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A Funny Thing Happened at Provincial Synod!

As many of you know, I was blessed with the opportunity to represent our diocese at the Provincial Synod in Sault Ste. Marie this past September.  It was a wonderful opportunity to share in decisions and conversations about ministry from across our Ecclesiastical Province.  Each Diocese made presentations about the ministry and mission, joys and challenges within their Diocese.  

Part of the presentation from the diocese of Moosonee included a clear picture of the desperate need for clergy to serve in their diocese…. there are parishes who haven’t had a priest to serve them for years.  I found myself deeply moved by this presentation… and felt called to respond.  My home is here, my family is here, and the parishes I love and serve are here.  However, I still felt that God was calling me “to do something.”  To that end, Archbishop Fred Hiltz & I had a conversation about the possibility of serving for a short period of time.  He spoke of 2 possible parishes….in  Mistissini Quebec (an indigenous community) , or a 3 point parish in Hearst, Hornepayne and Constance Lake(an indigenous community), Ontario. It seemed to me that going to assist in this diocese would be a real and tangible way of continuing our/my work on the journey of Truth and Reconciliation.  

Working with our own Bishop William, a plan has come together.  I will be going North for the month of July, probably to Quebec, but possibly the 3 point parish in Ontario. The final decision on location will be clarified by their new bishop who is to be elected on March 29.  

What will happen to our own parish?  The Lord works in mysterious ways.  At the same time that Moosonee has a need for a priest, our diocese has a theology student in need of a parish internship!  Robert Stewart is a theology student preparing for ordination from Prescott, who has completed his second year at Huron College.  Robert will be able to come to our parish for a 6 week internship, beginning mid-June, working with me.  Then, in July, as I head north, working with our leadership team, Robert will continue his work in our parish as a student minister.   

 I am so excited for the learning opportunities both for Robert and for me that this summer will bring.  I look forward to both serving in the Diocese of Moosonee, and to sharing the stories and experiences and learning from my time in the North.  Thank you to you, my parish family, for this opportunity to serve and learn and grow.

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