Years ago, when his parish priest asked him if he’d ever felt called to the priesthood, the Rev. Robert McLean’s answer was an emphatic no.

“I shut it down immediately!” he said. “But about a year later, I felt the call.”

Robert is the new rector in both parishes of New Maryland and Fredericton Junction. He comes to New Brunswick from Jamaica, by way of Labrador.

Here is the story of his journey.

A Celebration of New Ministry of the Rev. David Smith in the Parish of Grand Manan will occur Tuesday, Oct.17 at 4 p.m., at St. Paul's in Grand Harbour. 

The Rev. Ann Fairweather is appointed interim chaplain at the Saint John Regional and St. Joseph’s Hospitals effective mid-October until a permanent appointment can be made.

This core training for Storytellers will be offered in modules over both weekends.

It is an opportunity to learn about Godly Play and supporting children’s spirituality. It also includes experiencing a variety of Godly Play stories, telling a story by heart, and receiving supportive feedback.

See the Godly Play Maritimes site for further details and to register.

Godly Play is a creative approach to nurturing children’s faith. It values process, openness, discovery, community, and relationships. And it supports children in being more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives.

Oct. 18, 5:30   The parishes of Andover and Denmark will hold their first Supper Church at St. Ansgar’s. Bring an appetite for supper, fellowship and the Holy Spirit. A basket for free-will offering will be placed at the door. The Rev. Harold Boomer will be in the kitchen using his Nanny Boomer's baked ham, potato scallop and gingerbread recipes (Kings County favorites) while everyone gathers during the afternoon to play cards and chat. All are welcome, all are family.

Saturday, Oct. 28 9 a.m.-1 p.m.   The Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd, 8772 Main Street, Florenceville-Bristol, will be giving away winter clothing. Enjoy free coffee and muffins while you browse. For more info: Sherry (506-391-5219) or Wilma (506-278-3229). 

Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.   Christmas Bazaar at Christ Church (Parish) Church, 245 Westmorland St., Fredericton. Christmas cooking and crafts, silent auction and new-to-you items. The Church Closet, featuring clothing and books, will be operating, as will a Christmas café. Cash only.

Suggestions for how to mark Clergy Apprecation Month from Cheryl Ann Beals and baptist-atlantic.ca:

• Ask your pastor – Did you get your Sabbath/days off this week?
  • Encourage your pastor to take care of physical health by exercising and going for walks.
  • Expect and encourage the pastor to take his/her full allotment of vacation time each year and to not return from vacation to perform funerals, etc. whenever possible. Help the pastor arrange for pastoral care coverage while he/she is on vacation.
  • Encourage your pastor in their self-care and soul-care.
  • Avoid scheduling church meetings or activities requiring the pastor’s presence more than two nights a week.
  • Your pastor is a spiritual leader and needs time to be with God.
  • Remember important milestones and dates in the life of your pastor and family.
  • Remember that the way we treat our spiritual leaders reflects on our love and obedience to God.
  • Celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month – Pick a Sunday in October and thank them publicly!

Meeting at Christ Church Cathedral and/or Memorial Hall, 150 and 168 Church St., Fredericton.

Lunch will be provided.

Contact 506-459-1801 (x1001) or cheryl.jacobs@anglican.nb.ca if you have questions.

Two room vacancies for seniors!
For information or a tour, contact Judy:  506-455-6443.

During Spiritual Care Awareness Week, dioceses and parishes are encouraged to honour and offer prayer for those who exercise ministries of spiritual care. Sometimes called chaplains or pastoral care ministers, these lay people and clergy work to bring the light of Christ, the love of God, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit to many.

Download Resource (PDF)

Join friends from across the diocese and beyond for a 24-hour Advent breakaway. Our Advent Retreat is open to anyone (Anglican or not) who is looking for a moment to pause and reflect on the true meaning of the season.

Our retreat leader (teacher), Fr. Bill Brennan (Priest - St. Kateri Tekakwitha Roman Catholic Parish, Hanwell NB) is well-known to many in retreat circles in the Maritimes. 

All are welcome - pre-registration is required.

Costs - Overnight: $140 | Couples: $215 | Commuter: $95 (meals included) 

Registration deadline is November 29, 2023; spaces are limited. (Some bursary funding is available.)

For more information, contact Shawn Branch: 506-459-1801 ext 1008.