“Welcome to your home at St Ambrose Parish!” a voice booms, echoing the words of Father Michael Machacek. He became the pastor here on August 11, 2024. His words encapsulate the spirit of St Ambrose Church. It is a place of welcome and community.
St Ambrose Church is more than just a building. It’s a family united by faith. Father Michael invites all to feel the warmth and mercy of God within these walls. He encourages everyone to welcome the hungry the thirsty and the stranger.
The church offers several masses. Weekdays see services at 8:00 a.m. on Monday Wednesday Thursday and Friday. Saturday Vigil is at 4:30 p.m. Sundays offer two services at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Confessions are heard on Saturdays from 3:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. You can also call the office for an appointment.
St Ambrose Parish is active in faith formation. They offer free registration to FORMED for parishioners. FORMED provides access to many resources. These resources include documentaries movies books and audios. There are materials for children and families. You can find movies about the lives of saints including their patron St Ambrose. They also offer Bible studies devotionals spirituality and daily reflections. To register visit www.stambroseparish.formed.org. Enter the parish postal code M8W 3W2. Select St Ambrose and create an account with your email.
Volunteering is a key part of the St Ambrose community. The church encourages parishioners to share their gifts. They want to ensure offerings are shared fairly at the right time and by the right people. This strengthens the faith community. Visit the Archdiocese Volunteer Screening website for ministry positions. Talk to Father Michael if you are interested in volunteering.
The church’s namesake St Ambrose was a significant figure. Aurelius Ambrosius lived from about 340 to 397 AD. He was the Archbishop of Milan. He became one of the most influential church leaders of the 4th century. Before becoming bishop he was the consular prefect of Liguria and Emilia based in Milan. He became bishop of Milan in 374 by popular demand. Ambrose was a strong opponent of Arianism. He is credited with promoting antiphonal chant. This involves alternating responses between choir sides. He also composed Veni redemptor gentium a Christmas hymn.
St Ambrose is one of the original four doctors of the Church. He is the patron saint of Milan. He greatly influenced St Augustine. Legend says as a baby a swarm of bees landed on his face leaving honey. His father saw this as a sign of eloquence. Bees and beehives are often part of his symbolism.
Ambrose followed his father’s career. He studied literature law and rhetoric in Rome. He became the Governor of Aemilia-Liguria in northern Italy in 374. He was a popular political figure. He died in Milan in 397 and was succeeded by Simplician. His body is venerated in the church of S. Ambrogio in Milan along with Sts Gervase and Protase.
His victory over opponents stemmed from his popularity and the respect for his position. He was generous to the poor. He often commented on public figures in his preaching. He introduced popular reforms to public worship. Legend says he was told in a dream to find the remains of martyrs Gervasius and Protasius.
Today St Ambrose Church continues this legacy. It serves as a beacon of faith in Toronto. It welcomes all seeking spiritual nourishment and community. Remember the words of Father Michael: “Welcome to your home at St Ambrose Parish!”