St. Michael’s Cathedral

Update review March 12, 2015.
I went back to St Michaels to attend the Sunday 3pm mass a couple of weeks ago. To my disappointment, some of the priests there aren’t very friendly and a bit too abrupt when I had an confession there and it was not a good experience. I understand that the church is under renovation but there is no reason especially for the ushers and security guards to be damned rude to the church patrons and you call yourself a Christians when you don’t even treat your own fellow parishioners any respect and with kindness. Kinda hypocrite that you guys are asking for church donations?

If you are a fan of gothic architecture, this is a good place to do it. Stained glass windows, high ceilings and echo acoustics abound. It’s gorgeous here and right around the corner from the Eaton Centre.
VIBE
Catholic. It’s St. Mike’s Cathedral for… oh I can’t use the lord’s name in vain! It’s probably a safe bet to say this is one of the most popular church in Toronto and thus, touristy. So though there is a community there’s a large non-​community here as well.
THE SERVICE
What’s really lovely here is that you have the St. Mike’s Choir boys (junior and senior) singing at the 9 am and 11 am masses. They’re very talented. I need to get myself to their Christmas concert this year.
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
Ava your Maria. A lovely place to reflect or abound for your sins.

The seat of the Roman Catholic Church in Toronto, St. Michael’s Cathedral is to Toronto as St. Patrick’s Cathedral is to New York. Gothic architecture dominate the cathedral all-​around. Well kept by the Church, the main Parish Office located on the Church Street side offers parishioners and others a way to stay in touch with the cathedral’s events and also organize spiritual masses for the recently departed. While it’s not as impressive as other landmark Catholic cathedrals such as St. Patrick’s, La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and Notre Dame in Paris, it’s worth a visit if you’re looking to discover Toronto’s history.

I hang out with God sometimes. Sometimes at church, other times at the temple or mosque.
This isn’t a bad place to do it. Beautiful church, a bit dark. The only thing that annoys me is all the money involved. They pass around the donation basket at least four times in a one hour mass — this is more than I am used to. As well, the church isn’t in the best part of town. There are usually crack addicts or homeless folk hanging around outside. There is nothing more conducive to parting with your hard earned $ 20 than a session with the saviour himself. I normally end up feeling like I just got conned.
The congregation is a bit cold. But maybe this is all churches in Toronto? I sat next to /​in front of a young man three Sundays in a row. After service on the third Sunday, in an attempt to start some casual banter, I asked him how he liked the priests. He said they were alright and asked me if it had been my first time at the church. I said, «No, this was the third time I sat next to you.» His reply: you sat next to me? Today? And before?
Maybe he just didn’t notice, or care.

Amazing architecture. A must see.

When I was younger, this was the church that I was dragged to every Sunday against my will. As much as I may not have enjoyed the whole «mass» aspect of things, I will give St. Mike’s the fact that their church is absolutely gorgeous.
I’d have to say this building is probably one of my favourites in the entire downtown core. Toronto doesn’t have a lot of stunning architecture, but this church’s spooky gates and stained glass windows tend to make me drop my jaw in awe every time.
They also do some great stuff with their Out of the Cold program and other services for the homeless, not to mention food drives and stuff.
The church is just steps away from the Eaton Centre, so if you’re visiting the city and in the mood to take a break from all that consumerism and get some peace and quiet, St. Mike’s is worth exploring.