To speak in my favourite unsophisticated tongue, I have been an automatic fixture in the congregation of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Topsail, for nearly sixty-nine years. The first fifteen in the old heritage shrine, and then in 1972, in our present place of worship which was consecrated and functional just in time for my son’s baptism—the first in the new church.
I have seen, and worked alongside, and worshipped with many priests since my beginning here in 1957. Each one empowered their own special gifts that I’m sure enhanced and developed our church’s faith immensely. I have joyfully said many hellos, and reluctantly uttered as many goodbyes.
But today, I will concentrate on the present, with my thoughts and feelings confined to our current priest: Canon Jotie Noel. Canon Jotie will be retiring this year, not just from our parish but also from thirty-seven years of ordained ministry.
During a recent Sunday morning sermon, Canon Jotie addressed the congregation announcing his plans. His delivery was a recap or celebration of those years: not just his time with us, but also in recognition of the other parishes who were also blessed by the gift he had portrayed, beginning in Labrador. It was very emotional and difficult for those present to maintain composure while listening to the depth of Canon Jotie’s sincerity that he espoused.
Canon Jotie was and is special. No matter how serious the discourse, he always managed to inject some humour, which enhanced and made the delivery more interesting, often implying that God had a sense of humour. To quote from the wisdom of the late Canon George Earle: “For church life to be lived at its richest, humour must not be confined to the secular, but must permeate the Spiritual.”
Canon Jotie encouraged freedom of speech: to be a listener, not just a deliverer. This meant that any topic or problem could be discussed without prejudice. Canon Jotie will be deeply missed and leaves very big shoes to fill. As his departure marks the culmination of one journey, we wish him and his wife Pauline many happy retirement years on the trip they are now about to embark upon. When one door shuts, another opens.
He who heeds the word wisely will find good,
And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.
– Proverbs 16:20
