Ordained in 2016, Don has served as a parish priest in two parishes, most recently Christ Church in Bolton. Prior to ordination, Don spent close to 15 years in ministry in educational and parish settings.

Don completed his university studies at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a degree in German Literature and Philosophy. Following university he went on to seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, and continued graduated studies, later receiving a Master of Arts in Systematic Theology.

After leaving seminary, Don taught theology for a few years at a Catholic high school. He later served at a large inter-city parish, the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, with youth and young adults, promoting faith and spiritual life and community engagement. While there, Don was invited to serve as an adjunct theology faculty member at the University of St. Thomas. His work with university students led him to become an associate director of university ministries in addition to serving on the faculty. While at St. Thomas, Don advocated for greater inclusion for LGBTQ persons as well as students of other religious traditions, in particular Muslim students.

While Don was raised Catholic, his faith journey led him to the Episcopal Church while he was teaching at university. Shortly after arriving in Canada, he was received into the Anglican Communion. The rich and diverse spiritual, theological, and liturgical tradition of the church drew him to Anglican expression of Christianity.

Originally from the United States, Don immigrated to Canada over ten years ago with his partner Roman. They both became Canadian citizens a few years ago. In addition to his partner, Don has family in Minnesota, including his parents Linda and Richard, two brothers and their wives, as well as many nephews and nieces.

Don enjoys hiking, going for long walks, running, biking, and travel and getting to know new people and cultures. An avid reader, Don enjoys reading and learning more about history, politics, science, philosophy, and theology. His love for reading and writing was further deepened while working in publishing, initially in the field of marketing and later as acquisitions editor.

But call me Stephen, please! And if you must, Fr. Stephen is fine (wink emoji).

I am delighted that Fr. Don asked Bishop Andrew to appointment me as your Honorary Assistant. I am very pleased to accept this appointment to St. Anne’s.

I retired December 31st 2019 having served the Diocese of Toronto for thirty-one years as a parish priest. I particularly love congregations and the way they form and establish a kind of outpost of Jesus’ Kingdom of God in a neighbourhood. No congregation is perfect but all are an expression of the Body of Christ- I’ve seen my role as one of both forming individuals and building congregations. You may be interested in reading about my experience in my last congregation, the Church of the Epiphany and St. Mark: https://institute.wycliffecollege.ca/2019/10/how-a-dying-church-came-back-to-life/

Being a Diocesan priest is not only a focus on the congregation you serve but ministry to the wider church. For about 15 years I served the Diocese and National Church in developing and administering our misconduct policies (when I was ordained in 1990 there was no such policy in place) and developed a process of healing for congregations that had received terrible news and had a crisis to face. This was unfortunate but necessary work.

But the work I loved was developing a teaching bible for congregations as well as Wycliffe’s Lay Education program. I also enjoyed in the working with Bp. Jenny when she was Diocesan Missioner writing courses and being on the board of the Fresh Expressions Working Group. Most importantly (and where my deepest concern lay) since 2006 working as chair of Diocesan Environmental Working Group which has now morphed into the Bishop’s Committee for Creation Care (BCCC) where I now chair two subcommittees.

I retired early so that I ‘could do more things.’ Notably hang out and travel with my partner of 20 years, Jim. But along with the BCCC I am now on the board of AURA- Anglican United Refugee Alliance. With climate change comes massive human displacement and migration and our nation needs to respond to that, make room and be hospitable.

Among the ‘more things’ are my interests - gardening, cycling, literature, walking and pilgrimages, movies and theatre, and most recently yoga (who knew my 60-year-old body could bend like that!), working out, cooking and hosting, and I can’t forget all music but especially jazz.

Again, I am delighted to be with St. Anne’s and I look forward to serving Fr. Don and you in the years to come.

Mervin is the founding director of the Toronto Beach Chorale, the Artistic Director of the MCS Chorus of Mississauga, and conductor of the PCS Singers of Brampton and the National Award-winning Esprit Chamber Choir. Mervin is a strong proponent of arts education, Mervin presents an innovative and successful interactive arts education program for elementary school students in the Peel School Board. Integrating Canadian visual art, poetry, and music, the program showcases a song cycle inspired by Group of Seven paintings and poetry written by young people.

A graduate of the University of Toronto Faculty of Music (MUS BAC), he has diplomas in vocal performance and vocal pedagogy from the Royal Conservatory of Music, as well as a Colleague diploma and a Certificate in Service Playing from the Royal Canadian College of Organists.

Mervin is a wonderful vocal coach who inspires joyful singing.

As the Parish Administrator, I lead the administration and communications for St. Anne’s. I enjoy the amazing energy and creativity of the people in our St. Anne’s community. I appreciate the deep respect here for the continuity of past, present and future. You will hear my voice if you call the church, and I look forward to greeting you when you visit.

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Mary Lou is a communications specialist, with extensive experience with local newspapers and volunteer organizations as an editor and writer. Her academic background is in Canadian history, and German Language and Literature. She is passionate about social justice issues. She is a member of the Diocesan HIV/AIDS Network, and has a special interest in environmental stewardship. Mary Lou is an active member of Rotary International and Girl Guides of Canada. A self-proclaimed "people person", she also loves gardening, reading, and swimming.

Thomas is the videographer for St. Anne's Anglican Church. He has a college diploma from Humber College in Broadcast Television/Videography.

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Thomas likes to go for walks around different parts of the city, likes photographing birds, and likes to explore different coffee shops in the city.

From top left to bottom right:
Marc Potvin, Peter Gorman, David Roeder, and Merlin Homer