Charism
- Focus on making the Eucharistic Christ the heart of our lives through Eucharistic adoration;
- Faith Formation through mini-retreats, prayer group, and Bible Study & Catechesis
History
The Kolbe Eucharistic Apostolate originated in 1996 in the form of monthly Eucharistic retreats that had started in 1995 in De La Salle High School's auditorium under the leadership of Msgr. Robert Nusca, Johnny Biafore (president of the former St. Maximilian Kolbe Apostolate), and Maria and Therese De Manche (Catholic high school teachers).
The Kolbe Eucharistic Apostolate has moved on and continues the (1) Kolbe Eucharistic Mini-Retreats at St. Brigid's Parish, Toronto, now under the leadership of Maria and Therese De Manche, with the kind support of the pastors of St. Brigid's Parish (including our present pastor Father Henry McErlean, O.S.A.), and the assistance of Father Francis X. Johnson S.J., and Father Charles Anang (St. Augustine's Seminary).
The Kolbe Eucharistic Apostolate, in addition to the Eucharistic Mini-Retreats, has expanded to include the (2) Quo Vadis Prayer Group, started in 1995, which focuses on faith formation and Eucharistic adoration, and the (3) "Know Your Faith" Bible Study Group, started in 2006, which offers Bible Study and catechesis for adults. The Kolbe Apostolate also offers to parishes (4) Catechesis on Devotions.
Activities
Kolbe Eucharistic Mini-Retreats
Kolbe Eucharistic Mini-Retreats (first Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) have many supporters throughout the city of Toronto. Each monthly Mini-Retreat at St. Brigid's Church has as its center Eucharistic adoration through quiet prayer, sung praise and worship, and the Divine Mercy devotion. A guest priest offers a special meditation for spiritual growth.
Past speakers have included
- Fr. Charles Anang
- Fr. Francis X. Johnson S.J.
- Fr. Henry McErlean, O.S.A.
- Father William Comerford, C.Ss.R.
- Bishop Emeritus Pearce Lacey
- Bishop Richard Grecco
- Bishop John Boissonneau
- Archbishop Thomas Collins (Dec. 2008)
First Saturday Marian devotions included in the mini-retreat are the Rosary with inspiring meditations, available confessions and optional 5 pm parish (Sunday liturgy) Mass. Eucharistic adoration concludes with Benediction. (St. Brigid's Church 300, Wolverleigh Blvd., Toronto ON M4C 1S6)
Quo Vadis Prayer Group
Quo Vadis Prayer Group is a more intimate prayer group held in St. Brigid's chapel, focusing on faith formation and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Meeting monthly on a Saturday evening, members of this smaller group attend a special Mass and inspirational homily, followed by sung praise and worship, and quiet prayer. Community pot-luck follows for faith sharing and Catholic fellowship.
"Know Your Faith" Bible Study
"Know Your Faith" Bible Study is a weekly bible study course that incorporates catechesis and Catholic fellowship. It is held at Holy Cross Parish during the fall and spring semesters. (Holy Cross Parish, 291 Cosburn Ave, Toronto M4J 2M4)
Catechesis on Devotions
Catechesis on Devotions: (1) Catechesis on the Divine Mercy Devotion is offered to parishes in a two hour presentation. Pastors have used this presentation to instruct parishioners and start this devotion in their parishes. (2) Through Our Lady's intercession, Mary's Salvation of Souls (Mary's S.O.S.) Association and devotion encourages prayers, fasting and sacrifices for souls who choose to reject God, especially those who will die this day.
Upcoming Events
Kolbe Eucharistic Mini-Retreats:
For more details, see the activities described above.
- Jan. 5th — Fr. F.X. Johnson, S.J.
"Christ's Obedience: a Model for our Obedience" - Feb. 2nd — Bishop J.A. Boissonneau (Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto)
"St. Paul and the Eucharist" - Mar. 1st — Fr. Wm. Comerford, C.Ss.R.
"A Lenten Meditation" - April 5th — Fr. Joe Selvanayagam
"Reflections on Spe Salvi" (Pope Benedict XVI's new encyclical: "In hope we are saved")
(Download a PDF poster for this event. Note: it is a large file) - May 3rd — Fr. Henry McErlean, O.S.A. (Pastor, St. Brigid's Parish)
"Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help"
(Download a PDF poster for this event. Note: it is a large file) - June. 7th — Fr. Charles Anang (St. Augustine's Seminary )
"Love of God" (part one of a three part series) - July 5th — Fr. Charles Anang (St. Augustine's Seminary )
"Substitution of Christ" [Blessed Dina Belanger] (part two of a three part series) - August 2 — Fr. Charles Anang (St. Augustine's Seminary )
"Encountering Christ" (part three of a three part series)
QUO VADIS PRAYER GROUP
Saturday April 12th
Please e-mail the Kolbe Eucharistic Apostolate for further information.
"KNOW YOUR FAITH " BIBLE STUDY
The Gospel of Matthew is currently being studied Tues. evenings, 7p.m. to 9p.m. for the fall and spring semesters. Please email the Kolbe Eucharistic Apostolate for further information.
Organizational Structure
- Event Coordinators and Animators: Maria & Therese De Manche
- Spiritual Advisor: Fr. Charles Anang
- Chaplain: Fr. Francis X. Johnson, S.J.
- Pastor of St. Brigid's Church: Fr. Henry McErlean, O.S.A.
- Kolbe Executive Committee: 13 members
In addition, the Kolbe Eucharistic Apostolate has been entrusted to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Maximilian Kolbe.
Membership Criteria
Any Catholic living in accordance with the teaching of the Catholic Church who has a desire to deepen his/her knowledge and love of God through prayer and faith formation is welcome to attend.
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