People In The News

Resignation (Sarah Bird)

Sarah Bird has submitted her resignation to Bishop Susan Bell from her position as Missional Formation Coordinator, effective February 1, 2026. Sarah has discerned a call to work with Alongside Hope as their youth engagement coordinator. We wish Sarah well in her new ministry and look forward to working with her in this new role in the Church!

Sympathy (Canon David Thomas)

It is with sadness that we share the news of the death of the Reverend Canon David Thomas on January 3, 2026. A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 17 at the All Saints Anglican Church, Ridgeway (149 South Mill St, Ridgeway ON L0S 1N0), with a reception to follow. Visitation will begin at 10:00am prior to the funeral. Please hold David’s wife, Paula, children, family, friends, and colleagues in your prayers as they mourn. May he rest in peace and rise in glory!

Sympathy (Janice Whiteley)

It is with sadness that we share the news of the death of the Reverend Deacon Janice Whiteley on January 4, 2026. A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, January 30 at St. Matthew on-the-Plains, Burlington (126 Plains Rd E, Burlington, ON L7T 2C3). Clergy are invited to vest. Liturgical colour: white. Visitation will be held at Smith’s Funeral Home (1167 Guelph Line, Burlington) on Thursday, January 29 from 6:00-8:00pm.  Please hold Janice’s children, family, friends, colleagues, and parish in your prayers as they mourn. May she rest in peace and rise in glory!

Anniversary (Jane Wyse)

Congratulations to Jane Wyse, executive assistant to the bishop, on marking 25 years of service with the Diocese of Niagara. We give thanks to God for Jane's vocation and especially for her care, generosity, and faithfulness in the exercise of her work in support of our diocesan ministries. 

Appointment (Audrius Sarka)

The Reverend Audrius Sarka has been appointed as priest-in-charge of St. Stephen’s, Hornby on a part-time basis, beginning January 1, 2026, in addition to his current role as priest-in-charge of both St. Paul’s, Norval and St. John’s Stewarttown.

New Canons Named

Bishop Susan Bell has named two new Honorary Canons of Christ's Church Cathedral: Cheryl Barker, rector of St. George's, Georgetown, and Will Alakas, rector of St. Columba's, St. Catharines. Congratulations Canons!