Diocesan Appointments
Bishop Anne Germond is pleased to announce new appointments across the Diocese of Algoma, including the Rev. Paul Baskcomb, the Rev. Brad Mittleholz, Ms. Sandy Drindak, and Ms. Brenda O’Neill. The Diocese gives thanks for their willingness to serve and for those who have faithfully completed their ministries.
Ordination to the Priesthood: The Rev. Dean Jobin-Bevans
The Diocese of Algoma rejoices to announce that the Rev. Dean Jobin-Bevans will be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Thunder Bay. All are welcome to attend this joyful celebration of faith and ministry on the Feast of St. Nicholas.
A Prayer for Times of Economic Uncertainty
Archbishop Anne Germond offers words of comfort and a prayer for communities and families across Algoma facing uncertainty following recent economic challenges. She calls the Church to respond with compassion, steadiness, and prayer — reminding us that our worth is not measured by economic security, but by our belonging to God and one another.
A Visit to St. John’s, Garden River
As part of her fall schedule, Archbishop Anne Germond visited St. John’s, Garden River with Archdeacon Roberta Wilson-Garrett to meet with parish elders, offer encouragement, and pray with the community as they continue to grieve the loss of Deacon Lana. The visit also celebrated the appointment of Aydne Grawbarger as Lay Reader.
Seasons & Saints – October 23
As All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day approach, Rev. Susan Montague-Koyle unpacks what makes these observances distinct — and why only one is a Principal Feast of the Church. Learn how All Saints’ connects to baptism, the communion of saints, and the hope we share with those who have gone before us.
Fall Deanery Councils
As deanery councils gather across Algoma this fall, Archbishop Anne Germond shares a message of encouragement and prayer for all who serve in ministry. “In times of uncertainty, when the weight of ministry feels heavy and resources seem few, remember this — you are not alone… God has always done God’s most powerful work through small, unlikely, and even weary vessels.”
Seasons & Saints – October 16
Continuing her reflection on blessings, Rev. Susan Montague-Koyle invites us to rediscover what it truly means to be “blessed.” Drawing on the Hebrew roots of the word barak, she reminds us that to bless is to adore — and that God’s blessing means nothing less than being loved and accompanied by God.
Bearing Witness
The Diocese of Algoma joins Anglicans across Canada in congratulating the Rev. Maggie Helwig, priest at St. Stephen-in-the-Fields, Toronto, on winning the 2025 Toronto Book Award for Encampment. Her work invites readers to see and respond with compassion to the realities of unhoused life and the Church’s call to presence.
Christmas Gift Bags for Seafarers
As the holiday season approaches, the Mission to Seafarers: Port of Thunder Bay is preparing 266 Christmas Gift Bags for international crew members who will be far from home this December. Donations of warm clothing, toiletries, and treats are needed by November 18 to help share comfort and care across the waters.
Fall Deanery Meetings
As autumn unfolds across Algoma, our five deanery councils are gathering for their fall meetings — times of prayer, collaboration, and discernment about the life and mission of the Church in each region. Archbishop Anne reminds us that “we stay together by the spiritual practice of being together.” This fall, we give thanks for the faithful ministry of our deanery councils and all who serve within them.