Dear Siblings in Christ, 

It is with regret that I have to share with you that Anne Kessler will be leaving her position as Children, Youth, and Families Ministry Coordinator effective September 30, 2020.

This has been an extremely difficult decision for the Cathedral to make. Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the Cathedral’s operations, including the restrictions on our ability to gather in person, the Cathedral will not be maintaining this position within our staffing structure following Anne’s departure. It is the Cathedral’s hope, and indeed, our intention, to restructure and revive this position, as circumstances permit and our needs require.

As part of this process, the Rev. Helen Dunn and Anne will be hosting a series of virtual “Town Halls” in September prior to Anne’s departure to gather feedback, particularly from children, youth, and families, as to what parishioners’ hopes and dreams are for Children, Youth, and Family Ministries at the Cathedral in a COVID-19 world. Please contact helen@thecathedral.ca or youth@thecathedral.ca if you would like to attend one of these gatherings.

Anne’s ministry at the Cathedral has been extraordinary. In a mere four years she built up the Children, Youth, and Family Ministry with programs of incredible depth and integrity. She is much-loved by Cathedral families and especially by the young people in Cathedral and Diocesan youth ministry networks. Inviting people to make Children, Youth, and Family Ministry a part of their everyday lives is Anne’s specialty, and the inter-generational roster of clergy and lay volunteers Anne leaves behind is an incredible gift to the Cathedral.

As part of her work as Children, Youth, and Families Ministry Coordinator, Anne has been a member of the Cathedral’s pastoral staff team. She has quickly become a trusted colleague and confidante among the Cathedral clergy and a leading voice in pastoral care. We will miss Anne’s teaching, storytelling, and preaching—anyone who’s had the privilege of “sitting at the feet” of one of Anne’s sermons or Godly Play stories knows what a transformational experience it is to be in Anne’s presence.

Anne will be taking time for rest and reflection before beginning some preparatory courses towards teacher training in January 2021. Before that, though, we want to celebrate Anne’s ministry. As far as you feel comfortable, please do plan to attend the Cathedral families outdoor picnic on Saturday, August 22 or reach out by email to wish Anne farewell. Please email youth@thecathedral.ca to register for the picnic.

For all that Anne has been and will be, we give thanks to God!

On behalf of the Cathedral Wardens and Trustees,
The Reverend Dr. Christopher A. Pappas, Rector
The Reverend Helen Dunn, Vicar