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
“Religion without orthodoxy, without dogma, is as the heat of a corpse, true for a time but sure to fail.”
St John Henry Newman
Courses
Publications
Offerings
St Gregory's Folk Music Camp for Youth
Inspired by the von Trapp family singers' camp, join other young Catholics, aged 12-16, for an invigorating four 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.
St. Gregory's Inklings Clubs
We provide resources for small groups of friends and family to gather to read chosen texts throughout the year. Club members join at no cost, are encouraged to participate in the annual conference, and receive exclusive study guides, webinars, and discounts. Visit our events page to sign-up to be a leader and learn more about this year's texts.
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.
Masterclasses 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.
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.