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Fr. Paweł Ratajczak, O.M.I., was born in Białystok, Poland, and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1986. He lived mostly in the Toronto area, establishing ties with the region's Polish diaspora. After finishing high school in Mississauga, he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Waterloo, thinking of becoming a lawyer. That initial vision gave way slowly to an increasing realization that he was called to the priesthood and consecrated life. With this in mind, Fr. Paweł joined the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (Assumption Province) in 1999. During initial formation he studied at Newman Theological College in Edmonton, Alberta, and subsequently at St. Paul University and the University of Ottawa. At the two latter institutions, he earned an ecclesiastical baccalaureate (S.T.B.) concurrently with a bachelor's degree, both in Theology.
Fr. Paweł took his final vows as a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate in June of 2007, and was ordained a priest in January of 2007. Initially, he served as an Associate Pastor at St. Casimir's Parish in Toronto, and then spent almost four years as the Director of Catholic Youth Studio, a daily Polish radio program, broadcast in the Greater Toronto Area. In this capacity, he was responsible for all aspects of radio ministry, from on-air hosting to fundraising and administration.
In June of 2013, Fr. Paweł was sent for studies to the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. There, in 2015, he completed an ecclesiastical licence (S.T.L.) and, in 2017, defended an ecclesiastical doctorate (S.T.D.) in Theology, with a specialization in Spirituality. Fr. Paweł's doctoral dissertation was entitled "Participation in God and Its Relation to Koinonia-Communio in Select Writings (1945-1978) of Karol Wojtyła: Implications for a Spirituality of Marriage". Marriage, the family, and the spirituality associated with them remain close to Fr. Paweł's heart, both pastorally and academically.
After returning from studies, Fr. Paweł served as Associate Director at Queen of Apostles Renewal Center in Mississauga, from 2017 to 2018. Fr. Paweł then served as pastor of St. Hedwig’s parish in Barry's Bay, Ontario, from 2018 to 2024. During this time, he was a sessional instructor in Theology at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College. He taught courses in Christology, Trinity, and States of Life. From 2024 to 2025 he was Program Director at Queen of Apostles Renewal Center in Mississauga. From 2025 to 2026, he served as Associate Pastor at St. Maximilian Kolbe parish in Mississauga, Ontario. Since September of 2026, Fr. Paweł is assigned as Pastor of St. Mary's parish in Wilno, Ontario.
Fr. Paweł's mother and sisters live in the Greater Toronto Area.
If you are new to the Parish
If new to our parish community, you are most welcome to join our congregation. Please pick up a registration form at the back of the church and submit it to our pastor. Christian burials are reserved for parishioners, former parishioners and their spouses. All are expected to support the parish by sharing time, talent and also treasure.
Sacrament of Marriage
Marriage, a lifelong union between a man and a woman for procreation and mutual support, is a natural institution, but it is also one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. It reflects the union of Jesus Christ and His Church. Couples are required to make arrangements one year prior to the date of marriage.
Sacrament of Baptism
Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God who first loved us from the moment of our conception. Baptism celebrates a family's and a community's experience of that love in the baptized. Please give two weeks notice.
If you are in need of Interment Rights in our Cemetery
Call (613) 602-6535. Also check the Cemeteries link from the main page
Sacrament of Reconciliation
20 minutes before every Mass
Request for Holy Mass
Please use the special envelopes provided at the back of the church and place in the collection basket or give it to the priest
Please notify the priest if any member of your family is hospitalized or ill at home. Holy Communion visits are made on the 1st Friday of the month. Emergency Calls for the Anointing of the Sick are made anytime upon request. Plese remember our parish in your will.
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