St. Ambrose Church (Archdiocese of Toronto)
St. Ambrose Church (Archdiocese of Toronto) is a Catholic parish located in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada, within the Archdiocese of Toronto. Dedicated to Saint Ambrose, the 4th-century Bishop of Milan known for his theological writings and pastoral leadership, the parish serves as a spiritual and community hub in the Etobicoke Deanery. The parish is recognized for its welcoming community, vibrant ministries, and commitment to evangelization through initiatives like the FORMED digital platform and the annual Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to the Martyrs’ Shrine.[1][2]
Founded in 1953, St. Ambrose Church serves a diverse congregation, offering daily and weekend Masses, sacramental programs, and community events such as the Parish Bazaar and the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi animal blessing. Under the leadership of Rev. Donatello Iocco, the parish fosters spiritual growth through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) and supports the Archdiocese’s ShareLife campaign for charitable outreach. As a cornerstone of the Etobicoke Catholic community, St. Ambrose remains dedicated to faith, service, and fellowship.[1][2]
| St. Ambrose Church | |
| Dedication: | Saint Ambrose |
| Venerated Saints: | |
| Diocese: | Archdiocese of Toronto |
| Deanery: | Etobicoke Deanery |
| Address: | 782 Browns Line, Etobicoke, ON M8W 3W2, Canada |
| Coordinates: | 43.6025, -79.5137 |
| City: | Etobicoke, ON |
| Subdivision: | Ontario |
| Country: | Canada |
| County: | Toronto |
| Website: | https://www.stambroseparish.com |
| Founded: | 1953 |
| School: | No |
| Email: | stambroseet@archtoronto.org |
History
St. Ambrose Church was founded in 1953 to serve the growing Catholic population in Etobicoke, Ontario, during a period of post-war suburban expansion in the Toronto area. The Archdiocese of Toronto, established in 1841, created the parish to meet the spiritual needs of the Etobicoke Deanery, naming it after Saint Ambrose, a Doctor of the Church known for his eloquence and liturgical contributions. The parish’s early years focused on establishing a community center with a modern church building to support worship and ministries.[1][2][3]
Under the leadership of Rev. Donatello Iocco, appointed pastor in 2024, St. Ambrose has grown to offer a range of ministries, including the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) and support for the Archdiocese’s ShareLife campaign, which funds Catholic charitable agencies.[1][2] The parish provides live-streamed Sunday Masses at 11:15 AM on YouTube and hosts community events like the annual Parish Bazaar and the Feast of St. Francis animal blessing. The parish’s commitment to evangelization is enhanced through free access to FORMED, a digital platform offering Catholic videos, books, and audios.[1][4]
Special features
- FORMED Digital Platform: Provides parishioners free access to Catholic video-based study programs, films, audios, and eBooks, including content on St. Ambrose, to support evangelization.[1]
- Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Martyrs’ Shrine: Participates in the August 24, 2025, pilgrimage to Midland, Ontario, offering reconciliation, Mass, and Eucharistic adoration.[1]
- Parish Bazaar: An annual community event fostering fellowship, featuring activities and fundraising for parish ministries.[4]
- Feast of St. Francis Animal Blessing: Held annually on October 4, celebrating St. Francis of Assisi with a pet blessing ceremony.[4]
Related parishes
- Christ the King Church (Archdiocese of Toronto) – A nearby parish in Etobicoke, also in the Etobicoke Deanery.[4]
- Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church (Archdiocese of Toronto) – Another parish in Etobicoke, close to St. Ambrose.[4]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "St. Ambrose Catholic Church". St. Ambrose Catholic Church. https://www.stambroseparish.com.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "St. Ambrose Parish, Etobicoke". Archdiocese of Toronto. https://stambroseet.archtoronto.org.
- ↑ "Church of St. Ambrose". GCatholic.org. https://www.gcatholic.org/churches/canada/10179.htm.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "St. Ambrose Parish". JoinMyChurch.com. https://www.joinmychurch.com/churches/St-Ambrose-Parish-Etobicoke-Ontario-Canada/177486.