Birds eyeview of GA

The History of Guardian Angels Parish

Guardian Angels Parish in Brampton was established by the Archdiocese of Toronto on June 27, 2007, in response to the rapid growth of the Catholic community in the area. At the time, the territory of St. Leonard’s Parish had become too large to be served effectively by a single parish, and a new parish community was created to better meet the pastoral needs of the faithful.

His Grace, the Archbishop of Toronto, Thomas Cardinal Collins, entrusted the new parish to the protection of the Guardian Angels and named it Guardian Angels Parish. The name commemorates the first Catholic church in Brampton, Guardian Angels Church, which stood west of Centre Street and south of John Street. That original frame church was blessed on February 12, 1865, and served the local Catholic community until it was destroyed by fire on July 18, 1878.

With the establishment of the new parish in 2007, a new chapter in the faith life of Brampton began.

The Beginning of the Parish

Father Jan Gogolewski, who had served the community of St. Maria Goretti Parish in Scarborough for twelve years, was appointed as the founding pastor and given the responsibility of organizing the new parish community.

The boundaries of the newly established parish were defined as:

  • North: Old School Road (22nd Side Road)
  • East: McLaughlin Road
  • South: Bovaird Drive
  • West: Winston Churchill Boulevard

Although Guardian Angels Parish was officially established, it initially had no church building. With dedication and faith, the pastor began gathering the parish community and sought a location where Mass could be celebrated.

During the summer months of 2007, Holy Mass for the new parish was celebrated at St. Leonard’s Church, with the generous support of its pastor, Father Andrew Maderak. At the same time, information about the newly established parish was distributed to invite families within the boundaries to become part of the community.

First Masses

Permission was eventually granted by the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board to celebrate Mass at St. Edmund Campion Secondary School, located at Brisdale Drive and Sandalwood Parkway.

On Saturday, September 8, 2007, the first Mass of Guardian Angels Parish was celebrated at 5:00 p.m. in the school chapel, which seated approximately 100 people. Within four weeks, the growing parish community outgrew the chapel and Sunday Masses began to be celebrated in the school cafeteria, while weekday Masses continued in the chapel.

First Friday Devotions were introduced on November 2, 2007, marking another important step in the spiritual life of the parish.

Building a Parish Community

On the First Sunday of Advent, December 2, 2007, the parish published its first church bulletin. In it, Father Jan referred to the parishioners as the “cornerstones” of the new parish and encouraged them to spread the word about Guardian Angels Parish and to become involved in parish life.

The community responded generously. Parish ministries were quickly established, including:

  • Altar Servers
  • Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
  • Lectors
  • Liturgical Hospitality (Ushers and Greeters)
  • Parish Choirs
  • The Building Committee

As the parish continued to grow, many additional ministries and committees were formed to serve the needs of the community.

Fundraising and the Dream of a Church

In March 2008, the first Building Committee meeting was held as the parish began planning for a future church.

Numerous fundraising initiatives followed, including raffles, parish dinners, rummage sales, concerts, and community events. Parishioners also contributed in many creative ways, donating handcrafted items, organizing events, and supporting the building fund through personal contributions and celebrations. These efforts reflected the dedication of a parish community determined to build a spiritual home of its own.

Acquisition of Parish Property

In early 2011, Father Jan announced the joyful news that property had been acquired for the future parish church. The site is located at the northwest corner of Sandalwood Parkway and Creditview Road, not far from where the parish community had been gathering for Mass.

On September 29, 2013, Auxiliary Bishop John A. Boissonneau visited the parish to bless the grounds where the future church would be built. A cross was later erected on the property as a visible sign of faith and hope for the parish community.

Building the Parish Home

Recognizing the financial challenges of constructing all parish buildings at once, the parish received permission from the Archdiocese to build in three phases:

  1. Phase 1 – Parish Hall
  2. Phase 2 – Church Building
  3. Phase 3 – Rectory

Construction of the Parish Hall began in August 2014. On August 9, 2015, Auxiliary Bishop John A. Boissonneau blessed the new hall, providing the parish with a permanent space to celebrate Mass and the sacraments.

Construction of the Church

In late 2017, permission was granted to begin Phase 2, the construction of the church building.

After years of prayer, sacrifice, and dedication from the parish community, the Consecration of Guardian Angels Church took place on October 6, 2019, presided over by Thomas Cardinal Collins.

Catholic Schools in the Parish

Guardian Angels Parish serves several Catholic schools within its boundaries. Over the years, the parish family has continued to grow alongside the expanding community.

The schools currently within the parish boundaries include:

Elementary Schools

  • Guardian Angels
  • St. Aidan
  • St. Angela Merici
  • St. Bonaventure
  • St. Daniel Comboni
  • St. Lucy
  • St. Carlo Acutis

Secondary School

  • St. Edmund Campion Secondary School

St. Daniel Comboni Catholic Elementary School joined the parish family in the 2017–2018 school year, and St. Carlo Acutis Catholic Elementary School was added in 2026, reflecting the continued growth of the parish community.

Parish Leadership Today

In June 2024, Fr. Ravibabu Kakumanu was appointed Administrator of Guardian Angels Parish, entrusted with the pastoral care of the community and called to shepherd the parishioners as they continue to grow in faith, unity, and service.