For the past five years, Father Michael McGourty has served in Weston, which he affectionately calls the "little community with heart in the big city."
The St. John the Evangelist priest will be leaving the local parish July 1 and will be on sabbatical for the first time since being ordained in 1992.
"There’s a real feeling of community," said McGourty as he reflected on his time in Weston. "I love it. I honestly didn’t know Weston was here and I lived in Toronto my whole life."
When McGourty was assigned to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, he saw how friendly the residents were as he walked around the community and neighbours commonly greeted him with a courteous hello.
And with the social challenges that exist in Weston, such as the level of poverty in the community, McGourty is quick to point out the social conscience that exists amongst residents.
"There’s a lot of people who care," he said, noting neighbours who have lived in the community for a long time often reach out to newly arrived members.
He added local organizations of various denominations, including Frontlines, the Weston food bank, and the church’s own St. Vincent de Paul, all work together providing assistance to those in need.
"Amidst in all the difficulties, you do see some wonderful things," McGourty said.
Dave Bennett, chair of St. John the Evangelist’s Catholic School Advisory Council, credited McGourty for being able to navigate through some difficult challenges during his time as the local priest.
When some of the students had to attend school in makeshift classrooms within the church due to crowding at the old school building, McGourty was able to encourage parishioners of the church to help cover the $30,000 cost associated with renting that space.
"The Father pulled it off," Bennett said.
He added that under McGourty’s leadership, the church is able to continue running a lot of programs for the community.
"He’s going to be a very tough priest to follow," said Bennett, calling McGourty "the best priest in the Toronto diocese."
McGourty initially planned to ask for a sabbatical two years ago when he celebrated his 20th anniversary as a priest, but decided to hold off with several projects being discussed and underway like the building of the new St. John the Evangelist Catholic School.
With some of the projects now expected to take place for a few more years, McGourty, who will be turning 50 in December, decided the timing was right to take his sabbatical.
He plans to spend five months in Spain and another five months in Rome studying spirituality.
McGourty confirmed that Father Andrew Maderak, who previously served in Brampton, will be the new priest assigned to St. John the Evangelist.
"He probably thinks he’s coming into the big city, but he’s not," chuckled McGourty, adding he’s already talked with him about the "small town" feel of Weston. "It’s going to be a wonderful and exciting place."
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