Fifth anniversary of the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter - Happy New Year!

January 1, 2017 marks five years since the formal erection of the OCSP. With thanks to God we celebrate the beginning of this initiative for Christian unity in North America.  

The Catholic Parish of St. Thomas More, Toronto will, D.V., complete five years celebrating Sunday Sung Mass weekly in May 2017.

Mass with Fr. Eric Rodrigues, Chaplain to the STM Sodality 2011 - 2013

Fr. John Hodgins, first priest administrator of the OCSP Parish of  STM (2013 - 2017), 
celebrating Christmas morning Mass in 2016 at the Catholic Parish of St. Thomas More, 
263 Roncesvalles Avenue, Toronto 

The early days with Msgr Jeffrey Steenson seem to be so recent and we are thankful for all the graces we have had in the growing number of Ordinariate sodalities, missions and parishes.  Growth has been slow but steady and with some 60 priests and several thousand laity, the OCSP is larger now than some of the Eastern Rite churches in North America.

Fr. Paul Acton with Monsignor Jeffrey Steenson, first Ordinary of the OCSP

OCSP now has its own bishop, Steven Lopes, and a developing structure for the training of seminarians and development of ministry through which more than fifty instituted acolytes were commissioned for subdiaconal ministry last Fall in Houston.

It has been a great five years at STM. Here are a few photos from our beginnings: 

Fr. Paul Acton, Msgr Jeffrey and
Subdiaconal Minister Joseph DeCaria

Fr. Paul Acton, Deacon and Joseph DeCaria, subdeacon with Msgr Steenson

Children help Msgr Steenson cut a cake celebrating the formation of
the Parish of St. Thomas More, Toronto

Monsignor Jeffrey Steenson celebrated Solemn Pontifical Mass for
the Parish of St. Thomas More, Toronto

Colonel the Rev. Father Paul Acton proclaims the Gospel celebrating
the newly formed quasi-parish of St. Thomas More, Toronto

there is hope for the future of this mission for the Catholic unity of the English-speaking world. 

In Toronto we are grateful for the warm welcome we have received at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, administered by the Fathers of the Oratory.  

Fr. Hodgins preaching Christmas Day 2016

In Canada we look forward to growth in the OCSP as initiatives in Brandon, Manitoba and Tyendinaga, Ontario take root and other communities mature to parish status.

We are hopeful that with the continuing prayer of our friends and those being called into full communion we will see much progress in the coming five years.

Thank you all for your prayers and support!