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
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., all are welcome to attend a service of Holy Eucharist at St. James Cathedral for ordained women priests (active and retired). There will be a catered lunch in Snell Hall for the ordained women priests in Diocese of Toronto. No vesting, but clergy collars are encouraged. Women priests should confirm attendance at the lunch and any food allergies by emailing Aimen Akbar at [email protected] by Oct. 7.
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.
Use only workplace AI tools for parish work
If your parish chooses to use AI tools in its work, you should use only workplace AI tools for church work. Don’t use free or paid versions of personal AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok or Claude for parish ministry or administration. Don’t put names, pastoral notes, financial details, health information or anything about children or vulnerable people into an AI tool. A person must read and check every AI draft before it is sent, printed, posted or used in worship. Questions or concerns should be directed to Claire Wilton, Privacy Officer, at [email protected] or 647-578-9729.
Share your Cast the Net story
The 20 Calls to Action emerging from Cast the Net invite every parish to imagine what comes next for our Diocese. You don’t need to do everything—choose one or two calls that fit your community, build on what you’re already doing or challenge you to try something new. If you’ve already chosen a call or two, you can use a ready-made template (in Canva or as an image file) to share online how your parish is putting a call into action. You can also download a set of 20 fish, each one numbered for a different call, to use on posters, slides, graphics and newsletters to show how you’re casting the net. Check out the refreshed Cast the Net web page for more inspiration.
New toolkit provides practical fundraising tools
The Anglican Diocese of Toronto Foundation has launched a new Parish Fundraising Toolkit to give parish leaders the practical tools, language and frameworks they need to build cultures of generosity in their communities. Whether you’re launching a first-ever campaign or deepening a legacy giving program, the toolkit provides a campaign planning guide, case for support templates, a donor communications kit, legacy and planned giving resources, a stewardship program guide, and training and workshop modules. Read more in The Anglican and download the toolkit on the Parish Fundraising Toolkit page.
Minimum wage to increase
The minimum wage rates in Ontario increased on Oct. 1. The increase to the general minimum wage is $0.35, which brings 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 auto‑forwarding disabled
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen information security and protect sensitive data, automatic email forwarding from diocesan‑provided 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 auto‑forwarding 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 diocesan‑provided 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. If you have already submitted your T1213 package, you should have received 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].
Diocesan events
Last call to register for diocesan Outreach & Advocacy Conference
The diocesan Outreach & Advocacy Conference will be held on Oct. 17 via Zoom from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the theme of “The Church as Catalyst for Liberation.” In the morning, hear from keynote speaker Dr. Dean Detloff, research and advocacy officer at Development & Peace – Caritas Canada and co-author of Enough is Enough: Degrowth, Capitalism and Liberation Theology. Network with fellow Anglicans in breakout rooms over the lunch hour. Choose from a slate of afternoon workshops that explore the liberating message of the Gospel in the context of reconciliation and reparations with First Nations, street outreach, resisting dehumanizing policies and protecting the environment. There is no charge to attend. Learn more and register on the diocesan website.
Find spiritual rest and renewal in sacred silence
The Sisterhood of St. John the Divine’s newly renovated Guest House welcomes guests for fall 2026 and winter 2027 retreats to experience the peace of monastic living just 30 minutes from downtown Toronto. With up to 30 beautifully furnished, accessible rooms, the Guest House provides contemplative rest for silent retreats, quiet days and more. On-site spiritual direction is available for an additional fee. Thanks to generous donor support, financial assistance is available for those who would otherwise find a retreat cost prohibitive. To register for events, visit the events webpage. To register for a personal stay, request more information, or enquire about the bursary program, contact the Guest House at [email protected] or 416-226-2201 ext. 305.
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.
External events
Interfaith coalition considers faith values in upcoming municipal election
Faith in the City, with the support of Social Planning Toronto, is hosting “Our Faith, Our Neighbours, Our Vote” via Zoom on Oct. 8 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Panelists include Imam Abdul Hai Patel (Muslim), Rabbi Shalom Schachter (Jewish), the Rev. Bri-Anne Swan (United Church) and Pandit Roopnauth Sharma (Hindu). Register on the Social Planning Toronto website.
KAIROS Canada celebrates 25 years
KAIROS Canada, an ecumenical justice coalition, is celebrating its 25-year anniversary on Oct. 14 from 5-8 p.m. at its office, 80 Hayden St., Toronto. Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich—Gulf Islands, will offer remarks. Learn more and RSVP on the KAIROS Canada website.
Resources
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.
Guide considers municipal elections
Municipalities play a key role in delivering services that directly impact people’s daily lives, from housing and social services to schools, libraries, recreation, water and waste management and more. Every election is an opportunity to consider and discuss the kind of society we want to build together. Use the municipal election guide available on the diocesan website to consider the impact municipal policies have on people in your community and prompt questions of potential candidates. Visit your local municipal website to find information on polling locations, advance polls and more. Make sure your voice is heard and vote on Oct. 26.
Job postings
Human resources coordinator wanted
The Synod Office is seeking a human resources coordinator who will be responsible for recruitment, workshops and events, provide HR support to parishes, general support to the department and assist with the screening and compliance process. See the Synod Office Careers page for more details. To apply, forward your application to [email protected].
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.
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].
Staff changes
Lily Chow, human resources coordinator, will be leaving the Synod Office as of Dec. 18. We wish her well in her next endeavour.
