Saint Mark’s Catholic Church

Did you ever hear of a church born in a school gym? That’s the origin story of Saint Mark’s Catholic Church. Right here in Stouffville, this vibrant community began as a humble mission of St. Patrick’s Parish in Markham back in 1965. Sunday Mass echoed not from vaulted ceilings, but from the walls of Saint Mark’s School gym and St. William’s Chapel at Musselman’s Lake. Fast forward to the fall of 1979. The Stouffville mission was slated for closure, with parishioners directed to Markham for Mass. But the community wasn’t ready to give up. They rallied in that same school gym, voicing their concerns and determination. A dedicated group took their plea directly to Bishop Clune, requesting the establishment of a parish right here in Stouffville. With Cardinal Carter’s blessing, their prayers were answered. On December 16, 1979, Saint Mark’s Parish was officially born. The very same day, Father Larry Dugo, recalled from sabbatical, became Saint Mark’s first pastor. A house on Glad Park Avenue was quickly transformed into a rectory, complete with a chapel and church office. The fledgling parish wasted no time organizing. A parish council was formed, a ladies’ choir expanded to a mixed choir, and the first official “High Mass” was celebrated. By April 1980, after laying the groundwork, Father Dugo departed. Father James Adams stepped in, his devotion to Mary inspiring the formation of the Legion of Mary. Fundraising efforts, from fall fairs to pub nights, fueled the dream of a dedicated church building. In 1982, the dream took physical form as Bishop Clune officiated the sod-turning. Parishioners poured their time and labor into the construction. By February 1983, Mass was celebrated within the new walls of Saint Mark’s Catholic Church, consecrated just a few months later by Cardinal Carter himself. The church continued to grow and evolve under the leadership of subsequent pastors. Father Leslie Tamas fostered a global consciousness and oversaw various church upgrades. Father Lorenzo Salandanan embraced the growing community and initiated renovations, including a new vestibule and improvements to the rectory. He also launched a building fund, securing over half a million dollars for future expansion. Father Michael Hughes focused on youth ministry and spearheaded a major renovation project. This project expanded the church’s seating capacity and updated its facilities. The rededication by Cardinal Collins in 2019 marked another milestone in Saint Mark’s journey. Finally, Father Tadeusz Walczyk took the helm in 2022, continuing the legacy of faith and community at Saint Mark’s Catholic Church.