Andy O'Donnell, Author at Montreal Anglican

Anglican Foundation Grant supports St Stephen’s Restoration

Andy O'Donnell — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:21:54 +0000

The Parish of St. Stephen’s Chambly would like to acknowledge the funds received from the Anglican Foundation of Canada.

In May of 2025, the Foundation awarded the parish $7,500 to help with phase two of our church’s restoration, paying over half of the $14,000 invoice for our mason.
Conseil du patrimoine religieux du Québec has invested $220,000 in this restoration (phases 1 and 2). Donations received by our capital campaign, fundraising and the Anglican Foundation grant made up the majority of our 20% financial commitment.

St Stephen’s Chambly and I personally have a membership with the Anglican Foundation. I encourage you and your churches to consider joining and supporting their work.

The Anglican Diocese of Montreal can submit up to four projects each year for consideration. In 2025, only two from the diocese were submitted. The application process is not difficult. Over several projects I have worked on, the staff from the Foundation have been knowledgeable and helpful. St Stephen’s received a category “B” grant. In this category, a grant can be up to $15,000.00, with a requirement of 50% matching funds.

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Deconsecration of St. Martin’s House Church in Otterburn Park

Andy O'Donnell — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 15:39:33 +0000

St. Martin’s was formed as a parish on April 28, 1958, originally worshiping in the Legion. Their new Church was dedicated January 19th, 1961. The congregation started to worship in the former rectory on June 25, 2011.
During the 2022 annual Vestry meeting, a motion was passed to request permission to sell their building. The Service of Thanksgiving & Deconsecration was held on November 1, 2023.
I would like to express my appreciation for the work and care of the past clergy, lay- readers, wardens, organists and members who supported this church and the community of Otterburn Park.

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Fr Linus Buriani Completes his First Year at Dio

Andy O'Donnell — Thu, 18 May 2023 14:54:41 +0000

Father Linus Buriani has been successful in his first year at Montreal Diocesan Theological College (DIO) and McGill. He is expecting 3 A’s this term; all the more impressive as he is studying in his third language. He has been tutored by The Rev. Susan Searle and helped and supported by the faculty of Montreal Diocesan Theological College and the faculty of Religious Studies, at McGill University.

Linus returned to his family on April 30th, 2023. He will be back at Dio in August to complete his Bachelor of Theology and is on track to graduate in May 2024.

At the completion of his degree, he will return to his position as the Principal of St. Cyprian’s Theological College in Masasi. Fr. Linus’ education will strengthen the academic standards of teaching at St. Cyprian’s Theological College, which is on the same grounds as Rondo Junior Seminary, in Mtama-Lindi, Tanzania.

Bishop Mary and Mark hosted a supper to recognize Linus’ hard work and safe travels on April 28th.

Bringing Father Linus to Montreal is a major commitment of the Partnership Committee. The generosity of funds raised through last year’s Bishop’s Action Appeal, bursaries from Montreal Diocesan Theological College and the UK’s St. Augustine’s Foundation have made this project possible.

If you would like to help fund Father Linus’ education, visit the Diocesan website at www.montreal.anglican.ca and click on the “Donate Now” button. In the drop-down menu under “Fund” select “The Rev. Linus Buriani education”. If you would like Father Linus to visit your parish in the fall or next year, email The Ven. Michael Robson at mjrmtl@gmail.com to set a date.

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Rev Linda Faith Chalk Wins Award for Outstanding Community Service

Andy O'Donnell — Wed, 17 May 2023 20:11:45 +0000

RHSSPT stands for Regional health and social service table.

The Rev. Linda Faith, former incumbent of St Paul’s, GFP, received a RHSSPT STAR Program Award for outstanding contribution to the wellbeing of the Monteregie English-speaking community.

Linda Faith was nominated by Rev. Andy O’Donnell who had many wonderful things to say:

‘Linda Faith’s work has had a lasting effect on the wider community across several age and socio-economic groups. Although she had much help, her leadership was instrumental.“

Here is a small sample of improvements for the community:

Youth were cared for by a community children’s breakfast program at 3 preschools in the area.

Linda organized activity days and movie nights for youth.

During the Christmas season, the angel tree program purchased gifts for children whose households struggled financially.

Families are also helped through involvement in the Christmas basket program for the wider community.

Seniors in the community received their Christmas meals and baskets, along with a wide range of community events.

The food baskets program and other supplies went to both men’s and women’s homeless shelters

St. Paul’s, under Linda Faith’s leadership, organized a collection drop-off and distribution centres for the 46 families made homeless after the October 2020 fire at an apartment building on Victoria Ave.

Linda Faith fostered working relationships with local schools, the Black Watch, the legion, local homeless shelters, and a food security program during the pandemic through ARC.

These examples are only a small fraction of the work she has done to improve the health and well-being of monteregie’s English-speaking community.

Thank you Rev. Faith for your leadership, commitment and for never backing down from a challenge. Your light shines bright in the community and we can’t thank you enough!

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