People In The News

Appointment (Archdeacon Bruce McPetrie)

The Venerable Bruce McPetrie has been appointed to serve as interim priest-in-charge at St. Thomas, St. Catharines, on a part-time time basis, from December 1, 2022 to October 31, 2023.

Appointment (Paul Whitehouse)

The Reverend Paul Whitehouse has been appointed to serve as interim priest-in-charge at Christ Church, Niagara Falls, on a part-time basis, from December 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023.

Appointment (Kevin Cull)

The Reverend Kevin Cull has been appointed to serve as interim priest-in-charge at Grace Church, Arthur and St. Paul’s, Mount Forest, on a part-time basis, from December 1, 2022 to November 30, 2023. He will also serve at St. Paul’s, Palmerston in the Diocese of Huron.

Sympathy (Canon Donald Neish)

It is with sadness that we share the news that The Reverend Canon Donald Neish died on November 15. Donald was ordained in 1954 in the Diocese of Nova Scotia and PEI. After moving to the Diocese of Niagara, he served as rector of St. John the Evangelist, Elora and Christ Church, St. Catharines from 1961 to 1970. Donald returned to Nova Scotia, where he served until his retirement. He was made a Canon of the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Halifax in 1991. Please hold Donald's family, friends, colleagues, and former parishioners in your prayers as they mourn. May he rest in peace and rise in glory!

Sympathy (Marnie Doran)

Our deepest sympathy to the Reverend Canon Paddy Doran on the death of his mother, Marnie Doran, on November 7. On Saturday, February 18, 2023, what would have been Marnie’s 108th birthday, a celebration of her life will take place at St. James Anglican Church (137 Melville St., Dundas) at 2:00pm with celebration of life party following. Marnie’s obituary can be found here. In lieu of flowers she requested that donations be made to Doctors Without Borders, Canada action.msf.ca or to St. James Dundas.  Please keep Paddy and his siblings, James and Mary Mae, and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Retirement (Canon Kevin Bothwell)

The Reverend Canon Kevin Bothwell has submitted his intention to retire from his role as rector of St. Thomas, St. Catharines, effective January 18, 2023.  His last Sunday in the parish will be November 27, 2022.

Retirement (Canon Christyn Perkons)

Canon Christyn Perkons has advised Bishop Susan Bell of her intention to retire from her role as director of congregational support and development, as of the new year. Christyn has ministered as a member of the diocesan staff team for 20 years, expanding her responsibilities over the years from her initial position as a program consultant for youth ministry to a coordinator position, and culminating in her present role as a senior leader. 

"Christyn has compassionately and conscientiously served our diocese through her ministry that spans the decades," says Bishop Susan Bell. "Her work in creating the diocesan Mission Action Plan will be a legacy gift for this diocese for many years to come; she has truly left her mark on us and we will miss not only her skills but her wisdom."

We give thanks to God for Christyn's incredible ministry and for the many ways she has helped guide the unfolding of God’s kingdom in parishes across the diocese and beyond, and through the lives of countless people who have been transformed by her faithful witness.

We invite your prayers for Christyn and her family, and for our diocese, during this time of transition. More details about plans to celebrate Christyn's ministry in our midst will be shared in the coming weeks.

Appointment (Archdeacon David Anderson)

The Venerable Dr. David Anderson has submitted his resignation as Rector of St. John the Evangelist, Hamilton, effective September 30, 2022, and has accepted the bishop's offer to serve at St. Jude's, Oakville, beginning October 1.