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Parishes get into the Pan Am spirit

By Martha Holmen

The Pan Am Games are underway in the Greater Toronto Area, and parishes in the diocese are getting involved. Several parishes kicked off the games with community festivals and viewing parties for the opening ceremonies on July 10:

Kids enjoy the entertainment at Nativity, Malvern's community festival.
Kids enjoy the entertainment at Nativity, Malvern’s community festival on July 10. Photo by Michael Hudson
  • St. Bride, Clarkson hosted a PanAmazing Community Fiesta, which featured sports, games, crafts and a barbecue outside on the church grounds.
  • In downtown Toronto, Trinity East (Little Trinity) hosted a picnic in the park, with screens set up in the sanctuary to watch the opening ceremonies.
  • Further east, Nativity, Malvern welcomed neighbours to “Catch the Flame” of the games with a barbecue, bouncy castle, face painting and games. See more photos from the party.

Leading up to the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, many parishes connected with More Than Gold, an organization equipping churches with the tools they need to provide hospitality, outreach and prayer during the games.

On Now

  • Stop by St. James Cathedral to discover the GIFT Box, installed on the northeast corner of Church and King streets in Toronto. This interactive display on human trafficking is a project of the Faith Alliance to End Human Trafficking.
  • On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays until July 23, the in-house chef at St. Paul, Bloor Street is preparing $10 Pan Am lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check out the delicious options.
  • On Fridays during the games, St. James Cathedral is celebrating its 12:30 p.m. Eucharist in both English and Spanish.
  • Escape from the bustle of the games at the Pan Am Oasis at Trinity East (Little Trinity). This daily open-door hospitality runs until July 26. Visitors can join weekday morning prayer and find a friendly welcome in the sanctuary. From 4 to 9 p.m., the parish is offering quiet conversation and prayer in the sanctuary, as well as refreshments, Wi-Fi and conversation in the parish hall.

Coming Soon

  • St. James Cathedral is hosting a viewing party for the highly anticipated men’s gold medal soccer game on July 26. Mark your calendar and bring a lawn chair to celebrate the patronal festival of St. James and the exciting conclusion of the Pan Am Games.

Is your parish hosting a Pan Am or Parapan Am event? Submit it to our online events calendar!