoming community of book lovers who read together, ponder what we’ve read, and share our thoughts and ideas. We aim to read a wide variety of literature through the year.
Text beginning in January: Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
For more information and to register to receive updates, visit https://forms.office.com/r/NThApMQcNn, or contact Kristina: kristina.glicksman@gmail.com
John Ford First Sunday Food Drive
The John Ford First Sunday Food Drive supports our Outreach Ministry through monetary contributions as well as donated items that can be used for our meal service or distributed directly to our patrons.
Meal-replacement drinks, canned stews, and canned meat and fish are particularly helpful to our patrons. Cash donations to support the meal program are also gratefully accepted at the table in the narthex, and you can donate online through our website.
We also welcome donations of winter gear to assist our adult patrons. Items such as winter socks, gloves, scarves, toques, and especially warm winter coats will truly make a difference in someone's life this winter.
Reading Group
2nd and 4th Monday of each month
We are a welcoming community of book lovers who read together, ponder what we’ve read, and share our thoughts and ideas. We aim to read a wide variety of literature through the year.
Upcoming texts: “The Three Low Masses” by Alphonse Daudet.
For more information and to register to receive updates, visit https://forms.office.com/r/NThApMQcNn, or contact Kristina: kristina.glicksman@gmail.com
Annual Church Christmas Decorating
Come and join our annual Christmas decorating party on Sunday, December 21, following the 4:30pm Mass. We need your help to set up trees, garlands, and lights to prepare the church for Christmas. Celebrate afterward with a pizza dinner. RSVP here to help us plan for ordering pizza: Christmas Decorating Party RSVP – Fill out form
Advent Lessons & Carols
Join us for Advent Lessons and Carols on Wednesday, December 17, at 7:00pm. This prayer service, featuring sacred scripture, hymns, and choral music, will prepare us to encounter Christ as we journey through the last seven days of the Advent season towards the Nativity of the Lord. For more information, contact johnpaul.farahat@utoronto.ca.
Reading Group
2nd and 4th Monday of each month
We are a welcoming community of book lovers who read together, ponder what we’ve read, and share our thoughts and ideas. We aim to read a wide variety of literature through the year.
Upcoming texts: Nov. 24 & Dec. 8: Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather.
For more information and to register to receive updates, visit https://forms.office.com/r/NThApMQcNn, or contact Kristina: kristina.glicksman@gmail.com
John Ford First Sunday Food Drive
The John Ford First Sunday Food Drive supports our Outreach Ministry through monetary contributions as well as donated items that can be used for our meal service or distributed directly to our patrons.
Meal-replacement drinks, canned stews, and canned meat and fish are particularly helpful to our patrons. Cash donations to support the meal program are also gratefully accepted at the table in the narthex, and you can donate online through our website.
We also welcome donations of winter gear to assist our adult patrons. Items such as winter socks, gloves, scarves, toques, and especially warm winter coats will truly make a difference in someone's life this winter.
Reading Group
2nd and 4th Monday of each month
We are a welcoming community of book lovers who read together, ponder what we’ve read, and share our thoughts and ideas. We aim to read a wide variety of literature through the year.
Upcoming texts: Nov. 24 & Dec. 8: Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather.
For more information and to register to receive updates, visit https://forms.office.com/r/NThApMQcNn, or contact Kristina: kristina.glicksman@gmail.com
Explore the Liturgy of the Hours
Join us as we learn to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, the daily prayer of the Church. This introductory session, which begins with a short explanatory talk, is followed by an opportunity to pray Evening Prayer (Vespers) together, and includes hymns, psalms, readings, and silence. All are welcome. For more information, contact johnpaul.farahat@utoronto.ca.
Reading Group
2nd and 4th Monday of each month
We are a welcoming community of book lovers who read together, ponder what we’ve read, and share our thoughts and ideas. We aim to read a wide variety of literature through the year.
Upcoming texts: Oct. 27 & Nov. 10: The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
For more information and to register to receive updates, visit https://forms.office.com/r/NThApMQcNn, or contact Kristina: kristina.glicksman@gmail.com
Registration Deadline for Advent Retreat: An Ignatian Journey Into Friendship With Jesus
Mondays, November 17 & 24, December 1, 8 & 15
7-8:30pm
Join a 5-week Advent retreat in daily life, hosted here at St. Basil’s! Rooted in the Ignatian tradition, this retreat invites you to experience God’s presence in everyday moments and discover how friendship with Jesus opens the door to something far greater than ourselves. Each week, participants spend 40 minutes in personal prayer at home (4-5 times per week), and gather for small group conversation on Monday evenings. The program fee is $20, which covers the cost of the refreshments for the program. There is a retreat manual needed for the program (Michael Hansen's The First Spiritual Exercises), which costs an additional $30. We do not want cost to be a barrier for anyone, and financial assistance is available.
Please register by November 9: https://forms.office.com/r/ht2nfcqrVi
John Ford First Sunday Food Drive
The John Ford First Sunday Food Drive supports our Outreach Ministry through monetary contributions as well as donated items that can be used for our meal service or distributed directly to our patrons.
As we prepare for the winter months, we especially appreciate donations of rain and winter gear such as adult winter socks, gloves, scarves, toques, raincoats and umbrellas to support our patrons.
Reading Group
2nd and 4th Monday of each month
We are a welcoming community of book lovers who read together, ponder what we’ve read, and share our thoughts and ideas. We aim to read a wide variety of literature through the year. For more information and to register to receive updates, visit https://forms.office.com/r/NThApMQcNn, or contact Kristina: kristina.glicksman@gmail.com
Upcoming texts: Oct. 27 & Nov. 10: The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
Bundle Up Weekend
Bundle-Up (Society of St. Vincent de Paul)
October 25-26, Before & after all weekend Masses
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is collecting gently used clothing, bedding, and footwear next weekend (October 25-26). A truck and volunteers will be present before and after the Saturday and Sunday Masses. Please ensure that your donations are clean and in good condition, and consult the list of items that are accepted.
Concert: Day's Last Glow
Join us for Day’s Last Glow, a concert with the Blackwood Trio, featuring artists Peter-Anthony Togni (organ/piano), Jeff Reilly (bass clarinet), and India Gailey (cello). “Day’s Last Glow” is a haunting and atmospheric mix of new and old, composed and improvised on a unique foundation of jazz, gregorian chant, and minimalism, defying stylistic boundaries with virtuosity, musicality and sensitivity. Admission is by free-will donation (suggested amount, $20).
Liturgical Ministry Training
Interested in serving our community at weekend Masses as a Lector, Communion Minister, Altar Server, or Usher? We would love to have you share your gifts to enrich our worship and draw our community closer to Christ. Click here for more information and to RSVP.
John Ford First Sunday Food Drive
The John Ford First Sunday Food Drive supports our Outreach Ministry through monetary contributions as well as donated items that can be used for our meal service or distributed directly to our patrons.
To make our food drive a success, we are requesting specific food items that are in high demand. These should be unopened items with a longer shelf life (far from expiration dates).
We are looking for: Canned meats and fish, Canned or dry lentils and beans, Rice, Pasta, Barley, Oats, Nut butters (peanut, almond, soy, etc), Canned or jarred stew, Canned or jarred pasta sauce, Canned vegetables and fruit.
Annual Pet Blessing
Join us for our annual pet blessing in honour of St. Francis of Assisi, patron of ecology and animals. We will gather outside the church for the brief blessing. All animals are welcome. For safety, please keep your pets leashed, caged, or held in owner’s control.
John Ford First Sunday Food Drive
The John Ford First Sunday Food Drive supports our Outreach Ministry through monetary contributions as well as donated items that can be used for our meal service or distributed directly to our patrons.
To make our food drive a success, we are requesting specific food items that are in high demand. These should be unopened items with a longer shelf life (far from expiration dates).
We are looking for: Canned meats and fish, Canned or dry lentils and beans, Rice, Pasta, Barley, Oats, Nut butters (peanut, almond, soy, etc), Canned or jarred stew, Canned or jarred pasta sauce, Canned vegetables and fruit.
St. Phoebe Day
Do you know St. Phoebe? In the Letter to the Romans, St. Paul commends St. Phoebe to the Christian community in Rome, introduces her as a deacon (diakonos) of the church at Cenchreae, and asks that they “receive her in the Lord” (Romans 16:1-3).
On Wednesday, September 3, we honour St. Phoebe the Deacon.
St. Basil's Parish Potluck Picnic
St. Basil's Parish Potluck Picnic
Join the parish community on Sunday, August 10, from 11:30am to 2:30pm for a picnic. This potluck gathering in the campus green space will be fun for the whole family as we gather to rejoice in the beauty of creation and community. To help us plan, please register by Tuesday, August 5: https://forms.office.com/r/R3rXexCWx7).
Final details will be emailed during the week of the picnic to all those who register. Contact JoAnn Lopez (joann.lopez@utoronto.ca, 416-926-7122) with any questions.
John Ford First Sunday Food Drive
The John Ford First Sunday Food Drive supports our Outreach Ministry through monetary contributions as well as donated items that can be used for our meal service or distributed directly to our patrons.
To make our food drive a success, we are requesting specific food items that are in high demand. These should be unopened items with a longer shelf life (far from expiration dates).
We are looking for: Canned meats and fish, Canned or dry lentils and beans, Rice, Pasta, Barley, Oats, Nut butters (peanut, almond, soy, etc), Canned or jarred stew, Canned or jarred pasta sauce, Canned vegetables and fruit.
Echoes of Eternity
Choral Concert: Echoes of Eternity
Join us on Saturday, July 12, at 7:30pm, for a choral concert featuring Modern Sound Collective’s chamber choir Sehnsucht, alongside German ensemble Junges Vokalensemble Hannover. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $20.
John Ford First Sunday Food Drive
The John Ford First Sunday Food Drive supports our Outreach Ministry through monetary contributions as well as donated items that can be used for our meal service or distributed directly to our patrons.
To make our food drive a success, we are requesting specific food items that are in high demand. These should be unopened items with a longer shelf life (far from expiration dates).
We are looking for: Canned meats and fish, Canned or dry lentils and beans, Rice, Pasta, Barley, Oats, Nut butters (peanut, almond, soy, etc), Canned or jarred stew, Canned or jarred pasta sauce, Canned vegetables and fruit.