A farewell text and appeal for open hearts to sustain the work of the Newman Centre Toronto from the departing pastor, Fr. Mark Kolosowski.

When Cardinal Collins first asked me to serve as pastor of the Newman Centre, I’ll admit, I hesitated. I had never fundraised before. I was uncertain how to rebuild after the pandemic. I wasn’t sure I was the right person for the job. But he said something simple and reassuring:“Don’t worry. I’ll be there to help you—and so will the Holy Spirit.”

And he was right.

Over these past few years, and especially this last year when our house has been bustling with students to the degree that we had to add tables and chairs to accommodate everyone, when our programs and retreats have been reaching full capacity, I’ve witnessed what I can only describe as Pentecost in slow motion. 

The Holy Spirit has quietly stirred this community back to life—through students who returned hungry for meaning, through parishioners who faithfully prayed with us, and through small acts of courage that added up to something beautiful. 

Please feel free to watch our students speak about the impact the Newman Centre has had on them by watching the following video: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKSNTbRRnsm/ 

In just a few weeks, I’ll be starting a new assignment at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish in Mississauga. Leaving the Centre is not easy. This community has left a deep mark on my heart. But I also leave with great hope. I truly believe in this mission, and instead of slowing down before I leave, I want to ramp up with one last, final campaign—and this is where I’d like to ask for your help.

As I prepare to hand over the reins, I want to ensure that the next pastor can focus entirely on what truly matters: accompanying students, building up the parish, and nurturing faith in the heart of the university—without the added burden of fundraising. I'm inviting 200 

people—alumni, parishioners, families, and friends—who believe in the mission of Catholic campus ministry to commit to giving $1,000 a year (just over $80/month). Actually 199, because I will be walking the walk with you and being the first heart to pledge my financial support for the mission. I hope you will join me.

Together, this will raise $200,000 annually to sustain and grow our outreach, leadership formation, sacraments, retreats, and spiritual accompaniment at the heart of the University of Toronto. With this shared effort, we can:

Help more students encounter Christ

Support leadership, prayer, formation, and sacraments

Make the Newman Centre a spiritual home in the heart of the university

You may not see every student who walks through our doors, but through your generosity, you will be part of their story.  

If you’ve ever had a moment at the Newman Centre that made your heart burn within you—like the disciples on the road to Emmaus—this is your chance to pass that gift on.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you—for your kindness, your trust, your prayers, and your support.

It has been one of the great joys of my priesthood to serve here. And while I may be moving on, I will always carry the Newman Centre with me—in memory, in gratitude, and in prayer.

God Bless,

Fr. Mark
Pastor, Newman Centre Catholic Mission 

To be 1 of the 200, follow this link https://forms.gle/y298H67GRErX5AKK9