The Modern Parish: Real-World Strategies for Effective Ministry from Gen X to Gen Alpha
About this Event
St. Augustine's Spirit & Life Series
Date: Saturday, April 10, 2027
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Title: The Modern Parish: Real-World Strategies for Effective Ministry from Gen X to Gen Alpha
By: Rev. Scott Birchall
Location: St. Augustine's Seminary, 2661 Kingston Rd., Scarborough, MIM 1M3
This event is in-person only.
Cost: $10 includes the talk, warm croissants, pastries, coffee, and tea!
Description:Relationships between generations can often bring moments of mutual misunderstanding, even suspicion and criticism. At the same time, they can bring deeply fruitful and life-giving encounters that benefit everyone. This Spirit & Life presentation explores the unique cultural landscapes, habits, and spiritual perspectives of today’s generational cohorts, with a primary focus on Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Participants will discover practical strategies to adapt their leadership, communication, and supervisory styles to better engage these younger generations. Ultimately, attendees will learn how to build stronger working relationships and cultivate meaningful multi-generational engagement across the entire parish. This talk will have a particular focus on helping ministry leaders and volunteers, but it is open to all and helpful to anyone - in family, work, or parish life - trying to better understand and relate across generations.
Fr. Scott Birchall: After earning his Master of Science in Planning from the University of Toronto, specializing in affordable housing policy, Fr. Scott Birchall worked in both municipal government and the private sector before entering St. Augustine’s Seminary in 2008. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Toronto in 2014. After serving at Merciful Redeemer Parish in Mississauga, he completed his Doctor of Ministry at The Catholic University of America in 2021, focusing on empathy development. He became Director of Pastoral Formation and Field Placement in 2021 and Rector of the Seminary in 2025. His research focuses on culture, Generation Z, and human formation.
Event venue & nearby stays
St. Augustine's Seminary of Toronto, 2661 Kingston Road, Toronto, Canada
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.