Rev. Scott Birchall

Assistant Professor

Rector

EDUCATION

B.E.S. University of Waterloo, 2004
M.Sc.Pl. University of Toronto, 2006
S.T.B./M.Div. St. Augustine’s Seminary, 2014

D. Min. Catholic University of America, 2021

AREA OF SPECIALIZATION

Pastoral ministry with a focus on spirituality, empathy and human formation development within seminary formation (emphasis on young adult development), pastoral counseling, urban and regional planning, and demographics (including impacts on seminary formation)

BIOGRAPHY

Prior to his ordination, Fr. Scott Birchall obtained his Bachelor in Environmental Studies (BES) from the University of Waterloo and a Master’s of Science in Planning (M.Sc.Pl) from the University of Toronto where he focused on affordable housing policy (accessory dwelling units).  Following the completion of his planning studies, Fr. Scott worked in both the public (municipal) and private sectors.   

Fr. Birchall entered St. Augustine’s Seminary in 2008 and obtained a Bachelor in Sacred Theology (STB) and a Masters in Divinity (M.Div) in 2014.  He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Toronto in 2014. After his ordination, he served as an associate pastor at Merciful Redeemer Parish in Mississauga. 

In 2017, Fr. Birchall began his role as the Director of Discipleship Formation (Serra House) at St. Augustine’s Seminary and undertook his Doctor of Ministry studies at the Catholic University of America with a focus on empathy development in Canadian English seminaries.  He completed his doctoral studies in 2021.  Fr. Birchall was appointed as the Director of Pastoral Formation and the Director of Field Placement for St. Augustine’s Seminary in 2021 and Rector in 2025.  He was also responsible for building and overseeing Serra House downtown Toronto. He continues to serve as an assistant professor at St. Augustine’s Seminary where his research focuses include culture, Generation Z, and changing human formation needs within seminary formation.

Fr. Scott Birchall is a member of the Archdiocese of Toronto Priest Council, a member of the St. Michael’s University Collegium, and chaplain of the CFC western region.  He also served as chair of the Archdiocese of Toronto priest retreat committee (March 2022-March 2026), 

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS / SELECTED AREAS OF SERVICE / PASTORAL WORK

  • Retreat Leader, OCY Chaplaincy Weekend Lenten Retreat/2025/ Archdiocese of Toronto.

  • Retreat Leader, Lenten Retreat/2025/ Newman Centre, Toronto.

  • Retreat Leader, RCIA Lenten Retreat/2025/ St. Luke’s Parish, Thornhill.

  • Presenter, Vocation Discernment Retreat (Duc in Altum), 2025/ Salesian Sisters of Saint John Bosco, Toronto.                

  • Presenter, Lenten Retreat (online)/ 2024/ Archdiocese of Toronto.

  • Presenter, Vocation Discernment Retreat (Duc in Altum), 2024/ Salesian Sisters of Saint John Bosco, Toronto.   

  • Presenter, Sacred Heart Retreat/ 2021/ St. Augustine’s Seminary, Toronto.      

  • Guest Speaker, St. Joseph Consecration Day / 2021/ Merciful Redeemer Parish, Mississauga.             

  • Guest Speaker, Couples for Christ (Canadian Regional Heads), Marian Day of Consecration / 2021/ Virtual Session.

  • Presenter, Holy Spirit Novena Retreat/ 2020/ St. Augustine’s Seminary, Toronto.                  

  • Guest Speaker, Merciful Redeemer Youth Ministry Program/ 2014 – 2017/ Merciful Redeemer Parish, Mississauga. 

  • Guest Speaker, Couples for Christ (Western Region), Lenten Day of Reflection/ 2016/ St. Christopher’s Parish, Mississauga.

  • Guest Lecturer, RCIA Program/ 2014-2017/ Merciful Redeemer Parish, Mississauga.

  • Guest Lecturer, Merciful Redeemer Prayer Group/ 2017/ Merciful Redeemer Parish, Mississauga.