On the Road with Archbishop Anne – Winter 2026

On the Road with Archbishop Anne – Winter 2026

From parish visits and diocesan leadership to provincial and national responsibilities, Archbishop Anne’s Winter 2026 calendar reflects the steady rhythms of worship, governance, and service that sustain the life of the Diocese of Algoma.

An Evening with Maggie Helwig: Building Compassionate Communities

Join the Diocese of Algoma on Wednesday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m. for an online evening with the Rev’d Maggie Helwig, author of Encampment. Drawing on her experience of ministry alongside a church-hosted encampment, Maggie will reflect on faith, solidarity, and building compassionate communities in the face of homelessness and

A Christmas Message from Archbishop Anne

In her Christmas message, Archbishop Anne reflects on the courage it takes to be a newcomer—and the courage it takes to offer welcome. Drawing on her own experience of arriving in Canada, she invites the Diocese of Algoma to open the inn of our hearts and make room for the

Advent IV: Ann Camber on Love

In this Advent IV reflection, the Rev. Ann Camber tells the story of Byron Nowegjsic, whose life of sacrificial care and quiet courage offers a profound witness to divine love. Through his commitment to others—especially those living on the margins—Byron shows what it means to love generously, faithfully, and without

AGLF Update: December 2025

The Anne Germond Legacy Fund has reached approximately $1.2 million, following more than $54,000 in new support since September. Recent gifts from Thorneloe University, the St. Nicholas’ Dinner, and generous parish and individual donors continue to strengthen episcopal ministry in Algoma.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: January 19–23

The Diocese of Algoma invites parishes and individuals to observe the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 19–23. This year’s observance includes a joint online service in partnership with Bishop Thomas Dowd of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie and the Order of St. Lazarus.

Living Faith, Living Hope: Terry Ames and the Power of Community

An Algoma Anglican whose life bears witness to faith lived in community, Terry Ames reflects on his journey through illness and recovery—and the parish, diocese, and people who carried him along the way. His story reveals how prayer, presence, and compassion became a lifeline, inspiring a lasting ministry of care

Blue Christmas (Longest Night) Services Across Algoma

The Christmas season can be a tender time. For many, it brings grief, stress, loneliness, or memories that make the celebrations difficult to enter fully. While the world around us moves quickly toward joy and festivity, many carry burdens that are not easily set aside. Blue Christmas—also known as Longest

Update Your Parish Listings

Now is the perfect time to update your parish’s listing on findachurch.ca. As people explore church communities during Advent and Christmas, accurate and welcoming information helps them find you. Algoma is partnering with findachurch.ca to make updates easy—simply locate your parish, submit the update form, and ensure your listing reflects

Dinner Raises More Than $20,000 for the Anne Germond Legacy Fund

The Deanery of Thunder Bay–North Shore raised more than $20,000 at the St. Nicholas Dinner on December 5 in support of the Anne Germond Legacy Fund. An evening of fellowship, generosity, and community spirit, the event gathered 112 guests and featured a successful silent auction. Funds raised will help provide

Advent III: Oluchi Egbuonye on Joy

A newcomer’s reflection for Advent III: Oluchi shares how joy emerged not in ease or certainty, but in reunion, resilience, and the compassion of a church community that held her family through a season of crisis — revealing a joy grounded in faith and God’s abiding presence.

Seasons & Saints – December 11

This week, Rev. Susan Montague Koyle reflects on why Christian liturgy begins each new day at sunset — and why “Christmas Eve morning” isn’t a thing in the Church’s vocabulary. She also unpacks how the Christmas season unfolds from the Nativity to the Baptism of the Lord, and explains traditional

Advent II: Lesley Gunasekara on Peace

In this second reflection in our Advent series, Welcoming the Child, Welcoming One Another, newcomer Lesley Gunasekara shares a deeply personal story of finding peace after arriving in Thunder Bay from Sri Lanka. Through community, faith, time in nature, and resilience amid uncertainty, she reflects on how peace grows slowly

Seasons & Saints – December 4

This week, Rev. Susan Montague Koyle explores the colours and prayers of Advent, from the meaning of blue and purple in our liturgical tradition to the ancient “O Antiphons” that shape our hope for Christ’s coming. She invites us to deepen our understanding of Advent symbols and to pray more

Mission to Seafarers Update

The Diocese of Algoma shares an update from Canon Ed Swayze, Chaplain for the Mission to Seafarers in Thunder Bay, regarding recent winter storm conditions on Lake Superior, ship movements, and ongoing ministry at the port. Gift bag preparation continues, with another work party planned for the week of December

In Memoriam: The Rev. Canon Paul Ashley Carr

The Diocese of Algoma announces with sadness the death of the Rev. Canon Paul Ashley Carr, who died in Thunder Bay on the First Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2025. A beloved priest, pastor, and mentor, Canon Carr served in multiple dioceses and ministries across Canada before his long and

Archbishop Anne Germond Announces 2026 Motto at St. Luke’s Cathedral

Archbishop Anne Germond announced her 2026 Motto—“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love”—during her Advent 1 sermon at St. Luke’s Cathedral. Her message invited the diocese to enter the new year strengthened from within and transformed by the depth

Welcome Abiola O’Naiyese: New Administrative Assistant

The Diocese of Algoma is pleased to welcome Mrs. Abiola O’Naiyese as our new Administrative Assistant, effective December 1, 2025. A lifelong Anglican with professional experience in healthcare, consulting, and corporate administration, Abiola brings strong organizational skills, a heart for service, and deep roots in the Church. Please join us

Seasons & Saints – November 28

This week, Rev. Susan Montague Koyle revisits the Advent wreath and what it is — and isn’t — meant to be in our worship. She explains the true purpose of the candles, why assigning fixed meanings can diminish their power, and how the simple light of Advent can speak more

Rose Award Presentation

St. Luke’s Cathedral joyfully honoured Pat Sandie and Barbara Johnson with the Diocesan ACW Certificate of Recognition Rose Award during a midweek Eucharist on November 25. A commemorative booklet, beautifully created by Erin Hernden, highlights their years of faithful service and the rich 140-year history of ACW/WA ministry at the

Benjamin Paul on Hope

This is the first reflection in our Advent series, Welcoming the Child, Welcoming One Another. As we prepare to light the first candle on the Advent wreath this Sunday, Benjamin Paul shares a moving reflection on the theme of Hope and the many ways it has taken human shape in

Indigenous Ministry Worker

The Diocese of Algoma invites applications for a part-time Indigenous Ministry Worker, a two-year term position for a lay or ordained Indigenous person based in the Thunder Bay area. This role supports Cree language and cultural traditions, diocesan TRC commitments, and resource development for parish use.

Get to Know… The Rev. Dr. Dean Jobin-Bevans

The Rev. Dr. Dean Jobin-Bevans returns to St. Paul’s, Thunder Bay as he prepares for ordination to the priesthood on December 6. A lifelong musician, scholar, and servant of the Church, he reflects on vocation, Scripture, pastoral life, and the people and places that have shaped his journey.

In Memoriam: Donna Marie Bos

The Diocese of Algoma mourns the passing of Donna Marie Bos, who died peacefully on November 24, 2025, at the age of 77. Donna served the Diocese with warmth, dedication, and a deep spirit of kindness from 1998 until her retirement in 2009, becoming a beloved and steady presence in

Archbishop Anne to Unveil 2026 Motto at St. Luke’s Cathedral

Archbishop Anne Germond will make her official visit to St. Luke’s Cathedral this Sunday, November 30, for Advent I, where she will unveil her 2026 Episcopal Motto. Building on 2025’s call to “draw deeply from the wells of salvation,” this year’s theme invites us to listen for where God is

“Carrying It All in My Heart”: A Visit to Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador

Archbishop Anne reflects on a deeply renewing visit to the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador, where hospitality, shared stories of vocation, and time with dedicated clergy created what she calls “holy Kairos time.” Her experience highlights the national fellowship that strengthens diocesan life across the Anglican Church of Canada.

Prayer and Action: A Litany Addressing Gender-Based Violence

As we approach the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6, the Diocese of Algoma’s Social Justice Committee has prepared a special litany for parish and personal use during the 12 days of remembrance. This prayerful resource invites communities to honour the women whose

Seasons & Saints – November 20

As the Christian New Year begins with the First Sunday of Advent, Rev. Susan Montague Koyle invites us to rediscover the transforming power of our liturgies. She reflects on why good liturgy shapes good theology, how Advent calls us deeper into the story of salvation, and what the Advent wreath

Movies for Advent – A Four-Week Journey with Thorneloe University

Thorneloe University invites the Diocese to explore Advent through film with “Movies for Advent,” a four-week series pairing lectionary readings with thoughtfully selected movies. Weekly online discussions begin Mondays at 8 p.m., with guides and resources available for parishes and small groups.

Parishes: Don’t Forget the Power of Facebook Events

Facebook Events are one of the simplest and most effective tools for parish outreach—yet many churches overlook them. Creating an event helps your parish reach beyond its usual audience, increases visibility, and makes personal invitations easy. Learn why this small skill can make a big difference in your parish’s communication.