Parishes, dioceses, and Anglican-affiliated organizations are invited to register by April 1, 2026, at: www.anglicanfoundation.org/apply/sytk.

Now in its sixth year, Say Yes! to Kids equips local ministry partners with fundraising tools, matching incentives, and communications support to help strengthen programs that serve children, youth, and young people in their own communities. Campaign teams will fundraise locally in the spring, with Say Yes! to Kids Sunday taking place on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

“At the point of registration, we simply ask teams to tell us what the focus of their Say Yes! to Kids fundraiser will be and to share any background information they feel will help us support them and develop a strong team marketing kit,” says Michelle Hauser, AFC’s Development & Communications Officer.

Since its launch in 2021, Say Yes! to Kids has raised nearly $1 million in support for youth-focused ministry nationwide, funding initiatives in areas such as faith formation, mental health, food security, arts and music, outdoor education, and leadership development.

To support teams who are new to the campaign—or those who would like to learn more before registering—AFC will host a series of Say Yes! to Kids Info Sessions via ZOOM throughout February. These sessions will take place on Wednesdays at 12p.m. (EST) on February 4, 11, 18, and 25.

“The info sessions are ideal for newcomers to the campaign or for anyone who is interested but unsure and would like to hear more about how Say Yes! to Kids works,” says Hauser.
Participants can register for a ZOOM Info Session at: www.anglicanfoundation.org/sytkinfosession.

Participation in the 2026 campaign is limited. Teams are encouraged to register early.
For questions or more information, please contact:
Michelle Hauser | Development & Communications Officer, Anglican Foundation of Canada.
Home office: Toll-free at 1-877-354-6387 or text 613-305-8876 | mhauser@anglicanfoundation.org.
www.anglicanfoundation.org | Facebook | YouTube

The post AFC’s Say Yes to Kids 2026 appeared first on Montreal Anglican.

The aim of this work is to prevent, as much as possible, harm experienced within the Church and, where harm does occur, to provide a clear and compassionate framework for responding in ways that remedy or at least mitigate that harm. We are working toward completing this process in time to present the new policy to Diocesan Synod in 2027.

The Committee has been meeting every two weeks over the past several months, including a dedicated meeting with the newly appointed ombudsman. These conversations have been instrumental in clarifying our mandate, deepening our understanding of the issues involved, and preparing us for the significant work ahead.

The members of the Committee are the Ven. Deborah Meister, the Rev. Jen Bourque, Mr. François Morin, Mrs. Nancy Longworth Hamilton, and the Ven. Sophie Rolland. Together, we bring a breadth of experience, expertise, and a shared commitment to justice and compassion.

We are eager to develop a policy that is comprehensive, written in clear and accessible language, and supported by well-defined procedures. Above all, it will be grounded in a victim-focused approach that encourages reporting while minimizing unnecessary complexity and avoiding the risk of compounding trauma for those who come forward.

We expect to provide regular updates to Diocesan Council and Synod. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at montrealsaferchurch@gmail.com.

The post Safe Church Review Committee developing new diocesan policy appeared first on Montreal Anglican.

In these words, Jesus teaches that God’s Kingdom does not follow the logic of the world. Greatness is not marked by visibility or recognition, but by a posture of humble service. Often, this is practised quietly and unseen.

Since 2022, for nine transformative weeks each summer, a group of young Christian adults has been invited to live into this vision of the Kingdom through the Montreal Missions Internship (MMI).
Designed as an action-reflection program, MMI encourages participants to deepen their faith through service, and being attentive to God’s presence. Participants between the ages of 18 and 25 are placed alongside some of Montreal’s most vulnerable communities: refugee claimants navigating uncertainty, migrant workers far from home, low-income families facing systemic barriers, and at-risk youth searching for stability and hope.

What sets this experience apart is not only where participants serve, but how they are invited to serve. From the very first days, the program emphasizes that service is not a solo pursuit or a performance, but a shared way of life. One participant recalled a defining moment from orientation week during a hike up Mount Royal: “I remember we were given the opportunity to take the easier path or the harder path, and everyone chose to take that harder path together. We were panting and we were tired, but we all took that path together… And I felt that was such an impactful moment because you’re on the top of the hill with all these people that have supported you going on your way up.”

That early decision, to take the harder path together, becomes a symbol for the rest of the summer. Some participants may struggle with the workload while others become challenged by the routines and silences. The experience often reshapes their understanding of ministry. Another past participant reflected: “MMI made me realize that ministry isn’t all about preaching or big actions or beautiful vestments. It’s more about the quiet moments—the still, small voice of God in dark places where you wouldn’t expect to hear Him. It’s also about experiencing and taking on the sufferings of the world around us, and—through that—being a light to the world.”

Across shelters, community centres, urban gardens, and neighborhood organizations throughout Montreal, participants encounter Christ not through grand gestures, but through presence.
Each week, the program regroups at the Montreal Diocesan Theological College to reflect on experiences theologically. Participants reflect on what it means to wait anxiously alongside a refugee claimant for a court decision, share meals with migrant workers separated from family, or showing up consistently for young people who experienced traumatic events. In these moments, Scripture begins to feel less distant and more embodied. As one participant shared: “It’s easy to read the Gospels or Paul’s letters and think, ‘This was written 2,000 years ago. Does it really apply to me?’ MMI shows you how the Gospel can be lived out—right here in Montreal.”

By the end of the nine weeks, participants often leave MMI changed. They carry with them a quieter, more grounded faith. They have learned to recognize God’s presence not only in moments of clarity and strength, but also in fatigue and struggle like that first hike up Mount Royal.

I invite you to share this opportunity with young people in your congregations and ministries. Enrollment for the 2026 cohort is now open. Visit our website: montrealmission.ca for more information. This summer, we invite young Christians to join us in serving, reflecting, and discerning together. Participants receive a $5000 stipend for participation in the program. We also invite the church to pray with us in supporting the growth and maturation of the participants.

To learn more about what Montreal Dio has to offer people of all ages, go to www.montrealdio.ca.

The post Who is the Greatest? MMI participants deepen their faith through service. appeared first on Montreal Anglican.

To confirm a nomination, send an email to sbertrand@montreal.anglican.ca with the following:
1. Full name
2. Email address
3. Deanery and parish/church
4. Position for which they are being nominated

OPEN NOMINATIONS

1. Synod Planning Committee (2027–2029)
Synod 2026 must elect eight members, of whom at least six must have been members of Synod in 2026, and at least four must be lay members, for a three-year term.

2. Provincial Synod Delegates for 2027 (Synod Delegates only)
Provincial Synod is scheduled for June 11–12, 2027.
Synod 2026 must elect:
•Two clergy and two lay delegates
•Two alternates of each order
•One lay delegate aged 16–24, plus one alternate

Eligibility & Requirements
• Nominees must be members of Synod at the time of the election.
• Delegates serve until replaced and may be called to special meetings, Synods, or conventions convened by Provincial Synod.
• No person may serve more than three consecutive terms; a three-year gap is required before re-election.
•Nominees must confirm willingness and ability to serve on at least one Provincial Synod committee or task force.

3. Diocesan Council (by Synod 2026)
Synod must elect three clergy and three lay members for a one-year term.
Deanery nominations and independent nominations are accepted.

Nous préparons progressivement la séance de travail du Synode, prévue pour le samedi 20 juin 2026, au bureau du Synode. Les mises en nomination pour les élections au Synode sont maintenant ouvertes. Bien que des nominations puissent également être faites sur place lors du Synode, veuillez transmettre cette information aux membres de votre paroisse ou église.

Pour confirmer une nomination, veuillez m’envoyer un courriel à sbertrand@montreal.anglican.ca incluant toutes les informations suivantes :
1. Nom complet
2. Adresse courriel
3. Doyenné et paroisse/église
4. Poste pour lequel la personne est mise en nomination

NOMINATIONS OUVERTES

1. Comité de planification du Synode (2027–2029)
Le Synode 2026 doit élire huit membres, dont au moins six doivent avoir été membres du Synode en 2026, et au moins quatre doivent être des laïcs, pour un mandat de trois ans.

2. Délégués au Synode provincial 2027 (Délégués du Synode seulement)
Le Synode provincial est prévu les 11 et 12 juin 2027 (lieu à confirmer).
Le Synode 2026 doit élire :
• Deux délégués du clergé et deux délégués laïcs
• Deux substituts pour chaque ordre
• Un délégué laïc âgé de 16 à 24 ans, plus un substitut

Admissibilité et exigences
• Les personnes mises en nomination doivent être membres du Synode au moment de l’élection.
• Les délégués demeurent en poste jusqu’à leur remplacement et peuvent être convoqués à toute réunion extraordinaire, tout synode ou toute convention convoqués par le Synode provincial.
• Nul ne peut exercer plus de trois mandats consécutifs, et une pause de trois ans est requise avant une nouvelle mise en nomination.
• Les personnes mises en nomination doivent confirmer leur volonté et capacité de siéger à au moins un comité ou groupe de travail du Synode provincial.

3. Conseil diocésain (par le Synode 2026)
Le Synode doit élire trois membres du clergé et trois membres laïcs pour un mandat d’un an.
Les nominations provenant des doyennés ainsi que les nominations indépendantes sont acceptées.

The post Synod Nominations Now Open – Nominations Ouvertes appeared first on Montreal Anglican.

Cherie’s life had been unimaginably hard from her beginning and yet, she had such a loving heart. She was determined, resourceful, courageous, loving, giving, a hard worker. Even near the end of her life, managing pain meds, she cheerfully helped fill bags on food bank day. She was in drug rehab more than once, giving it every effort with enormous courage. Now and then, she disappeared, and when she returned to the Mission we’d find she’d been in jail. Did you know sometimes people get themselves jailed mid-winter so they have food and so they don’t freeze to death? I didn’t.

The day before she died, Lori, Missy, and I visited Cherie in hospital. Sitting beside her bed holding her hand, I said, “If you get to heaven before I do, will you come and get me?” (She knew I also have cancer.) Quick as a wink, she replied, “I’ll come as a stray cat.” “Like Belle,” I said. “Yes.” We both understood the meaning. Belle, our Mission cat, was a stray who lived with us for almost 18 years. Everyone belongs at the Mission. Even a little grey cat.

Mile End Mission is a place for stray cats and for stray people whose lives have been and are hard. Our members are no different from the rest of us in that regard. We’re all stray cats looking for a home, a place to belong and people to belong to and with. Some people’s stray cat-ness may be more obvious. Some are better able to hide our stray-catness. We’re all in this life together to love and be loved.

To quote Charlie Mackesy in his book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: “Sometimes I feel lost,” said the boy. “Me too,” said the mole, “but we love you and love brings you home.”
“I think everyone is just trying to get home,” said the mole. Yes.

You’re home, Cherie. Rest in peace, and I’ll be watching for you, but not quite yet.

The post Mile End Mission: A Story of Love, Home, and Stray Cats appeared first on Montreal Anglican.

Nous annonçons avec une profonde tristesse le décès du Dr Richard Edmund Virr, survenu le 23 décembre 2025.
Pendant de nombreuses années, le Dr Virr a servi fidèlement comme archiviste du Diocèse anglican de Montréal, consacrant son énergie à la préservation de notre mémoire diocésaine et soutenant la mission de l’Église avec sagesse, dévouement et générosité.
Nous rendons également grâce pour sa contribution académique remarquable au sein des Collections spéciales de l’Université McGill, où il a exercé les fonctions de conservateur des manuscrits puis de chef conservateur. Son érudition et son leadership ont marqué durablement de nombreux étudiants, chercheurs et collègues.
Selon sa volonté, il sera inhumé à Topeka, Kansas, auprès de ses parents. Les informations concernant les arrangements commémoratifs seront communiquées ultérieurement.
Que Dieu lui accorde le repos éternel et l’entoure de sa paix.

The post Long-time Diocesan Archivist Richard Virr 1942-2025 appeared first on Montreal Anglican.

What are the biggest challenges of serving multiple rural parishes?
The biggest challenge is the geography. From end to end, my region spans almost 100 km. Having multiple Sunday services in different locations often makes it feel like I’m always on the run; there’s never enough time to spend with the first congregation as I dash out the door to the next service. It isn’t easy to connect with people when you’re always on the move.
Another personal challenge is that it’s all too easy to get despondent sometimes. The Anglican landscape of the Eastern Townships has changed significantly in the five years that I’ve been here: I’ve been part of a dozen church closures and building sales. That’s quite something to go through within your first years of ordained ministry! It has been a genuine privilege to walk alongside these congregations in this time of transition, but it is hard and emotional work.

Are there assumptions people make about rural or multi-parish ministry that you’d like to challenge?
A lot of people seem to think that I have an idyllic, easy life in the country. Yet, multiple parishes come with multiple challenges — multiple building problems, multiple personalities, multiple administrations. I have no secretaries or administrative assistants. I spend a lot of time in my car, regularly driving hundreds of kilometres each week. I am the only full-time priest across eight parishes. And, even in those places where we have sold a church building, I still get called upon to do pastoral care or funerals — the building might be gone, but the ministry continues. Life in the country is wonderful, but the work is hard!

How do you manage fatigue and avoid burnout?
I try to make time for things other than the Church, and take full advantage of all that country life has to offer. I love to cross-country ski and hike, I split my own firewood, bake sourdough bread, keep chickens and have a big vegetable garden: I planted 250 garlic bulbs this year! I go to the gym 3-4x a week and I have my rambunctious, but loveable dog, Roxy.

Does anyone help you in your ministry?
I am the only full-time priest, but I am not alone. I am very grateful for the support of two retired priests (Archdeacons Linda Borden Taylor and Tim Smart), as well as two deacons (Randy Gates and Judy Ball) who assist in the area. I have a lay reader who serves in one of the parishes. I am also thankful for the important support of the lay leadership teams that help me in my ministry.

Can you share an example of an initiative that’s made a real difference in the community?
One of my parishes, St. James the Apostle, has a Youth Council. It’s not a youth group or Sunday school, but a group dedicated to fundraising for initiatives that support young people and families in our region. Since 2023, the Youth Council has donated almost $9000.00 to things like Breakfast Programs in elementary schools, which ensure that young students start their day with full stomachs and alert minds.
It is so rewarding to be able to empower and equip the younger generation for leadership, and it is having a direct impact on our parish attendance: we are getting record attendance at Christmas and Easter services, higher numbers than we’ve seen in the past 40 years! The average Sunday attendance is also slowly growing. People want to be part of a good thing.

How do you balance honouring tradition with adapting to change?
I love tradition! I would consider myself a traditional priest: we even had incense at one of my churches on Christmas Eve. But, within that tradition, I strive to make radical space for the newcomer, and especially the next generation.
At St. James the Apostle, we have our Youth Council. Our treasurer is 25 years old and just completed a masters degree in accounting; one of our wardens is in her 30’s and brings her two young daughters with her on Sundays.
Instead of tucking children away in another room, we’ve made a corner for them directly in the church. Don’t get me wrong, I think Christian formation at all ages is important, but this is a way of showing families that they are welcome, that kids belong in church — that kids belong in the liturgy.

What has rural ministry taught you that you might not have learnt elsewhere?
It really feels like in only five years, I’ve had an entire career’s worth of administrative experience: I’ve been involved in a dozen property transitions, I’ve worked with real estate agents, surveyors, lawyers, municipalities, and notaries. I’ve been involved in major construction projects, worked with contractors, spearheaded fundraising campaigns, and applied for grants. I don’t know how many other priests have that level of experience so early on in their careers. I’ve gained some serious business experience!

Do you have any goals for the future?
I recently applied to Carleton University’s program for Philanthropy and Non-Profit Leadership. The structures that have sustained the Church for decades are no longer working: we need to pivot, we need to adapt. My learning goals for the program are to build greater confidence in envisioning and implementing strategic planning, and better ease in navigating the challenges of constrained budgets and limited resources. I want to be more capable of leadership in the Church of tomorrow.

The post The challenges and Joys of a Multi-parish Ministry appeared first on Montreal Anglican.

During my years as a parish priest, gatherings such as these were among the most meaningful and memorable moments in our shared walk with God. In that same spirit, we have invited members of La Nativité to help bring this vision to life, offering a diverse culinary and cultural experience—only now, I am serving as your Bishop, and this dinner is an offering to the whole diocese.

This gathering is a chance to savour good food and reconnect with one another, while supporting the work of the Anglican Diocese of Montreal.

In alignment with my core values, I have chosen to dedicate funds from this dinner to support youth ministry. I am committed to creating opportunities to listen to our young people as we look towards building a strong sustainable future. Your presence at our dinner will not only enrich the evening, but help ensure that our shared witness of faith, hope, and love continues to flourish for many years to come.

In order to accommodate families, we will offer a child-friendly meal, while an animator will lead activities for children so that parents can relax and enjoy themselves.
We hope you can join us. For tickets montreal.anglican.ca.

Dîner printanier de l’évêque 2026

Je vous invite à vous joindre à moi et à mon équipe pour un dîner spécial de collecte de fonds afin de célébrer la communauté, la culture et notre communion chrétienne unique.

Au cours de mes années en tant que prêtre de paroisse, les rassemblements comme celui-ci ont été parmi les moments les plus significatifs et mémorables de notre cheminement commun avec Dieu. Dans le même esprit, nous avons invité les membres de La Nativité à nous aider à concrétiser cette vision en proposant une expérience culinaire et culturelle diversifiée. Aujourd’hui, je suis votre évêque, et ce dîner est une offrande à l’ensemble du diocèse.

Cette réunion est l’occasion de savourer une cuisine riche en traditions culturelles, de partager des conversations enrichissantes, de renouer des liens et de soutenir généreusement le travail du Diocèse anglican de Montréal.

Conformément à mes valeurs fondamentales, j’ai choisi de consacrer les fonds récoltés lors de ce dîner au soutien de la pastorale des jeunes. Je m’engage à créer des occasions d’écouter nos jeunes alors que nous cherchons à bâtir un avenir solide et durable. Votre présence à mon dîner enrichira non seulement la soirée, mais contribuera également à faire en sorte que notre témoignage commun de foi, d’espoir et d’amour continue de s’épanouir pendant de nombreuses années.

Pour accueillir les familles, nous proposerons un repas adapté aux enfants, tandis qu’un animateur organisera des activités pour les enfants afin que les parents puissent se détendre et profiter pleinement de leur séjour.

Nous espérons que vous pourrez vous joindre à nous. Pour acheter vos billets, rendez-vous sure www.montreal.anglican.ca.

The post Bishop’s Spring Dinner 2026 appeared first on Montreal Anglican.

Our 2026 program,”One of Us” is very dear to our hearts as it was first created exclusively by the CTM community to celebrate the milennium. It includes lovely handcrafted slides designed by talented Montreal artists, telling the story of Jesus’ birth and childhood as recounted in the Gospel of Luke.

Each day the campers will experience one of these five exciting stories: “Mary’s Surprise”, “Born in a Stable,” “Let’s go to Bethlehem”, “Taken to the Temple” and “Talking with the Teachers” The program unpacks the stories through songs and games, small groups and creative media, including liturgical dance – all geared to children of 4-12 years.

Program Options

Classic Day Camp
A locally-led program for churches & communities with five days of content, lasting 5 hours per day. Cost: 500$

The Extended Day Manual
Additional resources to extend content to 8 hours, per day.Cost: 50$

Backyard Day Camp
A program for smaller host communities unable to mount a full-day program. This version includes five two and a half hour-long sessions, with content from the 5 Daily Stories including slides, sing-along songs, small group materials, creative activities, games and daily challenges. Cost: $250

Visit the Day Camps section of the CTM website for further promo details. The fillable application form for 2026 may be accessed here.
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact our office at any time.

Valerie Taylor,
Day Camp Director
Mobile- 514-481-1414
office@crosstalkministries.ca

The post CTM Day Camps 2026 appeared first on Montreal Anglican.

From parish and committee members to youth group leaders—both lay and ordained—he called us to recognize that we are one body in Christ, each performing unique tasks toward a shared mission.

Let’s make this solidarity tangible. Together, we can be supporters, allies, leaders, and advocates for children, youth, and family ministry. To help nurture that unity, we invite you to join a monthly Zoom gathering—a brief but meaningful time of prayer, connection, inspiration, and networking.

Your opinions, experiences, insights, and ideas are deeply valued.
• If you are not currently leading a program for children or youth — you are welcome.
• If you once served in that capacity but no longer do — you are welcome.
• If you feel called to begin serving — you are welcome.
• If you simply value ministry with young people and wish to support those who do — you are very much welcome.

Let’s come together, strengthen one another, and continue building up the body of Christ—one conversation, one prayer, one act of support at a time.
Monthly at noon on Zoom mtlyouth@montreal.anglican.ca

The post Let’s Stick Together appeared first on Montreal Anglican.