On November 30th, 2025, the First Sunday in Advent, Bishop Sam Rose ordained The Rev’d Pamela Norman to the Sacred Order of Deacons at the Church of St. Matthew in Bay Roberts

The post The Rev’d Pamela Norman Ordained Deacon appeared first on Anglican Life.

The post New Diocesan Administrator in Diocese of Western Newfoundland appeared first on Anglican Life.

The post ACW gives money to St. James’, Port aux Basques appeared first on Anglican Life.

The post The Rev’d George Critchell Retires appeared first on Anglican Life.

On April 11, Bishop John Organ ordained the Rev’d Annie Rose to the priesthood in Isle aux Morts, in the parish of Isle aux Morts, Margaree, Foxroost.

The Rev’d Dr. Bonnie Morgan ordained a priest in Upper Gullies

On April 29, Bishop Samuel Rose ordained the Rev’d Dr. Bonnie Morgan to the priesthood in St. Peter’s Church, Upper Gullies

The post Ordinations appeared first on Anglican Life.

That’s how the old rhyme goes. But here in Atlantic Canada, we know winter doesn’t just pack up and leave in February—global warming or not. Over the years, Anglican Life has shared a few articles about Candlemas, one of the oldest Christian celebrations, but I think that it’s worth revisiting and thinking about again.

On February 2nd, Christmas is officially over. In medieval times, people believed that decorations left up after Candlemas might attract goblins! So, if your tree is still up, now’s the time to take it down—just in case.

These days, we don’t believe in goblins, and most people take their decorations down long before Candlemas. In fact, some folks are so eager to be done that their trees are out on the curb on Boxing Day! But goblins or not, it’s worth remembering that many Christian traditions are tied to older customs. Some people see this as a bad thing, but it’s really a strength. The Church has always taken what’s familiar and reshaped it through the lens of the Gospel.

Candlemas customs, like the blessing of candles, remind us that Christ is the light of the world. These rituals come from older traditions of lighting fires to push back the darkness of winter. In farming communities, Candlemas also marked the turning of the year—a time to prepare for the season ahead. Instead of fighting these connections, the Church embraced them, blending Scripture with everyday life.

In pre-Christian England, February was a time for purification and seasonal change. The Anglo-Saxons celebrated Imbolc, honouring Brigid, a goddess of fertility and light. The Church lined up Candlemas with these traditions, focusing on Jesus as the light who shines in the darkness. Based on Luke 2:22–40, Candlemas celebrates Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus to the temple, where Simeon recognised him as “a light to lighten the Gentiles.”

All of this came to North America with settlers and is still part of the Anglican Church of Canada today. Such traditions remind us that the Church isn’t separate from the world, but works within it—faith can make the ordinary sacred.

Candlemas invites us to take some time and reflect during the dark days of winter—February is a short month, but a cold and dark one. It’s a reminder that Christianity is not just about abandoning ancient stories and customs. By taking old traditions and connecting them to the message of Christ, Candlemas shows us how the light of the Gospel shines through every part of life, bringing warmth and hope to all who seek it. Whether through candlelight, community, or simple moments of reflection, this feast is important to keep, to inspire and remind us that even in the darkest times, light is never far away.

The post Candlemas: Old Traditions Through A Christian Lens appeared first on Anglican Life.

PWRDF was originally founded in response to a 1958 mining disaster in Springhill, N.S., leading Anglicans nationwide to support affected families. Established in 1959, it expanded to include “Development” in 1969. Last year, PWRDF collaborated with over 70 partners in 32 countries and was named among the 2024 Charity Intelligence Top 100 Charities.

Ottawa-based Cyan Solutions facilitated discussions that highlighted a theme of partnership and accompaniment, inspired by the biblical story of Jesus walking alongside disciples on the road to Emmaus. This story symbolizes the spirit of support and companionship that defines Alongside Hope’s mission, striving for global change through mutual care and solidarity.

The transition to Alongside Hope will take place over the next year, with updates to the website and social media scheduled for March 1, 2025. The iconic colourful globe logo will remain, aiding brand recognition during this shift. Alongside Hope reflects a commitment to walking alongside partners for a better world, embodying hope through shared efforts. Further details and FAQs will be provided in upcoming communications on the website, and questions can be directed by email to: pwrdf@pwrdf.org.

-written with information from the press release for the name change approval for PWRDF; for more information, please see: https://pwrdf.org/membership-approves-new-name-for-pwrdf/

The post New Name Approved for PWRDF appeared first on Anglican Life.

At the “Out in Faith” event this year, there was a feeling of increased concern with rising hatred and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community—that the world is once again turning to homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, etc. As a Church, it is essential to stand up against such hate, and to reassure everyone that God loves us, just as we are.

The post PRIDE 2024 appeared first on Anglican Life.

The post Heads Without Beds 2024—Home Again Furniture Bank appeared first on Anglican Life.

The above three photographs are: a group shot from the ordination of The Rev’d Rowena Payne, Rev’d Rowena cutting her cake, and Bishop Rose with Rev’d Rowena, all taken on the day of her ordination, February 25th, 2024 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Labrador City. 

The post The Rev’d Rowena Payne Ordained to the Priesthood appeared first on Anglican Life.