Filipino Support Group (FSG) at St. Paschal Baylon Parish

The Filipino Support Group (FSG) at St. Paschal Baylon Parish is a vibrant and dynamic ministry that celebrates the faith, culture, and community of Filipino Catholics in Thornhill and the Greater Toronto Area. Established in January 1993, the FSG was formed to serve the growing Filipino community at the parish, providing a spiritual home where they could worship in their native language, participate in parish life, and preserve their rich cultural traditions.

Purpose and Mission

The mission of the FSG is to foster spiritual growth, cultural identity, and community among Filipino parishioners. The group encourages active participation in the parish through prayer, liturgical involvement, and service, while creating a welcoming environment for newcomers and families. At its heart, the FSG seeks to embody the parish’s Scalabrinian charism of hospitality, support for migrants, and the sharing of the love of Christ.

Historical Background

The Filipino presence at St. Paschal Baylon Parish began to grow in the early 1990s as many Filipino families moved to Thornhill and surrounding areas. Recognizing the need to serve this community, Fr. Mario Lorenzana, the first Filipino Scalabrinian priest assigned to the parish, introduced monthly Filipino-language Masses in 1993. These Masses provided an opportunity for Filipino families to pray and celebrate the sacraments together in a culturally familiar setting, while also welcoming other parishioners to share in Filipino devotion and traditions.

It was during this period that the Filipino Support Group was officially organized. The founding members worked tirelessly to establish a ministry that would provide fellowship, spiritual guidance, and cultural enrichment for Filipino parishioners. They began coordinating prayer gatherings, devotional celebrations, and social activities, creating a structured way for the Filipino community to actively participate in parish life.

Cultural and Spiritual Activities

One of the key contributions of the FSG has been the introduction and promotion of Filipino religious traditions at St. Paschal Baylon. These include:

• Flores de Mayo: A month-long devotion in May honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary, featuring processions, floral offerings, prayers, and communal celebrations.

• Simbang Gabi: A series of evening Masses during Advent, bringing families together to prepare spiritually for Christmas.

• Santo Niño Celebrations: Festivities and devotional activities honoring the Holy Child Jesus, fostering prayer, reflection, and cultural pride.

• Parish Social and Fundraising Events: The FSG organizes community gatherings, charity drives, and cultural events that bring parishioners together and support the broader life of the parish.

In addition to these signature events, the FSG hosts retreats, Bible study sessions, prayer meetings, and pilgrimages, helping members to grow in faith while deepening their connection to God, the Church, and one another.

Community and Fellowship

Beyond organizing activities, the FSG is a family. Members support one another through shared faith, friendship, and community service. Newcomers are warmly welcomed, and experienced members mentor the younger generation, ensuring that the Filipino Catholic heritage and devotion continue to thrive. Through their fellowship, the FSG strengthens parish unity, promotes understanding across cultures, and provides a model of vibrant faith in action.

The FSG has also played a key role in the parish’s response to community needs, particularly for newcomers, immigrants, and families adjusting to life in Canada. By combining prayer, service, and cultural celebrations, the FSG exemplifies the parish’s mission of welcoming all people, celebrating diversity, and nurturing faith in every aspect of parish life.

Joining the FSG

The Filipino Support Group welcomes all Filipino parishioners, families, and individuals who wish to deepen their faith, celebrate their culture, and actively participate in parish life. Members can join in prayer meetings, liturgies, cultural celebrations, retreats, and outreach programs. The FSG provides a structured yet welcoming environment for spiritual growth, community service, and cultural preservation.

For more information about the FSG, including meeting schedules, activities, and volunteer opportunities, please contact the parish office or the FSG coordinators. The group also maintains a Facebook page where parishioners can stay updated on upcoming events and initiatives: FSG Facebook Page.