Office: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed 12–1)

Our ParishNew Here?

New Here?

Everything a first-time visitor wants to know before Sunday — what happens at Mass, where to park, where the washrooms are, and what to do with restless children.

Walking into an unfamiliar church can feel like arriving at a party where everyone else knows the steps. Nobody at St. Columba will ask you to prove anything, and nobody minds if you sit at the back and watch. This page answers the questions visitors ask most often.

What happens at Mass

A Sunday Mass lasts about an hour (the 11:00 AM Mass with choir runs a little longer). The order is the same in every Catholic church in the world, so once you have been here once you will recognize it anywhere. Here is the shape of it.

  1. Arrive and find a seat

    Doors open thirty minutes before Mass. An usher can hand you a hymn book and a bulletin. Any empty seat is yours.

  2. Introductory rites

    We stand and sing as the priest and servers enter. There is a short prayer asking God's mercy and, on most Sundays, the Gloria.

  3. Liturgy of the Word

    We sit for two readings from the Bible and a psalm, then stand for the Gospel. The priest or deacon gives a homily of about ten minutes, and then we stand to say the Creed and pray for the world.

  4. Liturgy of the Eucharist

    Gifts of bread and wine are brought forward and the collection is taken. The priest prays the Eucharistic Prayer while we kneel. We stand to pray the Our Father and offer one another a sign of peace, usually a handshake or a nod.

  5. Holy Communion

    Catholics who have prepared come forward to receive. If you are not Catholic, or not ready, you are welcome to stay in your seat or to come forward with your arms crossed over your chest for a blessing.

  6. Sending forth

    Announcements, a final blessing and a closing hymn. The priest greets people at the door afterwards. Please say hello.

What should I wear?

Whatever you would wear to a friend's home for a meal; you will see suits and jeans. There is no charge, and the collection is voluntary.

Getting here

Spire of a Toronto parish church against the sky

Parking

Our lot is behind the parish hall, with the entrance off Columba Avenue. It holds about sixty cars and fills up for the 11:00 AM Mass, so arrive early or plan on street parking. Columba Avenue and the side streets allow three-hour parking on Sundays; please respect the driveways of our neighbours. Four accessible spaces sit next to the east entrance.

TTC

Take Line 2 to Pape Station and walk north about eight minutes, or take the 25 Don Mills bus from the station to the stop at Columba Avenue, directly in front of the church. The 81 Thorncliffe Park bus also stops within two blocks.

Accessibility

The main doors on Columba Avenue have steps. The accessible entrance is on the east side of the church, with a push-button door and a ramp. Inside, the front pews on the left have cut-outs for wheelchairs and walkers. The church has a hearing loop; set your hearing aid to the T setting. An elevator connects the church level to the parish hall and the accessible washroom. Large-print hymn sheets are available from the ushers. Full details are on our accessibility page.

Families with children

First Communion at Holy Family Catholic Church in Artesia

Children belong at Mass, noise and all. If your little one needs a break, the cry room at the back left has a window, a speaker and a change table. During the 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM Masses from September to June, children aged four to nine are invited to Children's Liturgy of the Word: they leave after the opening prayer for a short reflection on the readings in the hall and return at the offertory. All leaders are screened under the Archdiocese's Safe Environment policy.

Washrooms, including a family washroom with a change table, are downstairs and beside the east entrance. See children and families for programs through the week.

Becoming a parishioner

You do not need to register to attend, but registering means we can issue tax receipts, send envelopes, and know who you are when you ask for a baptism, wedding or letter of reference. Fill in the online registration form, pick up a paper form at the back of the church, or phone 416-555-0142. A welcome package follows within two weeks.

Register with the parish
Mass times

Frequently asked questions

I am not Catholic. May I still come?

Yes. Everyone is welcome at Mass and at anything else we do. If you become curious about the faith itself, our Becoming Catholic page explains how adults explore it, with no commitment.

I have not been to church in years. Will anyone notice?

Only in the sense that we will be glad to see you. If you would like to talk to a priest about coming back, or to go to confession, see Reconciliation or phone the office for an appointment.

Which Mass should I choose?

Saturday 5:00 PM is quiet and quick. Sunday 9:00 AM draws many families with young children. The 11:00 AM has the full choir and is livestreamed. The 1:00 PM rotates between Spanish, Tagalog and Italian, and the 5:00 PM is led by young adults with contemporary music.

Is there coffee afterwards?

Yes, after the 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM Masses in the hall, hosted by the hospitality ministry. It is the easiest way to meet people.

Can I bring my service dog?

Yes. Service animals are welcome anywhere in the church and hall.

Still wondering about something? Email office@stcolumbatoronto.ca or ask an usher on Sunday. More answers are on our Questions & Answers page.