Update from the Archdiocese of Toronto Regarding St. Stephen’s Chapel

This communication is intended to provide an update regarding activity at St. Stephen’s Chapel and ministries utilizing the chapel over the last number of years.

The chapel was founded in 1977 by the Archdiocese of Toronto under the leadership of the Rector of St. Michael's Cathedral and Auxiliary Bishop, the Most Rev. Pearse Lacey, together with a number of devout business people. The first location was 34 Adelaide St. W. with the chapel relocating to Bay St. in 1995.  

The goal of ministry at St. Stephen’s Chapel was to serve the corporate community, especially those in the downtown core, with weekday Masses, an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation along with Spiritual Direction and fellowship.

St. Stephen’s Chapel has also served a critical role as the long-standing home (since 2005) of the Archdiocese of Toronto’s Deaf Ministry, which celebrated 100 years of outreach and pastoral care in 2018.

These important ministries have provided tremendous support over the years and we give thanks to God for all those who have provided leadership to care for the flock entrusted to their care.

Over the past year, the Archdiocese of Toronto has conducted a careful review of the use of the space, current post Covid-19 realities and expenditures related to renting facilities at St. Stephen’s Chapel, which exceed $400,000 annually. After considerable discernment and recognizing the need for responsible stewardship with funds entrusted to the archdiocese, it has been decided not to renew the lease, which will soon expire. However, our commitment to the ministries operated at the chapel will continue.

Outreach and ministry to the downtown corporate community remains a priority and will proceed through St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, in close proximity to St. Stephen’s Chapel and the downtown financial district. The Cathedral pastoral team will continue and enhance their sacramental ministry to those working in the downtown core, with morning, mid-day and early evening Masses available along with appropriate pastoral support and care.

The Deaf Community will continue its ministry, using the René Goupil Chapel, located at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, for liturgical celebrations with meeting space for fellowship and other programs available to support the community moving forward. We are grateful to Fr. Keith Wallace, the current Chaplain to the Deaf Community and we also recognize the incredible work of Ms. Carol Stokes who has co-ordinated this ministry for decades and served the deaf community since 1970.

The final Sunday Mass for the Deaf Community at St. Stephen’s Chapel will take place on Sunday, October 12, 2025 and the final weekday Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 31, 2025.

We give thanks to the Lord and all those who have served and strengthened the St. Stephen’s Chapel community over almost half a century. May the seeds sown continue to grow and bear fruit at their new locations as a new chapter of service begins for God’s glory and the spiritual nourishment of the faithful.