Friends and supporters of FaithWorks gathered at St. James Cathedral on Oct. 4 to celebrate the diocesan outreach ministry’s 30th anniversary.
The celebration began with Evensong in the cathedral, where the Rev. Canon Dr. Alison Falby was the preacher. As the former incumbent of All Saints Church-Community Centre, a FaithWorks ministry partner, she has seen first-hand the impact of FaithWorks on the lives of people in need.
At All Saints, she witnessed the effects of systemic poverty and injustice every day. “Giving a meal to someone who really needed a safe place to live sometimes felt like using a tiny Band-Aid to cover a gaping wound,” she said.
“While individual partners may specialize in different services, all welcome strangers. All offer belonging and friendship,” she continued. “When we care for the so-called least among us, the hungry, thirsty, lonely, naked, sick and imprisoned, we care for Christ’s own body, and the reign of God comes closer.”
FaithWorks, she said, makes it possible for Anglicans across the Diocese of Toronto to pool their resources and meet many more needs of many more people than they could as individual people or individual parishes.
“FaithWorks helps us as a flock, the Church, care for those among us who need an extra hand. Every time we care for someone in need, we both meet Christ and help build up the Body of Christ, whether we realize it or not.”
After Evensong, guests were invited to a reception in Snell Hall.
“For 30 years, FaithWorks has been a tangible expression of our commitment to put our faith into action. Today, we celebrate that remarkable history and, more importantly, the people whose lives have been changed because Anglicans chose to give,” said Peter Misiaszek, the diocese’s director of Stewardship Development.
FaithWorks was created at a time when the Ontario government had eliminated funding for key social services, leaving faith communities struggling to fill the gaps. The Diocese of Toronto responded by creating an annual parish appeal, with proceeds going to support outreach ministries. The name “FaithWorks” was suggested by Ward McCance, ODT, a parishioner of St. Peter, Cobourg and a long-time supporter of diocesan outreach.
Over its first 29 years, FaithWorks raised more than $42 million, with nearly $25 million coming directly from parishes. The remainder were gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations and community groups.
Misiaszek noted that its ministry partners are especially grateful, because FaithWorks is one of the relatively few sources of funding in the faith sector that provides reliable, ongoing support for annual operations.
The evening also included recognition of parishes who have raised the most funds in their archdeaconries, and those who have consistently achieved an annual contribution equal to at least 5 per cent of their offertory.
“Whether they make it a line item in their budget or aggressively promote the needs of our ministry partners, these parishes are the bedrock of our appeal,” said Misiaszek.
Bishop Andrew Asbil and Janice Hodgson, ODT, chair of the FaithWorks allocations committee, presented a mounted plaque of appreciation to each parish. The plaques included the biblical quote that supports the 30th FaithWorks campaign: “Jesus said to them, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’” (Matthew 14:16).
Two parishes were lauded for their extraordinary commitment to FaithWorks over the years. Redeemer, Bloor St. leads the diocese in consistent annual giving to FaithWorks, with total funds approaching $900,000. The parish endeavours to contribute at least 5 per cent of its annual operating budget each year.
St. Martin, Bay Ridges leads the diocese in consistent proportionate giving to FaithWorks, giving the equivalent of about 14 per cent of its operating budget to the annual campaign.
But, Misiaszek clarified, the funds St. Martin’s raises don’t come from the parish’s operating budget. “It is the result of the generosity of many individuals within the congregation who have made FaithWorks their personal commitment,” he said.
The gathering also acknowledged the leadership of Peter Davidson, ODT, who has organized St. Martin’s FaithWorks appeal from the very beginning. He also serves on the FaithWorks allocation committee.
As the 30th anniversary year wraps up, parishes are being encouraged to join the anniversary challenge: 100 per cent participation and a 1 per cent increase in giving from every parish.
Given the growing need for food security, the allocations committee is also encouraging every Anglican to give a little extra for food. Every dollar raised above the $1.5 million campaign goal for 2026 will be directed toward initiatives addressing food insecurity across the Diocese of Toronto.
To learn more or donate, visit www.faithworks.ca
Read more: FaithWorks: How it all began by Ward McCance, ODT
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