About us
Rooted in love and founded in faith
Our Mission
Our Approach
Belong to a community. We’re on a wonderful journey together and you’re included. You belong, accepted by God unconditionally, just as you are, we welcome you. Believe this glorious truth, and as you do you will experience that you truly do belong. We believe in Jesus who is true. It’s not just a leap of faith, but rather growing in trust and grounded in historical truths. Become the best version of yourself as you live in the plan God had in mind when he created. “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” – Jeremiah 29:11
A few words about
OUR TEAM
We are a dedicated and passionate staff, here to serve you! We desire to have a deep and lasting impact on your Toronto Metropolitan University experience. Our message and mission is to help people know Jesus, answer some curious questions about the faith and to live out our Catholic identity together.
Nathan Gibbard
DIRECTOR
Nathan Gibbard
DIRECTOR
I’m Nathan, and I’ve been the Director
of Toronto Met Catholics since 2016. Before Toronto Met Catholics I was the Director of the Newman Centre of McGill University for 6 years. I was originally at McGill for my Ph.D., which I finished in 2015, where I studied Superheroes and Religion. Yes, that’s right – Superheroes and Religion, where I looked at how religion and religious themes are portrayed in superhero comics, and what that might tell us about our culture. Truth be told, I’m an all-purpose geek, and am also thrilled to talk about sci-fi, fantasy, video games, right alongside deep theological questions. I love questions! There was something else I did at McGill, too, I became Catholic! Fifteen years on, and can still say it was the best decision of
my life! I would love to hear about your journey too! Looking forward to
meeting you!
Amanda Ho
CCO Team Lead
Amanda Ho
CCO Team Lead
Hi friends! I’m new to staff but I’m actually not new to Toronto Met Catholics. I did my degree in Fashion Communication through the Toronto Metropolitan School of Fashion and would definitely say the best memories of my 4 years in school were made at the Catholic Student Centre. Through Toronto Met Catholics I first truly understood my call to discipleship and mission; and after graduating in 2018 I moved to Montreal to start my career as a CCO campus missionary. After 2 years in Montreal it is such a joy to return home to the Ramily and continue my missionary journey with you. I grew up in Kingston with lots of green space so I’m always down to explore the hidden gems of green in the city, but I’m equally as down to window-shop along Queen st.
Abbey Kitane
CAMPUS MINISTER
Abbey Kitane
CAMPUS MINISTER
Hey hey! My Name is Abbey and as
I tell my coworkers all the time…I still
can’t believe we get paid to do this job.
It’s a dream and I absolutely LOVE my job.
I was in my second year of my undergrad
at York U studying English Lit and minoring in Religious Studies when I had the revelation of wanting to work in ministry.
I never looked back and have enjoyed every bit of the journey. Giving my life to Christ and being able to serve in this capacity has been such a gift and now I get to share that gift with our students! I’ve been working here at
Toronto Met Catholics as a Campus Minister since 2018. During my spare time, you’ll find me jamming to a guitar or drums. I’m also a bit of a woodworker (so was Jesus ;)). Come say hi! I can’t wait to meet you!
Byron Chan
CCO MISSIONARY
Byron Chan
CCO MISSIONARY
Hey there! My Name is Byron and I still
can’t believe that God had called me to
be a missionary at Ryerson University in
the heart of downtown Toronto. It is surreal to think that I had the blessing to have
called the six my home for the past two
years and even had first-hand experience
watching the Raptors win their first championship! I grew up in Ottawa and studied psychology and neuroscience at Carleton University. During that time I had the opportunity to learn about my faith, engage in discussions and ultimately say
yes to living a vibrant and radical life rooted in a Christ-centered commitment. I can’t
put into words how grateful I am to be a missionary sharing the life of Jesus with university students at Ryerson. In
accompaniment to that, you may find me taking photos around the city, looking for daring hikes and nature walks or perhaps evening rolling around on my onewheel! Looking forward to meeting you soon!
Amanda Ho
CCO MISSIONARY
Amanda Ho
CCO MISSIONARY
Hi friends! I’m the newest addition
to the Ryerson Catholics staff team. I’m
newto staff but I’m actually not new to Ryerson Catholics. I did my degree in
Fashion Communication through the Ryerson School of Fashion and would definitely say the best memories of my 4 years in school were made at the Catholic Student Centre. Through Ryerson Catholics I first truly understood my call to discipleship and mission; and after graduating in 2018 I moved to Montreal to start my career as a CCO campus missionary. After 2 years in Montreal it is such a joy to return home to the Ramily and continue my missionary journey with you. I grew up in Kingston
with lots of green space so I’m always
down to explore the hidden gems of
green in the city, but I’m equally as
down to window-shop along Queen st.
OUR HISTORY
In November 1998, after talks with the Archdiocese and Ryerson Polytechnic Institute, the first Catholic Chaplaincy to Ryerson was created. Fr. Jonathan Robinson, of the Congregation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri (Oratorians), was asked to help guide this first Ryerson Catholic community as he had prior experience working with university students. With Claudia Brown as Executive Directory of the Catholic Chaplaincy, Ryerson Catholics formed a student club, the Catholic Student League, and by January 2000 had their own House on 64 McGill St. to call their own.
The House was called the St. Philip Neri House, for its association with the Oratorians, and served the Ryerson Catholic community for the next 10 years. The goal of the House was to provide a place whereby students could receive the Sacraments close to Ryerson within a student community.
In 2004, the running of the Catholic Chaplaincy was turned over to Fr. Jim Roth of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, with Kim Gottfried serving as Director. During this time of transition, from 2004 to 2007, there was no Catholic student club operating on campus. In 2007, however, that changed, when the Catholic Students Association was accepted for membership with the Ryerson Student Union. From 2007 to 2010 the St. Philip Neri House continued to serve to the Ryerson Catholic community, but it was quickly coming to the end of its use.
In 2010, leadership of the Ryerson Catholic community was assigned to the Archdiocese of Toronto, under Fr. Michael Busch and Fr. Chris Cauchi. Oriana Bertucci was also assigned at Director, and Ryerson Catholic Chaplaincy saw a period of growth and development. This growth was increased with the arrival of three CCO missionaries (Catholic Christian Outreach) in 2013. CCO in Toronto and Ryerson Catholic Chaplaincy combined together to form Ryerson Catholic Campus Ministry.
In January 2015, after several years, Ryerson Catholics finally had their own place to call home again when the former Sacristan’s Residence for St. Michael’s Cathedral was renovated to serve as the Ryerson Catholic Student Centre at 200 Church Street.
The last few years have seen a bountiful harvest for Ryerson Catholics, with its ministry growing to more than 200 students actively involved in the life of the Centre, including 39 small group faith studies. We continue to look for ways to increase our impact on Ryerson campus, as well as support and serve the Toronto Catholic community. With God’s help, there is no telling what the next 10 years will bring.
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