Learn about faith, justice, and education.

On January 7, 2026, students, educators, faith leaders, and partners from across the Toronto Catholic District School Board gathered at Loretto College to celebrate the enduring legacy of Venerable Mary Ward—a woman whose vision for education, justice, and freedom continues to inspire generations.

For those of us who identify as followers of Mary Ward, this involves more than changing some of our habits or the brands we buy in the supermarket. Stepping out of our comfort zone - based on the charism of Mary Ward, a woman who walked across Europe to serve her Sisters/friends, challenged the ecclesiastical hierarchy of her time, and was imprisoned for it - definitely involves much more.

From a very young age Mary Ward felt a divine calling to do something special in the world. It took her many years to discern exactly what God was calling her to do.  Many outer voices interfered through out her life, but once she perceived and embraced God’s inner call, she remained steadfast and her legacy lives on.

Join a meaningful initiative focused on reducing homelessness and ensuring safe shelter. We seek a dedicated, socially conscious student to support communications and youth engagement, building popular support for CrisisInOurCity.ca.  This role offers hands-on experience contributing to real impact. Note, this position is funded by the Toronto Community Counts Foundation.

Join a meaningful initiative focused on reducing homelessness and ensuring safe shelter. We seek a dedicated, socially conscious student to support advocacy and outreach, building popular support and community partnerships for CrisisInOurCity.ca. This role offers hands-on experience contributing to real impact. Note, this position is funded by the Toronto Community Counts Foundation.

YET, the advent of Christmas invites us to step into a transformative story; One that is ongoing and  calls us to actively participate in reshaping our lives

Rich northern countries often do not recognize the struggles they and their corporations cause over other countries' territories, over rural places, and traditional territories of Indigenous communities. They extensively resort to creating a harm narrative around migration as an uncontrolled and illegal phenomenon that affects their populations, economies, and security. 

Join us for the national launch of Canada's new People's Report in light of the recent World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2).

Seventy-five teachers from Bishop Allen Academy recently gathered for a staff retreat focused on the theme “Growing in Knowledge with Justice and Hope.” Inspired by the Toronto Catholic School Board's Pastoral Plan, the day was a meaningful journey of reflection and renewal.

Anticipating the birth of a new baby is an exciting experience that involves a busy time of preparation. We await with longing to hold a “bundle of joy and love” in our arms and in our heart.

The challenge is clear. We are called to be a “Church on the Street,” ensuring that when our brothers and sisters in need knock on the doors of our hearts and our communities, they find not just aid, but a true welcome. They must find a place where they belong, where their hope is nourished, and where their God-given dignity is affirmed.

My name is Eleyna and I am a 15 year old girl activist who wants to make a change in the world! Attending this year’s International Day of the Girl Speak Out at the UN headquarters was a lifetime experience. I came as a representative from Toronto, Canada, for the Loretto Sisters  and the Mary Ward Centre, and as a planning member for the Working Group on Girls.

The Interfaith Thanksgiving Dinner, held on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Sacré Coeur Parish Hall, welcomed approximately 30 young adults and individuals without family in Canada.  The Interfaith Thanksgiving Dinner successfully brought together members of diverse communities for an evening of connection and celebration. The free event fostered an inclusive atmosphere where participants could build relationships across different backgrounds. The evening began with introduction

My time at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum was incredible! I had the privilege of personally representing the Mary Ward Center and our gender equality research when meeting with Ambassador Bob Rae. Similarly, I was able to connect with a range of individuals, from diplomats to NGO advocates.

Ultimately, my participation at the HLPF reaffirmed my commitment to advocacy. It strengthened my resolve to confront gendered expectations and to champion inclusive, compassionate spaces where every voice—especially those of women and girls—can be heard and valued.

I am so grateful to have been able to contribute to our shared report! It is especially meaningful for me to share my skills with the work of the Mary Ward Centre as I discern my own vocation, and a joy to use my “researcher muscles” for the first time since finishing my PhD. My work on this included some consulting on methodology and analysis, background research, and writing/editing.

In collaboration with the Mexican Consulate of Protection in Toronto and CHHA Radio 1610 FM, we will meet consuls from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador, Dominican Republic and Uruguay, for promoting higher commitment from the consuls to raise awareness and prevent people from becoming victims of human trafficking, and more active protection actions for those who were already victimized by either sex and/or labour trafficking and exploitation. 

With new strategic directions recognizing our capacity for delivery, the Mary Ward Centre now focuses on youth and adults, no longer providing programs for elementary students.  We are currently discerning how to make these resources accessible with a self-facilitation model (e.g. All About the Saints, World of Wonders, etc).

The Mary Ward Centre organized two virtual side events during the HLPF in collaboration with the IBVM-Loreto Generalate NGO to the UN and many other organizations. Recordings of the events are available on The Mary Ward Centre YouTube page.

From July 14 - 23, 2025, the Mary Ward Centre participated in the United Nations annual High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). This year’s HLPF made a deep dive analysis of five of the SDGs: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).