A sense of community
St. Thomas’ Church NDG has served many bishops. Some, like you, came to us as students. Lay reader Norm Starkey remembers you from Dunham as his “summer minister.” You and your team have given us a strong sense of community, of family. Reverend Canon Lettie James, one of our interim priests – and at one time your mentor – had that gift too. Mary, with you as our shepherd, we “did not want”. Your smile, your sermons, your empathy were always uplifting. You will be missed. A happy and healthy retirement as you travel new roads.
– St Thomas, NDG
What fun!
When I was a summer student in Cowansville long ago, Bishop Mary was the rector in Dunham. She told me she considered going shopping with parishioners to be ministry. What fun! This idea freed me into creative outreach like shopping and strawberry picking with Cowansville women, taking 90+ year old Hester Kerr and other parishioners to visit the Sisters of St. Margaret in New Hartford, New York and much more. I am thankful.
– Ros Macgregor
Generosity and clarity
I join other deacons in paying tribute to Mary in whose episcopacy there have been steady advances in the restoration of the diaconate in Montreal and greater visibility and support for their collegial life and expression. My tribute has more personal dimensions as they encompass the decades of my own vocational discernment, formation and diaconal ministry in prison and community chaplaincy, spanning the years of Mary’s own path through studies, ordination, parish ministry and episcopacy, all followed in deeply prayerful and pastoral generosity and clarity about our discipleship.
– Deacon Peter Huish
Memories from decades past
Many of us will be adding thoughts and connections for Bishop Mary to call back up and remember. Mine go back a year or two with family connections. Bishop Mary’s Mom and my Mom became good friends during the charismatic movement that rose in our Diocese during the 1970’s. My first remembrance of Bishop Mary was sitting cross legged, on a table, playing guitar with a friend of mine at Champlain CEGEP, St-Lambert. The second was as being a server at her wedding at St-Barnabas, St-Lambert. Many memories, fun and glorious times.
Blessings on your retirement.
– Rev. Deacon Dave Blizard
And then… I nodded off
Dear Bishop Mary, congratulations and sincere best wishes on your retirement. You will be missed, the warmth of your smile, the peace you brought everywhere you went. If I am correct, the parish of St. Thomas’ in Noyan and St. George in Clarenceville were your first as priest in charge. At a confirmation ceremony years later you presided over the confirmation of my six grandchildren. What a memorable happy day. On another occasion as your crozier bearer, I nodded off at an inopportune moment. I spent the previous night caring for a cow having her first calf and had little sleep. You shared the news with the congregation to the delight of all in attendance. God bless you, Mary.
– Fred Wallet
“For such a time as this…” you were called Mary to be our bishop. Thank you for answering the call. Thank you for your support, your guidance and your prayers over the years. May God bless you and Mark richly as you begin this next step in your lives.
– Jean-Jacques Goulet
Grace
Bishop Mary has worked dedicatedly and with grace to serve this diocese and its many individual parishes. I know that I join many
others in wishing her a fulfilling retirement.
– Hilliard Goldfarb
Come visit!
Congratulations on your retirement. May you have many happy, healthy years ahead in your new home. Thank you for your support to our community. Now that you’re closer, we hope you visit us. All the best,
– Grace Church, Arundel
Now… relax
On behalf of the family of St-Paul’s Church in Dunany, we wish you a wonderful retirement. You have served with a great faith, always under the guidance of our Lord. You gave so much to so many, and we thank you. May you have good health and blessed adventures in this next chapter of your life. Take some time to relax and enjoy the beautiful nature all around you. And continue to share your Christ guided thoughts with all who you will meet.
Love and blessings from
– Wendy Crooks, Robert Percy, June Parker
