Stewart previously was a volunteer, summer student and contractor with the Diocesan Archives between 2008 and 2015. Since then, she worked at the Provincial Archives of Alberta before moving back to Ottawa and working for Health Canada in regulatory affairs for medical devices.

She says she “has been a church-mouse of all trades at the Cathedral since 2005.” She loves a records treasure hunt and reading, especially memoirs and biographies.

The post Staff news — April 2026 appeared first on Perspective.

Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet.

They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”

She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.

Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?”

Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”

Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).

Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'”

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
JOHN 20:1-18

Bishop Michael Bird, who is serving as our diocesan administrator until the service of consecration for Bishop-elect Kathryn Otley on May 9, shares an inspiring Easter reflection.

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I will give you rest: Come (Matthew 11:28-30)

The 2026 World Day of Prayer materials from Nigeria bring us a powerful invitation drawn from Matthew 11:28-30. At a time when people worldwide are carrying heavy burdens, our Nigerian sisters offer profound insights into finding rest in God. ​

Through their exploration of different kinds of burdens – shame, systemic oppression, religious persecution, poverty and despair – the writers help us understand both the weight of human suffering and the depths of divine rest.

Their work shows us that true rest isn›t just about physical relief, but about transformation through God›s grace and community support.

The Nigerian committee has woven together their cultural wisdom with the universal need for rest. Through symbols like the calabash bowl, which represents both daily sustenance and divine provision, they remind us how God meets us in our weariness.

https://worlddayofprayer.net/index.html

​The World Day of Prayer program is inspired by its motto Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action. Through informed prayer we seek out ways to act in solidarity with women and communities in need. When we prepare and celebrate World Day of Prayer, we do this as a community.

We pray and worship in community,
We continue our relationship in prayer and service throughout the year,
We work together as women of various races/ethnicities, cultures and traditions,
We become aware of the worldwide community of people,
We become enriched by the faith experience of other Christians,
We become aware of the burdens many people have to carry,
We are challenged to use our gifts and talents and use them in the service of society

(The Zambia Statement, 2007)

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As the Anglican Communion’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jarvis works to create partnerships between churches and UN teams as they respond to conflict, climate change and forced movement of people. Jarvis has also facilitated church-led peacemaking in South Sudan and Mozambique. Throughout it all, she’s seen nothing that compares to the power of people coming back together after conflict, and ultimately, coming back to faith through Jesus.

This resource will be available for download or send a subscription request to receive it as a free daily email message throughout Lent.

https://alongsidehope.org/lent2026/

On March 7, the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer is also presenting this online Lenten lecture

The post Journey through Lent appeared first on Perspective.

All Saints’ associate incumbent the Rev. Chung Yan Lam and the pastoral care team conducted a survey of ASW parishioners asking how the church could best support them. Their thoughtful responses identified about 10 areas where additional support or conversation would be valuable.

To help bring these ideas to life, Donna Rourke was invited to facilitate a series of conversations and workshops. She brings both professional training and personal experience, holding diplomas in Gerontology and Palliative Care from Durham College and a certificate in Managing Conflict from Algonquin College. In an interview with Perspective, she shared that the topic is one of personal interest to her as well because she and her brothers are currently accompanying their mother as she navigates the complexities of the healthcare system. “Together, our goal is to help her age with grace—in the right place, which for her is the home of my youngest brother,” she said.

Rourke described the events that have taken place so far:

Exploring Ottawa housing options

The first interactive workshop, Housing Options in Ottawa, was based on a guide prepared by the Council on Aging’s Age-Friendly Housing Committee. The Council on Aging brings together older adults and community partners from across Ottawa to improve the wellbeing of seniors. The Age-Friendly Housing Committee, in particular, focuses on what are known as the four A’s of housing—ensuring that housing is affordable, accessible, appropriate, and available.

During the workshop, we invited participants to reflect on where and how they want to live as they age. “Aging in the right place” is not only central to personal wellbeing but also a cornerstone of an age-friendly community. We emphasized the importance of planning early—before a crisis forces a move—so that decisions can be made with peace of mind and a sense of empowerment. Ultimately, it is each individual’s decision where they want to call home.

Fostering connection and belonging

Our second event took a more social and experiential approach. Instead of a traditional workshop, it served as a model of the importance of connection and belonging—key elements of healthy aging. The goal was simple: to help participants feel less isolated and more engaged with their community.

Looking ahead: Resources to help you stay in your home

Our third session, Resources to Help You Stay in Your Home, was postponed due to an unexpected heating issue and subsequent flood at ASW but will be rescheduled soon. This workshop will explore a wide range of supports available to older adults who wish to remain at home.

Topics will include Ontario Health at Home, the Geriatric Assessment Outreach Day Hospital, safety and accessibility options, financial assistance programs, dementia-related supports, mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as food and transportation services. One parishioner will also share her family’s story about adapting their home to make it more accessible.

The goal of this session—and indeed the whole series—is to provide participants with knowledge, confidence, and encouragement to make informed decisions based on their own needs, preferences, and values.

Following the Rowe and Kahn model of Successful Aging, the Aging with Grace series invites participants to continue making positive lifestyle choices—embracing healthy eating, appropriate physical activity, active social engagement, mental stimulation, and the nurturing of spiritual life, however that looks for each individual.

Aging with Grace reflects the compassion and commitment that make All Saints’ Westboro a caring community. It is about learning, sharing, and walking together through the later seasons of life. While aging can bring challenges, it also opens opportunities for connection, reflection, growth—and, above all, grace.

The post Aging with Grace: Community conversations to support older adults through changes and choices appeared first on Perspective.

The Rev. Canon Gary van der Meer has been appointed as Regional Dean of Central Ottawa, effective Feb. 1, 2026.

The Rev. Mark Lewis will retire, effective Aug. 31, 2026. Making the announcement, diocesan administrator Bishop Michael Bird offered his best wishes for a long and healthy retirement.

The post Clergy news — March 2026 appeared first on Perspective.

As part of our Black History Month celebrations, St. Thomas the Apostle Anglican Church in Ottawa welcomed the London Trio Plus Ensemble to perform a concert in our sanctuary. In the afternoon of Feb. 8, we were blessed by the powerful vocals and beautiful harmonies of this group as they shared spirituals and gospel songs.

The original three London sisters who formed the group, The London Trio, added family members and friends to create the “Plus.” It was a truly special afternoon where the audience swayed and clapped in time to the music. We were also invited to stand and join in singing ‘Lift Every Voice’ and ‘Siyahamba (We Are Marching)’.

Other ways of marking Black History Month included guest speakers and a book study on Black Liturgies by Cole Arthur Riley which will continue through Lent. We are grateful to the Black History Month Committee led by Dr. Joy Mighty for planning this, and the many other events we held throughout the month of February. — The Rev. Maria Nightingale

(Thanks to the Rev. Maria Nightingale for sharing these great photos!)

St. John the Evangelist: Drumming, singing, dancing and joy

On Feb. 15, St. John the Evangelist in downtown Ottawa hosted a Black History Celebration. The church was filled with drumming, singing, dancing and joy. Special thanks to Petr Maur for sharing these wonderful photos.

The Rev. Canon Gary van der Meer shared a view of the celebration in the weekly parish newsletter, thanking all the talented guests and people who brought the celebration together:

• Batimbo Percussion Drums! They love to be booked for events!
• Singers and Dancers: Valentine, Giselle, Cynthia, Ciella, Francine
• Our organizers: Deborah Nasasira, Clementine Mahirwe, Nick Busch

St. Mark’s: Food for thought, fun and fellowship

St. Mark’s has rich traditions for observing Black History Month, including inviting inspiring guests to speak at Sunday worship services. This year’s speakers — Sophia Chiboka, Rawlson King and Yolanda Parsons — shared reflections on the theme: “Honouring the Past, Empowering the Present, Inspiring the Future.” Parishioners and guests also celebrate by gathering for a fabulous potluck lunch that features flavours from African and Caribbean cultures. The Rev. Mary-Cate Garden celebrated her first Black History Month as incumbent of St. Mark’s and helped cut the cake (see photo gallery.)

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Ron Brophy, co-chair of the Contextual Mission sub-committee, outlined the application process at Synod last fall. “You may have great ideas for launching new ministry or building new worshipping communities, but they’re beyond your parish budget, or your parish’s context has changed over time. Your parish council has identified a great way to reconnect or re-engage with your local neighbourhood, but you just don’t have the means to do that. If this describes your situation, then you should think about a Future Fund grant. You can apply for up to $10,000, and you don’t have to match any portion of those funds.”

Information is available on the diocesan website.

Click on:

► Resources for Parishes

► Contextual Mission

► Future Fund

Applications are accepted twice per year.

Application deadlines are March 15 and November 1.

Archdeacon Mark Whittall, co-chair of the subcommittee, also encouraged parishes to apply, noting that the application process is logical and easy to follow, and responses from the review committee are quick. Reports on projects are required as follow-up.

Check the Future Fund page on the diocesan website for more detail.

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