Outreach Ministries

Newman Centre Outreach Ministries

Outreach Ministries have been an integral part of the Newman Centre at the University of Toronto for almost a decade. Our parish works in partnership with seven different volunteer programs (both secular and religious) that serve the most needy of the Greater Toronto Area. 

Our Volunteer Recruitment coincides with the University Calendar Year, with active recruitment and screening occurring in the months of September – February.  It is recommended that you contact us as soon as possible within the University Calendar Year in order to maximize your volunteering time!  For more information, please see our section at the bottom of this page: “How to Become a Volunteer”

The Newman Centre Outreach Ministries at a Glance:

Pathways To Education Program

WHAT:            Be a role model, provide academic support and help high school students succeed (grades 9 – 12)
WHERE:          Tutoring locations are in the Parliament/Dundas area at the heart of the Regent Park Community
WHEN:            Once a week for 2 hours (5:00 – 7:00pm or 6:00 – 8:00pm) on Mon, Tues, Wed, or Thurs

Our Place Community of Hope

WHAT:            Join the hospitality team and reach out a supportive hand to our local community members with mental health issues so that they may be united with us in friendship, faith and love
WHERE:          2A Elm St. (Just off Yonge St., one block north of the Dundas TTC station)
WHEN:            Once a week for 2 hours (2:30pm – 10:00pm) Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, or Sat

St. Francis Table

WHAT:            Provide meals to people in need.  Volunteers prepare and serve the evening meal each Tuesday.
WHERE:          1322 Queen St. West
WHEN:            Once a week (or every other week) on Tues evenings from 3:00pm – 7:00pm

Lay Pastoral Visitors to the Sick and Dying

WHAT:            As an extension of the Sunday Liturgy, Newman parishioners bring the Eucharist to Catholic patients.
WHERE:          Mount Sinai and Princess Margaret Hospitals, and Kensington Gardens long-term health facility
WHEN:            Visitation after the Sunday Liturgy once every 3-4 weeks

Out of the Cold

WHAT:            The Newman Centre is involved in this Gospel-centred and interfaith outreach to the marginalized of our city.  The program runs during the coldest months of the year (Nov-Apr)
WHERE:          The Out of the Cold Shelter at St. Matthew’s United Church (729 St. Clair St. West – just west of Christie St.)
WHEN:            Volunteers work in 2-hour shifts from 5:00pm on Thurs evening until 8:00am on Fri morning  (shift times vary)

Tiny Shroud Ministry

WHAT:            Volunteers create tiny shrouds that are then presented to the nursing staff at Mt. Sinai hospital.  In turn, they offer them to families suffering from a stillbirth as an act of love and to provide dignity for the child’s body.
WHERE:          From the comfort of your own home
WHEN:            Work on your time and at your own pace.  Material and instructions are provided.