Celebrating University Mass at St. Joseph’s Parish

More than 160 Catholic young adults gathered on Sunday, November 23 at 7:00 pm to celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe at St. Joseph’s Parish in downtown Ottawa — in a Neo-Gothic church consecrated in 1932. They were joined by 12 choristers and organist Jamie Loback, leading the congregation in a selection of hymns that complemented the grandeur of a feast that marks both the end of the Liturgical Year, as well as Christ’s dominion over all Creation. Fr. Robert Laroche, the Pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish and a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, presided and offered the homily. Fr. Mark Augustine, a doctoral candidate in Canon Law at Saint Paul University, concelebrated.

St. Joseph’s Parish at 174 Wilbrod Street on November 23, 2025 at the 7:00 pm Mass. (Photo credit: Chase Parkinson)

Sunday evening Mass at St. Joseph’s Parish has a 20 year history. For the sake of full disclosure, I attended in its early years, when I was a doctoral candidate in history at the University of Ottawa. That served as my introduction to St. Joseph’s, where I’m currently on the pastoral team and attend the Saturday 5:00 pm Anticipated Mass. The Sunday evening 7:00 pm liturgy runs from September through April, mirroring the academic year. It has experienced considerable growth over the past three years, expanding from an attendance of under 70 to around 120 adults on an average Sunday evening. The Parish’s Coordinator of Young Adult Ministry and Faith Formation, Paul Dansereau, also facilitates retreats and Bible studies where attendance regularly tests the capacity of the rooms and facilities in which these gatherings are hosted. References to increasing Mass attendance among young adults in one parish might seem anecdotal, but empirical research suggests that something approximating a religious revival is occurring in both Canada and the United States.

Studies have suggested a growing religiosity and higher church attendance among both Gen Z and Gen Alpha, when compared to older cohorts. Statistics Canada’s 2022 General Social Survey found that 22 percent of Canadians between 15 and 24 attend church at least once per month — a higher proportion than the 15 to 17 percent among those between 25 and 64 years of age. According to a joint Angus Reid and Cardus study, 24 percent of Canadians between 18 and 24 are “religiously committed.” That compares to just 16 percent among those between the ages of 45 and 65.

St. Joseph’s Parish at 174 Wilbrod Street, in Sandy Hill. Photo taken at Sunday 7:00 pm Mass on November 23, 2025. (Photo credit: Chase Parkinson)

Many young adults are discovering the ritual and Sacramentality of Catholicism for the first time. They may not have been cradle Catholics and they likely grew up in a thoroughly secular society — more so than the one in which Millenials and Gen X came of age. For them, ritual and liturgical traditions aren’t linked to memories of a childhood when the Church was a far more dominant force in society, nor to negative experiences of clericalism. In the case of St. Joseph’s, many young adults also come from other countries and cultures, contributing a diversity of experiences and backgrounds to the parish and to its social justice ministries, where a significant number of them volunteer. Several had shared their attachment to the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe in particular. Engaging in dialogue with both clergy and lay staff, they asked for the opportunity to elevate the liturgy with incense, altar servers and bells — and for the chance to fully, consciously and actively participate in the Church’s rich liturgical traditions.

University Mass at St. Joseph’s Parish in Sandy Hill on November 23, 2025. (Photo credit: Chase Parkinson)

Following the entrance chant, the altar was incensed, as was the ambo after the Gospel Acclamation. The Gospel reading from Luke 23 recounts Jesus’ interaction with two criminals, who are being crucified alongside him. One of them recognizes both Jesus’ innocence and divinity. This is where we read: “‘We indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’”

In his homily, Fr. Laroche told a story about a religion teacher who asked the students when Jesus may have been the happiest. Some replied that he would have been happiest when he worked alongside his father, Joseph, making something of value with his hands. Others felt that he was happiest when feeding the multitudes or when he was bringing the Good News to broken and wounded people. Finally, a student raised her hand at the back of the class. She said that Jesus was the happiest when he was on the cross. His suffering accomplished what he had come for: the redemption and salvation of everyone, including all who came before him and all who would come after him as well. “Jesus comes to save and to redeem. He doesn’t let anyone slip through his fingers,” Fr. Laroche shared. “The Creed says that Jesus descended into hell. This simply means that God will do anything and everything in His power to save,” Fr. Laroche added. When the criminal recognizes Jesus as the Christ, He doesn’t promise that he will be with Him in thousands of years, but rather that very day, together in Paradise. “That’s who the Good Shepherd is. That’s who the Messiah is. He is willing to save and redeem everyone. It doesn’t matter what their past is like,” Fr. Laroche said.

Fr. Robert Laroche on November 23, at the 7:00 pm Mass. (Photo credit: Chase Parkinson)

The Prayers of the Faithful reflected the Charism of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate who founded St. Joseph’s Church, and the St. Joseph’s faithful, as they continue to operate the St. Joe’s Supper Table — the only soup kitchen and food bank of any parish in the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. The congregation prayed:

For the Church, called to proclaim God’s kingdom of truth, justice, love and peace. For the legacy of humble service for all government leaders, following the example of Christ, the Good Shepherd. For those facing poverty, unemployment, and homelessness, and for those living in refugee and migrant situations. And for our parish community, striving to make the Kingdom of God a reality among us.

During the Communion Procession, the choir sang the hymn “Be My Hands and Feet” by Tony Alonso. As the Mass concluded, choristers sang the Recessional Hymn “Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven,” accompanied on the church’s Casavant pipe organ. The evening’s music was representative of the quality of the St. Joseph’s music ministry overall, which draws many to the Parish’s Sunday morning Mass, at 10:30 AM.

Following the liturgy, many young adults participated in a potluck reception in the Parish Hall — an apt gathering given that this Sunday served not only as a major feast day of the Church, but also as the World Day of Youth.

By Christopher Adam

Published on The Ottawa Churches Chronicle website