It all needed to be fixed before the newly hired incumbent, the Rev. Robert Camara, who was moving to Perth from Montreal with his partner in December, could live in the house.

The parish considered selling or demolishing the house, but it had a heritage designation, so that limited their choices. They decided to do the renovations, which were expected to cost $100,000.

Fortunately, parishioners Ray and Elaine Hook stepped up to the challenge of raising funds as a labour of love and a way of thanking the people in the parish who cared for them when Elaine was seriously injured in a car accident. They donated $10,000 to get the fund started and used $5,000 to match donations over $100.

Parishioner Christine Erdos is a designer who offered to redesign the kitchen as a donation to the church.

At first, the Hooks hoped to raise $25,000, but as Ray kept the congregation updated on their efforts, donations kept coming, and they set new targets of $50,000 amd then $75,000. Eventually, they had raised $102,500 through donations that mostly came from within the congregation. “Our donors collectively from the church family. have just amazed us with their generosity and their support,” said Ray, adding that they are working on creating plaque with all of the donor names (aside from those who want to remain anonymous) that will be placed on a wall in the rectory.

The Rev. Robert Camara added that he and his partner were very grateful for the beautiful renovation work that has made the rectory so much more comfortable and for the warm welcome from the parish.

The post St. James, Perth celebrates rectory renovation and fundraising goal achieved appeared first on Perspective.

He and parishioners at St. Albans, where he is the incumbent priest, were inspired to create some pilot projects on campus serving meals to students over the last few years. They began by serving meals at one of the student residences where students who didn’t have meal plans lived.

Throughout this past academic year, St. Albans teamed up with the student union, which has its own food insecurity initiative “Fed up.” They moved their program to a central hub area on the main campus and served three lunches and a dinner each semester. The meals were cooked by St. Albans’ parishioners with student volunteers on campus, and to encourage students to cook nutritious and low-cost meals for themselves, the team handed out recipes for the dishes they were serving.

Not surprisingly, the free meals have been a big hit with the students. Garner reports that they served a burrito dinner for their last meal of the semester in mid-April to 385 students. The students are grateful, and Garner says the volunteers often hear that the meal is the only one some students will eat that day.

Students have enjoyed the opportunities for social connections the meals create. Encouraged to sit down and eat and talk together, students offered feedback that the project has had a positive effect on their health. Aside from the food, they benefited from the social connections and a greater sense of belonging.

St. Albans volunteers also made efforts to take a break and sit down to eat and talk with students. Garner was pleased to hear that the students appreciated the opportunities to connect with the adults from the parish. Although, he expected that it would be most appealing to have student peers serving the food, feedback from the student union included comments that the students valued opportunities to have conversations with the adult volunteers from the parish. They appreciated having an adult ask how they were doing, how their day or semester was going, and the sense that these adults cared about them.

The St. Albans group has sought and welcomed partners from other parishes, denominations and faith groups to bolster their efforts in whatever capacity they can contribute. Even if a group can’t take on providing a whole meal, contributing to part of a meal is a valuable way to get involved and support the project. For example, Garner said, a number of United Churches got together and offered to donate dessert for the final meal of the term in April. Initially, they estimated they could provide about 150 servings. However, their bakers participated enthusiastically, and they ended up bringing more than 500 servings. “It was this overwhelming amount of food. That just created such joy…. It was great,” he recalled.

“My hope is next year to continue to cultivate relationships with churches and other groups who can provide supplemental things, like baking biscuits when we were doing soup and that sort of thing. I’m looking for all sorts of ways to lower the barrier to entry to churches and other groups,” he said, suggesting that sometimes people feel overwhelmed by a big problem like student food insecurity and feel that they can’t do anything. “I think the real power of this is that there are smaller ways to …come and be involved.”

Garner acknowledges that the meals can’t solve the problem of food insecurity on campus, but he was pleased to see that highlighting the problem and advocacy work seems to be spurring some action on the issue. The president of the university created an initiative to write an action plan for food security for the whole campus. Garner served on the committee with one of the deans in medicine and St. Albans was included as an external partner.

Pilot project aims to counter students’ social isolation

The Rev. Michael Garner has seen that students at the University of Ottawa, like many people in the broader society, have more communication tools at their fingertips than humans have ever had, but many are socially isolated. He says that loneliness is sometimes described as an epidemic in our digitally connected society where people need more time and real connection with other people in person.

Garner has worked closely with the U of O Student Union on issues of food insecurity, and one day ran into Meredith Kerr, the executive director, in Costco. “What are we going to do about loneliness on campus?” she asked him.

He says his first thought was “I have no idea.” But it was immediately followed by, “I know exactly what we are going to do.” Peg Herbert, a parishioner at St. Albans had come to mind.

“She’s a remarkable woman,” he said. Among the many cool things she has done is starting an organization called Chosen Grandma, which pairs retired women who don’t have grandchildren, or don’t have grandchildren in the city, with single moms, single parent families, creating this connectedness. The idea has caught on and Chosen Grandma has been featured on the CBC news. Garner noted that Herbert is developing this charity even though there are additional legal challenges because there are minors involved, but the point is to give children a “chosen grandma.” He realized that Herbert had all that valuable experience creating connections in a safe way.

So, while standing there in Costco, he thought, “‘We’ll just take Peg’s idea and apply it on campus.’ And that’s what we’re doing,” he told Perspective.

Room Enough is a pilot project will match 10 students with 10 families or households in the next academic year. “It’s really about facilitating the need of students, the desire of these households to connect … and support each other and learn from each other,’ he said. The pilot for this academic year will be a test run to see how this works, see what doesn’t work. They will track participants’ feedback on their mental health, the connection between the students and their matched households. “If we have a positive outcome and we have some data, we’ll go to the university to look at scaling it up for more people to participate in the next year.

The diocesan Future Fund awarded the project a grant of $10,000, which Garner says will help hire a student to be a part-time co-ordinator for the program.

The post University of Ottawa students love St. Albans’ meals on campus appeared first on Perspective.

Our Creation Matters Working Group organized a service focused on environmental issues and a celebration of Earth Day at our 10:30 Sunday service on April 26. Everyone was encouraged to use their non-fossil fuel mode of transport to get to church—bicycles, tricycles, scooters, walking shoes, and bus passes.

We have installed new bike racks to keep parishioners’ bicycles and other vehicles safe while at the church.

Others have participated in the Salad Garden Project, the Cycle Fitness morning, or made crab apple jelly from foraged fruit.

There is also ongoing work to make the church building itself greener.

Lights have been changed;

More vegetarian meals are being served at parish events

The parish has provided financial support to Water First, a non-profit group that helps with water issues in First Nations communities.

During the season of Advent, we had a gifting ceremony to honour and better understand our Indigenous neighbours and their cultures. Our gifting ceremony was for books. Debora and Marc Fleming, members of St. Matthew’s, gave several books to the parishioners. The object of the giving was that people would read the books and pass them on to others and discuss the contents.

Our belief is that many small steps will add up to a big effect.

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The initiative had a diverse group of participants last year — parishioners from Christ Church Bells Corners as well as other Anglican parishes, other denominations, and one person who said he had never attended any kind of a worship service before, said Archdeacon Monique Stone, who leads the contemplative walks and outdoor worship service.

Those who drove to the Beaver Trail for the first walk of this year were rewarded by many early spring beauties — delicate trillium flowers and other tiny blossoms lined the trails, ferns were unfurling. Bird songs provided the music for a service of readings, prayer, contemplation and sharing the Eucharist.

Each service is adapted to the abilities of those who attend.

Forest church services are planned for the first and third Tuesday of each month until Oct. 6. A full schedule with the changing locations and other details is posted on the Christ Church Bells Corners website. 

Please note services will be cancelled if The Weather Network (weathernetwork.com) has a Red Weather Alert message on the top of the screen for ‘Bells Corners’ as of noon on the day of the service due to rain, lightening, thunder storm, extreme heat OR if there is lightening at the time of the service starting.

Related  article:

Creating church in the forest 

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On Sunday, May 3, more than 200 guests enjoyed butter chicken and nan bread and many other culinary delights with ice cream for dessert. Not surprisingly, the dinners are a hit. Incumbent Archdeacon Monique Stone says more than 300 attended a dinner before Christmas last December.

The meals are an ecumenical and interfaith effort. Parishioners from Christ Church Bells Corners work together with volunteers from Bells Corners United Church, First United, Saint Martin des Porres Parish, and the Jami Omar Mosque to invite everyone and transport people from two nearby emergency shelters to the dinners using a rented school bus.

Alison Bridgewater, a volunteer from Bells Corners United, told Perspective that they sometimes say that they should rename Old Richmond Road as the ‘Road to Heaven’ because there are so many places of worship along it.

And they have more partners in the effort from South Nepean Community Health Centre and the City of Ottawa.

Another important partner is FAMSAC, the community food cupboard that operates on the ground floor of Hollyer House, an affordable housing project spearheaded by Christ Church Bells Corners and built on part of the church’s property where the church rectory formerly stood.

There is also a full commercial kitchen, so Stone says they can cook all the food there, which helps keeps the costs of the meals lower.

And in one more happy bit of symbiosis, guests were greeted at in the church hall by Joan Wright, president of the community gardens, and Cathy Séguin who helps run the program, which provides fresh vegetables to FAMSAC in the summer months. Cathy and Joan were handing out packets of seeds and small pots of soil, so guests could enjoy getting flowers or vegetables growing at home.

Christ Church Bells Corners is collaborating with their neighbours on three more community events:

June 13 (10 am to 1 pm) — Indigenous Month Community Celebration — Mādahòkì Farm Dancer Performance (10:30 to 11 am), Reconciliation Rock Paint Station and collaborative art project

Oct. 25 (3 pm to 5 pm) — Trunk or Treat — Costumes optional, free treats for all 

Dec. 20 (4 pm to 7 pm) — Holiday Meal — Free dinner for all — Halal, Kosher, gluten free

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The Church of St. Barnabas has always been grateful for your prayers, support, and friendship, and we continue to appreciate them now more than ever.

Over the past year, we have prayerfully considered the necessity of replacing the floors of the church, the sacristy, and the church hall. The Vestry has approved this project for 2026-27, and a committee has been formed to oversee the various steps involved, led by an experienced architect, John Donkin, who has strong ties to our parish.

On Saturday, June 27, at 4 p.m., we will be hosting a fundraising concert featuring the London Trio Plus. This event is more than just a concert; it is greater than just about floors that are beautiful and functional; warm and inviting evoking a sense of peace and reverence to all. It is about a community within Centretown and beyond.

While St. Barnabas continues to be a home of Anglo-Catholicism it also serves as a welcoming space for numerous initiatives within our city, These include: St. Luke’s Table every Saturday, Music and Beyond Concerts during the summer, and STEM camps in the summer months July to August (Monday to Friday), STEM Camp is a not for profit organization founded in 2013, offering up fun and educational summer camp experiences for kids 4-13 all across Canada, including Ottawa.

Music, voice and organ lessons provided by three experienced and talented teachers who help nurture future musicians and host Royal Canadian College of Organists Ottawa Centre, exams and seminars.

Once a month, we open our doors to the city with a Community Tea fully funded by St. Barnabas. This is a drop-in tea with finger foods and door prizes for anyone living in Centretown and beyond—whether they are homeless, have a home, live alone, or with family.

The Sons of Scotland Band also holds their rehearsals here every Monday. We actively contribute to and participate in the Centretown Foodbank and Centretown Churches Social Action Committee, and provide a place of worship and community for university students away from home.

We are a member of Multifaith Housing and recently participated in the Annual Tulipathon Walk, and our church raised over $2000.

Furthermore, the Old Roman Catholic Rite Church meets at St. Barnabas every month. We continue to be a place where people can turn to in great times of prayer, need and celebration.

This project has an impact on the City of Ottawa and beyond. If every member of the above-mentioned groups, along with anyone reading this article, were to contribute $10 dollars towards this initiative, we could raise a significant amount. Remember, a friend in need is a friend indeed.

With your support, we can ensure that St. Barnabas continues to be a welcoming home for many, transcending the Christian faith. Together, we can extend our hands in unity and demonstrate the love of Christ through this concert, as we work to gift St. Barnabas with new floors.

We are excited that the London Trio Plus group was available to provide this concert, which marks one of the first of many fundraising endeavors to come. The dynamic London Trio Plus (LTP) Ensemble is a gospel and harmonic vocal group based in Ottawa. The group is made up of three London sisters—Vanessa, Valerie, and Celeste. The “Plus” in their name signifies a larger flexible group beyond the initial trio, which includes additional family members and friends as vocalists and band members.

Under the expert direction of Valerie London, the group has thrilled audiences for over 20 years, with harmonious and uplifting music – sharing their talents through concerts and other community initiatives. The group continues to delight audiences throughout Canada and the Caribbean, with voices in perfect harmony. This talented group has produced concerts, written and arranged several pieces, organized festivals and mentored young performers. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to listen to this enthusiastic group of musicians.

Date and Time

Saturday, June 27 at 4 p.m.

Tickets

$40 per person

$70 for a couple, with a freewill offering for children 12 and under.

Here is the link to purchase tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/fundraising-concert-by-london-trio-plus .

Target

Our goal is to raise $10,000.

Parking:

Due to road construction, there is very little on-street parking in the immediate area of our church.

PAID parking is available at 381 Kent Street (Medical Building) for $5 for an unlimited time. This parking lot can be accessed from Gilmour Street off Kent Street.

I deeply value your support and prayers for the successful launch of the Floor Fundraising Activities.

God speed to you all as you make your way to the concert, on Saturday, June 27 at 4 p.m.

Yours in Christ,

The Rev. Canon George Kwari

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Several events are planned throughout the year to bring both long-time parishioners and the wider community together.  Join us on May 9 at 7 pm for Our Story in Song, a curated choir concert featuring choral favourites. 

This will be followed by the city-wide Doors Open Ottawa on June 6. St. James’ historical displays will be set up in Tomkins Hall.

On June 13, the celebration takes a nostalgic turn with the “Over the Decades ACW Tea,” hosted by the Anglican Church Women. 

Younger members of the community can also look forward to a historical scavenger hunt in the summer.

And even more events are being planned throughout the year. See www.stjames-manotick.ca for more details.

Storytelling project

As part of the sesquicentennial, the church is embarking on a storytelling project. The goal is to collect 150 vignettes from past and present parishioners to create a living history of the congregation.

While the anniversary is a time for reflection, it also serves a practical purpose for the church’s physical heritage. A primary fundraising goal for the year is the urgent refurbishment of the East Window.

The restoration is a major focal point of the anniversary campaign. In a creative nod to the project, congregants can track fundraising progress in real-time by watching a stained-glass window drawing in the narthex, which will be filled in as donations reach milestones.For more information on these events, contact the organizing team at 150th@stjames-manotick.

— The Rev. John Holgate is the Incumbent at St. James, Manotick.

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For the past eight years, the Ven. Eric Morin has served our parish. Last year, under the guidance of Executive Archdeacon Linda Hill and the direction of then-Bishop Shane Parker, our parish entered into amalgamation discussions with Christ Church Aylmer, St. Mary Magdalene Chelsea and Good Shepherd-Wakefield.

In the fall of 2025, all six churches passed a motion and agreed to amalgamate as one parish.

Our new parish is now called the Parish of the Holy Spirit.

In December 2025, our diocesan administrator Bishop Michael Bird announced that Archdeacon Eric Morin was appointed incumbent of the parish of St. Thomas Stittsville, effective March 23, 2026. Archdeacon Eric’s last Sunday in our parish is March 15, 2026.

In January, it was announced that the Rev. Dr. Sony Jabouin has been appointed as associate incumbent of our newly amalgamated Parish effective Feb 23, 2026.

For the last two years, under the guidance of Archdeacon Eric, we have had three lay people in training to become Licensed Lay Readers. — Jean Macnab, Warden

A multi-point parish

Parishes in the diocese located in Quebec have now officially amalgamated. The new parish has been named Parish of the Holy Spirit/ Paroisse du Saint-Esprit.

The new parish will be made up of the congregations of:

The former Parish of West Quebec

St. Paul’s Shawville

Holy Trinity Danford Lake

Holy Trinity Radford, with the chapels of:

St. George’s Thorne Centre

St. James Wright

St. Matthew’s Charteris

St. Stephen’s Greermount

St. Stephen’s Kazabazua

The former Parish of Chelsea-Lascelles-Wakefield

St. Mary Magdalene Chelsea

Good Shepherd Wakefield

The Chapel of Holy Trinity Lascelles

The former Parish of Christ Church Aylmer with the chapel of:

St. Luke’s Eardley

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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.