Christ the King Chapel of St. Paul’s College has officially closed its on-campus mass services for the 2024-25 academic year, marking the end of a spiritually fulfilling season for Catholic faculty and students.

On June 29, the chapel held its final mass of the term, a celebration that brought together the campus community to reflect, give thanks and prepare for the break ahead. The mass opened with remarks from campus ministry director, Eliude Cavalcante, who expressed gratitude on behalf of the leadership of Christ the King Chapel to all who contributed to the success of weekday and Sunday masses throughout the year.

St. Paul’s priest chaplain, Fr. Mark Filips, delivered a sermon focused on openness, inviting congregants to listen to others, embrace new beginnings and move forward with hope rather than fear or doubt.

Reflecting on the year’s highlights, Fr. Filips stated, “We have a phenomenal choir that’s all volunteer, but their talent is amazing under the direction of David, who is our choirmaster and pianist.”

He went on to share one of the most touching moments of the year – the visit of the former archbishop, Richard Gagnon, who “came to celebrate his final mass with us here.” Describing it as an “emotional moment,” Fr. Filips acknowledged the archbishop’s continued support for the college and his deep commitment to engaging with young people.

Among other memories, Fr. Filips recalled the recent outdoor mass at King’s Park, which he described as “intimate and […] very beautiful.”

Although on-campus masses will pause for the summer, the chapel continues to support the local Catholic community. Fr. Filips emphasized that while sacraments will not be offered during the break, “the chapel itself will still be open for people to come in and pray.”

Students are encouraged to connect with nearby churches during the break. “There are two parishes relatively close by — Mary Mother and Saint Vital Parish — which will hopefully serve to meet the needs of students as they continue to celebrate Sunday mass,” Fr. Filips noted.

Looking ahead to the next academic year, he shared that the chapel’s mass service will reopen with a special celebration. “We have a new archbishop [who] is going to be installed officially as our new chancellor,” Fr. Filips said.

Desiree Nwokoro, campus ministry assistant, highlighted how student engagement in campus ministry has grown steadily. “This semester, the engagement has really improved, especially since COVID,” she said.

For Nwokoro, one of the most memorable parts of the year was the multicultural mass series. The chapel held services representing African, Southeast Asian, Hispanic and South Asian cultures. She described the series as “amazing,” with a significant increase in student turnout, which she believes is key to building “a more unified community here at the college.”

Looking to the future, Nwokoro shared plans to launch more programs designed to enhance Catholic students’ spiritual and social experience on campus.

Student volunteer Francisca Ehileme also reflected on her involvement at St. Paul’s College. “It has been very comforting […] Every time I come here it feels like home.” She noted her commitment to contributing even more in the coming year.

Ehileme was recently honoured with the Community Service Award at the St. Paul’s Baccalaureate Ceremony for her dedication to Christ the King Chapel and the college at large. She encouraged her peers to join the college community, saying they “would not regret it.”

As the academic year wrapped up, Fr. Filips reminded students to rest and recharge. “Even Jesus would go off on a mountain by himself […] He needed to recharge himself,” he said.

The final mass concluded with a picnic at King’s Park, a gathering that allowed Catholic students, staff and faculty to share one last moment of fellowship before the campus quiets for the summer.

Mass services at Christ the King Chapel will resume Sunday, Aug. 31, for the upcoming academic year.