What We Do
The Gregory the Great Institute is a lay-led non-profit that equips Christians to renew culture in the light of faith and reason through formation programs, short courses, and research that focuses on Catholic life in Canada.
Formation
“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire...”
St Catherine of Siena
“It is creative minorities who determine the future, and in this regard the Catholic Church must understand that she is a creative minority.”
Pope Benedict XVI
Courses
“Religion without orthodoxy, without dogma, is as the heat of a corpse, true for a time but sure to fail.”
St John Henry Newman
Publications
Offerings
St Gregory’s Guilds for Men aged 16-26
Join other young men for formation in Christian leadership. Develop a rule of life for physical and intellectual self-mastery; learn to pray in Latin; take exclusive courses on leadership and manhood; gain your hunting license; join a fellowship of men with a mentor.
St Gregory's Folk Music Camp for Youth
Inspired by the von Trapp family singers' camp, join other young Catholics, aged 10-16, for an invigorating three days of summer instruction in the best traditions of rounds, reels, and other Canadian and European folk music. Learn also how to sing parts of the Divine Office. Instruction offered in the fiddle, the penny-whistle, and voice.
Annual Renewing Culture Conference
Join other Christians from across Western Canada as renowned local and international speakers speak about cutting-edge topics through the lens of a celebrated work of the great tradition of the West. October 2025's Conference will take up topics on classical education, raising virtuous youth, preserving humanity in the face of Artificial Intelligence, and more, all through the lens of C.S. Lewis' classic book, The Abolition of Man.
St. Gregory's Inklings Clubs
In preparation for our annual Renewing Culture Conference, each year St. Gregory's provides resources for small groups of friends to gather to read our conference's theme text. Club members join at no cost, are encouraged to participate in the annual conference, and receive exclusive study guides and discounts. Contact info@GregorytheGreat.ca to find a club or to start your own.
Faith and Reason Seminar for Leaders
The Seminar offers an intensive three-day integrated immersion in some of the Great Books of the Catholic intellectual tradition. This unique program in Western Canada combines academic seminars, cultural formation, and an opportunity for Christian leaders to meet and join for a time of prayer and personal renewal. Participants discuss ancient and contemporary Great Books in Socratic style seminars. To be considered for an invitation individuals must be nominated by a past attendee or invited by a Board Member of the Gregory the Great Institute.
Short Courses on the Great Tradition
Take short courses on topics from the Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas, to Virtuous Leadership, to Christian Beauty and Art, and Classical Education for Teachers, taught by expert teachers in online and in-person formats. Courses lead toward a certificate or diploma in Christian Leadership.
Research and Publications
For 2025-2027 Dr. Topping and a team of Research Fellows will be focusing on three themes: reviving Classical Education, encouraging Vocations in Canada, and Catholic life in Canada. Look out for more developments.