People In The News

Retirement (Archdeacon John Rathbone)

Congratulations to Archdeacon John Rathbone, Diocesan Archivist, who has formally retired as honorary assistant at St.Stephen-on-the-Mount, Hamilton, effective November 25.

Appointment (The Reverend John Lockyer)

The Reverend John Lockyer issued a bishop's permission as honorary assistant at St.John's Church, Elora, under the supervision of the rector, effective December 1.

Wedding Congratulations

Congratulations to the Reverend Jon Forbes, Pastoral Associate at St.Christopher's Church, Burlington, and his fiance, Laura-Jane Swan, who will be married on Saturday, January 19th, in London, Ontario.   

Appointment to Rockwood

A ministry team for St.John's, Rockwood:  The Reverend Canon Ralph Blackman, Priest-in-Charge (maintaining Rector of St.George's, Guelph) and Ms. Jody Balint, to the half time position of Lay Pastoral Associate, beginning December 1.

Sympathy

Deepest sympathy to Mrs. Kate Morrison and Canon Keith Morrison, and family, on the sudden passing of Kate's father, Larry, on November 29.  Please remember the Morrison family in your thoughts and prayers.  

Congratulations (The Reverend David Lennerton)

Congratulations to the Reverend David Lennerton, retired from full time ministry, who will celebrate his 65th anniversary of ordination on December 23rd, at St. James, Orillia, 58 Peter Street North. 

Sympathy (Aaron Clarke)

Our deepest sympathy to the Reverend Michael Clarke, whose son Aaron died suddenly at his home in Florida on Saturday, November 24. Please hold Michael and their family in your prayers as they mourn. 

Michael has been in Florida taking care of his son's affairs and having returned home is now requesting space to grieve. A private memorial will be held at St. Stephen's Hornby.

People wishing to express sympathy and condolences are asked to please send messages via the Bishop's Office, rather than contacting Michael directly. These messages will be saved and shared at a later date.

Appointment (The Reverend Joan Dunn)

The Reverend Joan Dunn was appointed Rector of All Saints, Erin, on a half time basis, beginning November 1.

Appointment (The Rev. Canon Jim Powell)

Canon Jim Powell has accepted the appointment of Interim Priest-in-Charge of Holy Trinity, Niagara Falls (Chippawa), on a half time basis, December 1.

Appointment (Dr. Margaret Murray)

The Reverend Canon Dr. Margaret Murray was appointed Priest-in-Charge of Holy Trinity, Hamilton, on a part time basis, effective October 15.

Regional Dean of Lincoln

The Reverend Pam Guyatt has been appointed Regional Dean of Lincoln, effective November 13, for a period of three years.

Sympathy (The Reverend William Blott)

The Reverend Bill Blott died on November 22. Rev. Blott ministered at Church of the Nativity, Hamilton (formerly St.Mary's); St.John's, St.Catharines; Church of the Transfiguration, St.Catharines; St.George's and St.Thomas, St.Catharines; and St.Paul's, Dunnville.  Our thoughts and prayers to his wife, Marian, and their family. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 8th, at 11 a.m., at St.Paul's Church, 233 Lock Street West, in Dunnville. Clergy are invited to vest - colour white.   

Appointment of Lay Canons

At the 144th Synod of the Diocese of Niagara, Bishop Susan Bell named Ms. Joanna Beck and Mr. Terry Charters as honourary lay canons of Christ's Church Cathedral. A service of installation will take place at our Cathedral in Hamilton in the New Year.

General Synod Delegation

The synod of the diocese has elected our delegates to General Synod 2019, to be held in Vancouver.

From the order of laity: Mr. Greg Tweney, Ms. Siobhan Bennett, Mr. Andrew Clinkard and Canon Pat Davis.

From the order of clergy: The Venerable Valerie Kerr, The Reverend Canon Bill Mous, The Venerable Dr. David Anderson, the Reverend Canon Martha Tatarnic.

Ms. Claire Christoff is our youth delegate.

Congratulations (Sister Marguerite Mae)

Congratulations to Sister Marguerite Mae, CSC, who has been elected as the 10th Mother Superior of the Community of the Sisters of the Church. She is the first Canadian to hold this office. Bishop Susan Bell will officiate at a Service of Blessing on Saturday, December 1 at 11:00am at Christ's Church Cathedral.

Sympathy (Bishop Joachim Fricker)

It is with sadness that we share the news that the Right Reverend Joachim Carl Fricker, died on Sunday, October 28. Bishop Jo faithfully served a number of parishes in our diocese, and was the rector of Christ's Church Cathedral and Dean of Niagara for more than a decade before been elected in 1985 to serve as a suffragan bishop of the Diocese of Toronto. In retirement, Bishop Jo also served as the interim Dean of Western New York, twice.

Please pray for Bishop Jo’s wife, Shirley; for his family, friends and colleagues; and for all the churches where he served.

A service celebrating Bishop Jo’s life will take place on Monday, November 5 at 11:00am at Christ's Church Cathedral, Hamilton, with visitation prior to the service. Clergy are invited to vest (liturgical colour: white). 

Appointment (Secretary of Synod)

Synod Council has appointed the Reverend Canon Bill Mous to serve as Secretary of Synod, effective January 1, 2019. In his full-time ministry role, Canon Mous will oversee governance, property and communications related matters for the diocese, under the direction of the Bishop and the synod council.

Retirement (Canon Marni Nancekivell)

The Reverend Canon Marni Nancekivell has announced her intention to retire from her diocesan appointments and employment effective March 31, 2019 and to resign her responsibilities as Secretary of Synod (with responsibility for diocesan properties) effective December 31, 2018. From January 1, 2019 through March 31, 2019, Canon Nancekivell will focus her energy on the roles of Director of Safe Church and Volunteer Management and Screening on a full-time basis. 

We give thanks for Canon Nancekivell’s three decades of ministry and offer our prayers as she transitions towards retirement.

Congratulations (The Reverend David Lennerton)

Congratulations to the Reverend David Lennerton, retired from full time ministry, on his 65th anniversary of ordination.  A celebration is planned at St.James, Orillia, 58 Peter Street North, on Sunday, December 23.