Church, hall reopen after renovations

After being closed for renovations for seven months, the church and parish hall of St. Philip, Etobicoke reopened on Dec. 4 with a service of rededication. Parishioners gathered in the parish hall, then processed to the church for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, then returned to the parish hall for refreshments The $2.2 million renovation project included new washrooms, air conditioning, two elevators and a new kitchen. The diocese contributed $1.1 million to the project. Sandra Marki, chair of the renovation project, said the fully accessible facilities meet all current fire, health and safety standards, permitting St. Philip’s to enhance and expand its ministry in the surrounding community. ‘These renovations not only make our buildings more accessible and functional, they demonstrate the commitment of St. Philip’s and our diocese to ministry and mission,’ says the Rev. Arthur Boers, interim priest-in-charge.