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.
During the summer months, we are especially grateful for donations of summer essentials like sunscreen, summer hats, mosquito repellent, and toiletries such as antiperspirant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap. These items would make a difference in the lives of our patrons.
Parish Potluck Picnic
St. Basil's Parish Potluck Picnic: Join the parish community on Saturday, August 15 for our annual parish potluck picnic. We will begin with Mass at 10:30am to celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the picnic will follow on campus (ending at 2pm).
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, or if you’d like to volunteer to help, please register by Monday, August 10. Final details will be emailed during the week of the picnic to all those who register. Register: https://forms.office.com/r/XvxBWRDTHv
Sunday Sports in the Park
Enjoy a friendly game of kickball in the park on campus on Sunday afternoons this summer. We will play on Sundays, from 12 Noon to 2pm, on June 14, July 19 & August 16. Games will be for adult players (above 18). All are welcome to come watch, no registration required for spectators.
We will be in touch with you a few days before each game.
Register: https://forms.office.com/r/dYKfMejwmk
Bundle Up Sunday (Clothing Drive)
Bundle-Up Weekend: The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is collecting gently used clothing, bedding, and footwear the weekend of October 31-November 1. 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. We thank you for bringing your items on the designated weekend only, as there is no dedicated storage space in the church. Thank you for your generosity!
Find out more: https://ssvptoronto.ca/bundle-up-events/
Donated goods are provided to our Neighbours in Need in communities across the GTA, or sold to the public through our two retail locations, or sold wholesale to partnering organizations that share a fair value for the goods donated. In turn, these proceeds are then used to support the work of the Society. See the posted flyer for accepted and unacceptable items.
Sunday Sports in the Park
Enjoy a friendly game of kickball in the park on campus on Sunday afternoons this summer. We will play on Sundays, from 12 Noon to 2pm, on June 14, July 19 & August 16. Games will be for adult players (above 18). All are welcome to come watch, no registration required for spectators.
We will be in touch with you a few days before each game.
Register: https://forms.office.com/r/dYKfMejwmk
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.
During the summer months, we are especially grateful for donations of summer essentials like sunscreen, summer hats, mosquito repellent, and toiletries such as antiperspirant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap. These items would make a difference in the lives of 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.
Upcoming offerings in 2026:
June 8: "The Displaced Person" and "The River" by Flannery O'Connor
June 22/July 13/July 27: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
For more information and to register to receive updates, visit https://forms.office.com/r/NThApMQcNn, or contact Kristina: kristina.glicksman@gmail.com
Sunday Sports in the Park
Enjoy a friendly game of kickball in the park on campus on Sunday afternoons this summer. We will play on Sundays, from 12 Noon to 2pm, on June 14, July 19 & August 16. Games will be for adult players (above 18). All are welcome to come watch, no registration required for spectators.
We will be in touch with you a few days before each game.
Register: https://forms.office.com/r/dYKfMejwmk
Bundle Up Sunday (Clothing Drive)
Bundle-Up Weekend: The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is collecting gently used clothing, bedding, and footwear the weekend of June 13-14. 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. We thank you for bringing your items on the designated weekend only, as there is no dedicated storage space in the church. Thank you for your generosity!
Find out more: https://ssvptoronto.ca/bundle-up-events/
Donated goods are provided to our Neighbours in Need in communities across the GTA, or sold to the public through our two retail locations, or sold wholesale to partnering organizations that share a fair value for the goods donated. In turn, these proceeds are then used to support the work of the Society. See the posted flyer for accepted and unacceptable items.
Parish Nature Walk
Explore the beauty of creation and enjoy time in community through our annual parish nature walk. Our starting point will be the Davisville TTC station. We will walk through Mt. Pleasant Cemetery and parts of the Central Ravines together, enjoying summer fun and friendship! Registration required by Friday, June 5. Register and find more information online.
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 offerings in 2026:
June 8: "The Displaced Person" and "The River" by Flannery O'Connor
June 22/July 13/July 27: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
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.
During the summer months, we are especially grateful for donations of summer essentials like sunscreen, summer hats, mosquito repellent, and toiletries such as antiperspirant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap. These items would make a difference in the lives of 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.
Upcoming offerings in 2026:
May 25: "Revelation" and "Good Country People" by Flannery O'Connor
June 8: "The Displaced Person" and "The River" by Flannery O'Connor
June 22/July 13/July 27: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
For more information and to register to receive updates, visit https://forms.office.com/r/NThApMQcNn, or contact Kristina: kristina.glicksman@gmail.com
Christian Meditation for Beginners
Looking for prayer and stillness this summer? Join us for an introductory session on Christian Meditation on Monday, May 25, from 12:45pm - 1:30pm, immediately following the 12:10pm Mass. Learn this contemplative way of Christian prayer, practised by the 4th century Desert Fathers and Mothers. This easy-to-learn contemplative Christian prayer will bring stillness and peace to your life. All are welcome to join this free event, no previous experience needed, and no registration is required. Questions? Contact: Lorena at <patakalv@yahoo.ca>.
Bundle Up Sunday (Clothing Drive)
Bundle-Up Weekend: The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is collecting gently used clothing, bedding, and footwear the weekend of May 23 to 24. 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. We thank you for bringing your items on the designated weekend only, as there is no dedicated storage space in the church. Thank you for your generosity!
Find out more: https://ssvptoronto.ca/bundle-up-events/
Donated goods are provided to our Neighbours in Need in communities across the GTA, or sold to the public through our two retail locations, or sold wholesale to partnering organizations that share a fair value for the goods donated. In turn, these proceeds are then used to support the work of the Society. See the posted flyer for accepted and unacceptable items.
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 or some sleeping bags to support our patrons.
Resurrection Hope: Easter Taizé Prayer
Join us on Wednesday, April 29, at 7pm at St. Basil's for a Taizé prayer service, where we will rejoice in resurrection hope and reflect on our call as disciples to bear the light of Christ in our world. This ecumenical and meditative prayer form includes music, scripture, prayers, candlelight, and silence to draw us out to live our baptismal call. All are welcome!
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.