Skip To Content
Bulletin Board

Bulletin Board Sept. 22

Graphic of a bulletin board with notices taped up. One of the papers reads "Bulletin Board."

Bulletin Board is the Diocese’s bi-weekly e-bulletin for clergy and lay leaders. To submit an item, email [email protected]. Add your parish events to the online calendar. To receive Bulletin Board in your inbox, sign up online.

Diocesan business

Minimum wage to increase 

The minimum wage rates in Ontario will increase on Oct. 1. The increase to the general minimum wage is $0.35, which will bring the new rate to $17.95 an hour. If you have any employees being paid minimum wage, make sure you change their wage rate. For more information, visit the Government of Ontario website. 

Help update the Outreach Prayer Cycle 

The Diocesan Outreach Prayer Cycle follows the Sundays of the church year from Advent 1 through the Reign of Christ. The entries will be updated for each parish to have the new 2026-27 cycle ready for the first Sunday of Advent on Nov. 29. Review your parish entry on the current cycle and send any updates to Elin Goulden at [email protected] by Nov. 16.  

External email autoforwarding disabled
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen information security and protect sensitive data, automatic email forwarding from diocesanprovided email accounts to external email addresses was disabled on June 30. Emails can no longer be automatically forwarded outside the organization, and any existing external autoforwarding rules have been disabled. This change helps prevent unauthorized data sharing and reduces exposure to phishing and account compromise risks. If you don’t have direct access to your diocesanprovided email account (including priest, administrator and churchwarden accounts), contact Loretta Manuelpillai, IT coordinator, at [email protected]. 

CRA announces processing change for form T1213 

The 2026 T1213 package for clergy receiving a housing allowance was emailed in June and July. Clergy living in a rectory don’t need to apply using this form. The Diocese has been advised that there has been a processing change by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). You can submit your 2027 T1213 package starting Oct. 1, 2026. If you have already submitted your T1213 package, you’ll receive a letter from CRA to re-submit your T1213 package on Oct. 1. If you receive a housing allowance and haven’t yet received your T1213 package, contact Keri Stilling at [email protected] or 647-578-9747 (1-800-668-8932). 

Changes coming to billing statements 

Starting October 2026, the diocesan invoice containing monthly parish allotments and payroll for clergy will be sent on the 20th of the month instead of the 10th. This is to streamline the billing and payroll processes at the Diocese. Statements will continue to be sent to the parish churchwarden diocesan email account ([email protected]). Make sure the invoice is paid monthly in a timely manner. If you have any questions, contact Keri Stilling at [email protected]. 

Risk and Governance meeting dates posted 

Checklists for low-risk agreements and renovations costing less than $100,000 should be sent to [email protected]. Residential agreements (yellow checklist) should be reviewed by the Property department before execution. The upcoming dates and deadlines to submit documentation for the Risk & Governance committee are: 

  • Sept. 24 deadline for Oct. 8 meeting 
  • Oct. 29 deadline for Nov.12 meeting 
  • Nov. 26 deadline for Dec. 10 meeting 
  • Dec. 10 deadline for Jan. 14 meeting 

XpressChek address changed
XpressChek has a new mailing address. Effective immediately, any mail sent to XpressChek should be sent to 110 Cumberland St., Suite 240, Toronto, ON M5R 3V5. Make sure you’re using the newest forms when processing requests. The forms and instructions are included in Appendix M – Police Record Check on the Screening Forms and Resources page of the diocesan website. The individual responsible for coordinating the Responsible Ministry: Screening in Faith steps at your parish should be made aware of this information. 

 

Diocesan events

Resources available for Orange Shirt Day 

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is on Sept. 30. Visit the Truth and Reconciliation page of the diocesan website for worship, preaching and teaching resources. Contact the Rev. Leigh Kern, Right Relations coordinator, at [email protected] if you have any questions or need support. 

Anglicans to march in rally 

On Sept. 23, join Bishop Andrew Asbil and Anglicans from across the Diocese for the River Run march and rally in solidarity with Grassy Narrows First Nation and their demands for fair compensation for mercury contamination and an end to the pollution and exploitation that threaten the health of their community, lands and waters. The group will meet at 11:30 a.m. at St. George, Grange Park, 30 Stephanie St., for a brief time of prayer before joining the rally, which starts from Grange Park at noon. RSVP to Elin Goulden at [email protected] or the Rev. Leigh Kern at [email protected]. 

Register for September property workshop 

The Property Resources department will be hosting a workshop on Sept. 23 from 4-5:30 p.m. Learn about external grant opportunities, practical templates and sample documents and explore a growing directory of professional service providers. Sign up online. 

Event considers Anglican response to colonialism 

St. John, York Mills invites all to join them on Sept. 30 from 7-8:30 p.m. for a conversation with guests Nancy Hurn (former Anglican Church of Canada archivist) and Dorothy Peers (widow of the late Primate Michael Peers) on Anglican involvement in colonialism and residential schools and moving to a place of reconciliation. Refreshments from Indigenous caterers Tea N Bannock will be served.  

All are welcome to attend Michaelmas service  

National Indigenous Archbishop Chris Harper will preach and preside from the throne at Michaelmas High Mass on Sept. 29 at St. Thomas, Huron Street, 383 Huron St., at 6:30 p.m. A reception will follow the service in the parish hall. 

Register now for diocesan Outreach & Advocacy Conference
The diocesan Outreach & Advocacy Conference will be held on Oct. 17. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Dean Detloff, the research and advocacy officer of Development & Peace – Caritas Canada and a sessional faculty member at the Institute for Christian Studies. He will address the theme of “The Church as a Catalyst for Liberation.” Afternoon workshops will feature members of our Diocese engaged in bringing liberative and transformative practices to local justice issues. Registration is open now on the diocesan website. 

Opportunity to learn about wills and estate planning 

Hosted by the Anglican Diocese of Toronto Foundation, learn about wills, estate planning and charitable giving on Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at All Saints, Whitby. Discover how your legacy can reflect your values and strengthen ministry. Hear from experts and ask your questions in a supportive setting. Register by emailing [email protected]. Registration is open to the first 40 people and closes on Oct. 16. 

Session considers accessible worship 

The next Shop Talk will be “Grounded in Belonging: Theology of Accessibility and Inclusion,” a live Zoom session on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. Accessibility is more than ramps, captions and technology. It begins with our understanding of belonging, community and the image of God in every person. Featuring the Rev. Canon Maggie Helwig, the session will explore how theology shapes decisions and actions around ability, accessibility and inclusion in online, hybrid and in-person worship. Whether you are clergy, lay leader, worship planner, tech volunteer or congregational leader, this conversation will offer both inspiration and practical insights. Sign up online.   

Diocese celebrates 50th anniversary of women’s ordination
The Diocese of Toronto is marking the milestone anniversary of women’s ordination to the priesthood in the Anglican Church of Canada by hosting two events. On Oct. 15 from 12-3 p.m., a service of Holy Eucharist will be held at St. James Cathedral for ordained women priests (active and retired), followed by a catered lunch in Snell Hall. Confirm your attendance at the lunch and any food allergies by emailing Aimen Akbar at [email protected]. On Oct. 18 at 4:30 p.m., there will be a joyful service of Evensong at St. James Cathedral open to all, with a light reception to follow. Bishop Riscylla Shaw will be the preacher, and women priests are invited to vest (choir dress: cassock, surplice, tippet and hood) and process. RSVP to Amanda Lowry at [email protected] for preferred seating and arrive at Snell Hall by 3:45 p.m. 

Event supports Indigenous clean water initiatives 

Founded in 2011 by the late Rev. Shelagh Ashworth, the Schomberg Country Run is an annual community event that has raised tens of thousands of dollars to promote reconciliation through the support of Indigenous clean water initiatives. This year’s 5K run will take place on Sept. 26 starting from St. Mary Magdalene, 116 Church St., Schomberg, at 9 a.m. Learn more, register as a runner or walker or make a donation on the event website. 

Priest speaks about book 

On Saturday, Sept. 26, St. Michael and All Angels is hosting Father Stephen Ojapah, a Catholic priest and survivor of Boko Haram’s violence in northern Nigeria for a presentation about his book Tears and Torture. To learn more, visit the event registration page. 

 

External events

Parish administrators invited to conference
The Professional Church Secretaries and Administrators Association invites church administrators to its conference on Oct. 18-20 at Lambton Centre in Lambton Shores, Ont. This annual event provides a program specifically geared to this unique job. See the PCSA website to register.  

Annual fundraiser supports refugees 

Walk ‘N Roll is an annual fundraiser to help refugees find freedom in Canada. This fall, the Anglican United Refugee Alliance (AURA) invites parish groups, families, neighbours, sponsors, former refugees and other AURA supporters to host small local events – walks, rides, book clubs, garden tours and more – to raise funds and awareness for AURA’s work supporting refugee sponsorships. Visit the Walk ‘N Roll website to learn more, sign up and/or donate. 

 

Resources

Website provides liturgy materials 

The Playful Liturgy website features videos and supporting materials for playful and creative intergenerational liturgy. It is inspired by the work of Douglas Cowling and generously funded by a grant in his memory, the Douglas C. Cowling Bursary in Liturgical Music. 

Grants strengthen communities
Applications are open for the 2026 Community Impact Grant Program from Ecclesiastical Insurance. In past years, Ecclesiastical has awarded $7 million across more than 700 charitable organizations who deliver programs that strengthen communities and improve lives across Canada. This year, the giving will be focused on job security, education and job training, health and wellbeing, arts and culture, and environmental sustainability. Applications close Oct. 16. Learn more on Ecclesiastical’s website. 

Global movement celebrates creation
The Season of Creation is a global ecumenical movement of prayer and action for the care of creation from Sept. 1 to Oct. 4. The theme for this year is “Living Water.” Resources from the Bishop’s Committee on Creation Care, as well as from the Anglican Church of Canada and global sources, are available on the Creation Care web page. 

Guide considers municipal elections 

Municipal elections will be held across Ontario on Oct. 26. Municipal governments have a direct impact on the daily lives of people in our communities, and an election campaign provides an excellent opportunity to consider how to work for the common good. The Social Justice & Advocacy Committee has produced a resource outlining municipal governance, key dates and examples of questions to candidates. You can find it on the Social Justice and Advocacy page.

 

Job postings

Parish seeks organist and choir director 

St. Andrew, Scarborough is seeking a part-time organist and choir director to assume music leadership in the church, with a focus on choral and organ music. The ideal candidate will welcome the challenge of inspiring new members while invigorating the music ministry of the church. Working collaboratively with the incumbent and volunteer choir, the successful candidate will conduct weekly rehearsals, Sunday morning worship and seasonal and special services. See the full job post for more details.  

Diocesan Response Team seeking volunteers 

The Diocesan Response Team is an important ministry that supports the work of the Canon Pastor in the Diocese of Toronto. The Canon Pastor and DRT are responsible for investigating incidents and complaints under both the Diocesan Sexual Misconduct Policy and Diocesan Harassment Policy (when a cleric is involved). See the full volunteer post for more details. 

Parish seeking choir director 

St. Dunstan of Canterbury is seeking a part-time choir director to lead and nurture a vibrant music ministry that enriches worship and fosters congregational participation. Working collaboratively with the rector, organist and dedicated volunteer choir, the successful candidate will conduct weekly rehearsals and Sunday worship, help select music shaped by the Anglican liturgical tradition and lectionary and encourage the musical development of children and youth within the parish. See the full job post for more details. 

Music director wanted
All Saints, Whitby is seeking a music director to provide leadership in the planning, delivery and evaluation of musical programming, including organ accompaniment, choral teaching and training. See the full job post for more information. Applications or expressions of interest can be sent to [email protected] 

Parish seeks director of music
St. James, Orillia is seeking a music director who is creative, collaborative and passionate about honouring music as a fundamental part of worship and parish life. Skill and experience as an organist and/or pianist, ideally both, and choir director well-versed in the Anglican form of worship and improvisation are preferred. See the full job post for more details. To apply, submit your CV with a cover letter outlining your music experience to Leslie Fortune, search committee chair, at [email protected]. Links to recordings and/or videos showcasing your music abilities are also welcome. The posting will remain open until a successful candidate is found.