The 34th Annual Ordinandi Dinner was held on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at the Pearson Convention Center in Toronta and continued the tradition of honoring the Ordinandi of St. Augustine’s Seminary and Redemptoris Missionary Seminary in Toronto.
The Ordinandi Class of 2024 consisted of eight men, all graduates of St. Augustine Seminary.
St. Augustine’s Seminary has assumed sponsorship of the event, which continues to be hosted under the auspices of the Toronto Central Serra Club with the full support of the other five Serra Clubs of the Archdiocese of Toronto, the Vocations Office, the Catholic Youth Office and our Catholic educators.
The Pastoral Plan of the Archdiocese of Toronto urges all of us to adopt, support and encourage a “culture of vocations” in our community. The Ordinandi Dinner has become an important component in instilling and encouraging this culture of vocations in our Archdiocese. In addition, this event allows the faithful to demonstratively show their support and affection for men embarking on a life of service to God’s Church and His people. The vocational stories of the Ordinands are the highlight of the evening, informing and inspiring the gathered faithful.
This year we welcomed His Grace Francis Leo, Archbishop of Toronto, who gave a wonderful and inspiring welcome address to the 1,831 attendees.
The Ordinandi Dinner is recognized internationally as an incredible demonstration of support and encouragement from a grateful Catholic community for those about to embark on a life of consecrated service to our Lord and neighbor. On two previous occasions (1994 and 2012) the Ordinandi Dinner has been recognized by Serra International with the Junipero Serra Award for incredible commitment to promoting vocation awareness and support.
Sydney Serrans host vocations-themed Christmas Party
On the November 17, 2023, the Annual “Celebration of Your Vocation” Christmas party was held at Magpies Club Waitara. In attendance were the Bishop, all priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, seminarians, residents of the Joseph House discernment centre and members of the Good Shepherd Seminary staff.
There were 82 attendees made up of 36 clergy, deacons, sisters, brothers, seminarians and members of the Joseph House discernment centre, and 46 Serrans and their guests. Serrans provided a banquet dinner, which included all the usual Christmas fare.Guest speakers from the vocation team, Fr. Sam French, Fr. Stephen Wayoyi, and Serran Michelle Chahine gave updates to the crowd.
