Prince of Peace Parish Scarborough ON

Prince of Peace Roman Catholic Church, Scarborough is a Christian congregation serving the Scarborough community and seeking, engaging, and encouraging others through a life-changing Christian journey.

Prince of Peace Roman Catholic Church at Scarborough, Ontario seeks to be a loving, friendly community that worships God, and serves others. We place a high priority on teaching from the Bible and following the example of Jesus.

Our vision is to impact and renew Scarborough, Ontario and beyond with the transforming message of Jesus Christ through words and actions. Everyone is welcome. Come as you are - we'd love to get to know you.

 

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https://princeofpeacesc.archtoronto.org/  

 

 

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The Prince of Peace Church, Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague, serves all Catholics in north Scarborough within the boundaries of Highway 407 to the north, Finch Avenue East to the south, Markham Road to the east and Kennedy Road to the west.

The name for the church was chosen from Isaiah 9:6, “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; Authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named; Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

The history of Prince of Peace Parish is a true testament to the faith, of both the parish priests and the parishioners who share their gifts of time, talents and treasures to create the Church in which we worship today.

Fr. William F. Harding accepted the challenge to build a new church in Scarborough and on May 24, 1983, Cardinal Carter issued an official letter establishing the new parish and appointed Fr. Bill, as he was affectionately known, as Pastor.

Before the church was built, weekend Masses were held in Our Lady of Grace school’s gymnasium where Fr. Harding performed the sacraments of Baptisms, First Holy Communions and Confirmations. The congregation worked together as a family, organizing various fund-raising activities for the construction of the new Church. On February 25, 1985, permission was granted to build the church, the sod turning event took place on November 10, 1985, and the excavation began on June 15, 1986.

The International Year of Peace, 1986, marked the year in which the ‘Divine Infant Jesus’ would have a new home in Prince of Peace Church. The building was completed on December 6, 1986 and the first Masses were celebrated in the new church that very weekend. The official Solemn Blessing of the church took place on May 17, 1987.

The building itself is an architectural wonder with many beautiful artifacts donated by different ethnic groups and individual parishioners:

A statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague, set in gold leaf, on the roof, over the main entrance to the church. Beautiful stained glass windows depicting the Paschal mystery – ‘Christ has Died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again’, located over the Main Altar. After 2012, the middle stained glass window was replaced by a magnificent crucifix. Stained glass windows in the Shrine depict the Nativity, the Rainbow of the Covenant, and the Hemispheres of the World with the words ‘With God there is no East or West, there is no North or South’. Flags from different countries decorated the Shrine area showing the diversity and universality of the congregation and of Canada. Other stained glass windows depicting the Apparitions of Our Blessed Mother, the Canadian Saints and Martyrs, the Annunciation, Pentecost, the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Last Supper, adorn the church. Carillon Bells ring out the Angelus and toll on special religious occasions. An original oil painting of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, set in gold leaf, hangs to the right of the Main Altar. A custom made gold plated Cross located on the south roof of the church.

Special thanks should be given to the priests who served at the Prince of Peace church since its inception. Prince of Peace Parish has been and continues to be blessed with Vocations. See them below.

The Church serves six elementary schools and two high schools in the area – Prince of Peace, St. Rene Goupil, Our Lady of Grace, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, The Divine Infant, St. Vincent de Paul, Francis Libermann Catholic High School and Fr. Michael McGivney Catholic Academy.

In 1995, the building underwent major renovations with the construction of a main Parish Office. The parish hall was re-modelled to include a Boardroom, Kitchen, Storage facilities and Two Guest Suites were added.

In 1998, the church saw the creation of its own Website and the introduction of new parish software used for maintaining parishioner’s information.

In 2000, a Grotto in honour of Our Blessed Mother was built at the rear of the church property.

In 2010, an Alcove was added to accommodate the choirs, a new sound system was installed and new musical instruments were acquired.

In 2011, a marble Baptismal Font was erected to the right of the Main Altar.

In 2012, wood panels were installed on the church’s ceiling and a mural of the Holy Spirit was hung from the Sanctuary ceiling.

After 2012, the middle stained glass window was replaced by a magnificent crucifix.

Every year, many special celebrations bring our parish families together, with one common goal – a dedication to the beautiful Divine Infant Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

The Priestly Life and Achievements of our Founder - Father William Frederick Harding

May 14, 1923 - September 12, 1994

June 5, 1948 - Ordained Priest 1948 - 53 - Curate, Holy Rosary, Thorold 1953 - 60 - Curate, St. Mary's Star of the Sea, Port Credit 1960 - 62 - Pastor, St.James, Colgan and St. Francis, Tottenham 1962 - 80 - Founding Pastor, Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin, Don Mills 1980 - 83 - Pastor, St. Benedict's, Rexdale 1983 - 94 - Founding Pastor, Prince of Peace, Scarborough-Markham

Father Bill, as he was known, was at once Pastor, Gentleman and Scholar (B.A., M.ED., M. A., PH.D.), Author, Educator, Tennis Champion, Golfer, Licensed Pilot, Irish Tenor, Humorist, Church Builder, Creator of Community, A Priest Forever.

On May 24th, 1983 Father Bill received a letter from Cardinal Carter establishing a new parish in the city of Scarborough, and appointing him as the parish priest.

The original parish boundaries were expanded in September, 1986.

NORTH: Hwy. 407 from Brimley Road to Markham Road. WEST: Brimley Road(North of Steeles Ave.) and Kennedy Road (South of Steeles Ave.) EAST: Markham Road. SOUTH: Finch Avenue.

May 24, 1983 Fr. Bill Harding appointed founding pastor of Prince of Peace.

Aug. 6-7, 1983 Parish boundaries officially established. * boundaries expanded in September 1986.

Aug. 6-7, 1983 Weekend Masses started in Our Lady of Grace school gym.

Saturday 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Aug. 20, 1983 First baptisms in parish.

Oct. 2 , 1983 Inauguration of the devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague.

Oct 22, 1983 Mass times increased.

Saturday 4 & 5 p.m. and Sunday 9, 10 & 11 a.m.

Nov. 14, 1983 First Confirmation by Bishop Clune. St. Rene Goupil, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, Our Lady of Grace.

Jan 15, 1984 Installation of Fr. Bill Harding as Pastor by Bishop Clune.

Apr. 20, 1984 Good Friday walk to Church site. Medal of the Infant Jesus buried.

Oct. 21, 1984 First meeting of Prayer Group.

Jan. 10, 1985 Meeting with Fr. Ron Kelly, Vice-Chancellor. re: building of the new Church.

Feb. 25, 1985 Permission granted to build the Church.

Nov. 10, 1985 Walkathon for Sod-turning.

Jun 15, 1986 Excavation and laying of the first blocks for the new Church.

Sep. 17, 1986 School Board announces new Prince of Peace school.

Nov. 30, 1986 LAST weekend at Our Lady of Grace school, after 3 years and 4 months.

Dec. 6-7, 1986 First Masses in the New Church.

May 17,1987 Solemn Blessing & Official Opening of Prince of Peace Church