The Order of Niagara, instituted 17 years ago, enables parishes and the diocese to recognize and thank lay people for their faith and support. It also instills a sense of commitment and fulfilment in the ministry to which they have been called by God.
All licensed clergy are invited to nominate one person from each parish annually. The Bishop can also appoint members to the Order. Each year over 60 people are added to the Order which has nearly 1,200 members. Recipients of the honorary designation may use the initials O.N. after their name.
They are encouraged to wear the Order’s medallion on any diocesan occasion, at Synod services of any kind, when the bishop visits their parish and at the installation of new Order of Niagara members. Nominees are installed during special worship services at Christ’s Church Cathedral Hamilton.
Here is a sampling of the wide range of talents and ministries of the new Order of Niagara members, as described by those who nominated them. The full list can be viewed on the diocesan website.
Lorrette Shermet
Grace Church Milton
Lorrette came to Milton and joined Grace Church in the early 1980s.
Blessed with a boundless supply of energy and enthusiasm, she immediately became involved in the church and wider community, serving as a Sunday School teacher and a Girl Guide leader for over 25 years.
She was leader of the local Red Hat Society, and is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Probus Club and Milton Seniors’ Centre, all of which provide opportunities to evangelize and bring more people to Christ.
As an active member of the Niagara Anglican Cursillo Community for many years, Lorrette attends local and regional Ultreya and is frequently asked to give a witness talk about her faith. This typically focuses on her personal ministry of “Make a friend, be a friend and bring a friend to Christ.”
Lorrette is a great organizer and motivator. Each year she helps organize the golf tournament, Yuletide Fayre and Spring Fayre. She has helped launch numerous community building activities, such as the annual ladies tea and gashion Show, a monthly community dinner, Halton Fresh Food Boxes and the Women in Grace annual retreat. She served as a Churchwarden and Parish Council member and carries the honorary title of being the Grace Church social convenor.
Since 2013 Lorrette has been the Parish Administrator and now plays an even bigger role in organizing the life of the parish.
She serves as Recording Secretary at both Vestry and Parish Council. She is instrumental is providing advice and support to parishioners and strangers alike, whether in arranging a ride to church on Sunday morning or handing out a Loblaws card to someone in need.
Above all, this is done with prayer, asking for guidance and giving thanks for God’s blessings.
(The Reverend Brian Galligan, Interim Pastor)
Sean Tiernay
St. Luke’s Burlington
Sean has been a member of St. Luke’s since childhood, and has been actively engaged in ministry from an early age through serving at the altar.
He was in the position of head server for many years and was instrumental in welcoming and engaging the children of St. Luke’s for a generation by getting them involved in also serving at the altar.
Sean has been the chair of the Division of Worship at St. Luke’s for the last four years and is an active and engaged member of St. Luke’s Parish Council for many years.
He was also instrumental in the formation of the Diocesan Altar Guild, providing youth and adult servers for all major Diocesan services.
Sean has probably had the single greatest influence on the youth and children of St. Luke’s ever since the time when he was made head server. His commitment is shown in his compassion and concern for them as he takes the part of mentor and friend to them.
(The Reverend Canon Stuart Pike, Rector)
Barbara Baesso
Church of the Resurrection Hamilton
Barb is a deeply committed member of the Church of the Resurrection since we were formed and she is a vital part of our worshipping community. Her talents are many!
She is one of the leaders of our Altar Guild, coordinating a team of volunteers to prepare for weekly worship and working alongside other team leaders to coordinate our ongoing and long term needs and plans.
A skilled musician, Barb offers her gifts as a member of our choir on special occasions.
She reads at our 8:30 a.m. service, has volunteered to support almost every community event and represents Resurrection on the World Day of Prayer Planning Committee.
One particular gift Barb offers is co-coordinating worship at ldlewyld Manor Nursing Home, where her care for the residents is so evident and appreciated and where she is deeply respected by the staff. She brings together clergy and lay volunteers to ensure that this worship happens in a meaningful way and everyone feels supported and organized. Barb plays the piano for worship and brings joy to all those who attend.
Always concerned for others and active in providing pastoral care, Barb brings humour and compassion to her ministry and we are blessed to have her here at Resurrection.
(The Reverend Mike Deed, Rector)
David Coles
St. Alban’s Beamsville
For many years David has been our ”go to guy” for any property woes.
His specialty, it seems, is dealing with all things plumbing. From blocked drains, frozen pipes, disintegrating taps and leaking toilets, David has done it all. Some say the frozen pipes on Vestry Sunday, giving rise to no bathroom privileges and the shortest meeting on record, was not a bad plan.
Under his skilled direction and advice, the main sewer drain running from the parish hall to the road was replaced, thus resolving most of the ongoing plumbing problems. It was David’s inspiration to create the “flush fund” to cover the expense. And it did!
Over the past few years, David has been the driving force on our parish hall renovations including a new kitchen ceiling, masonry repairs, drywall replacement, new paint and a refinished floor. All this was accomplished without putting the parish in debt.
David served as Rector’s Warden for three years and is presently our People’s Warden.
He has been a choir member for many years and is also responsible for security and hall rentals.
In the early days of The Migrant Farmworkers Outreach ministry, David made presentations to raise funds and awareness and began the bike repair program which is vital to the workers.
As this outreach ministry grew David, with help from other members of the congregation, renovated space in the parish hall basement to create space where each Sunday a small medical clinic is offered to the migrant workers.
In the past, David volunteered with the Jaycees and at Camp Manitou scout camp.
David is a true witness of our faith and continues to offer leadership to our congregation and is a constant support to the Rector, which enables St. Albans to be the wonderful community it is.
(The Reverend Javier Arias, Rector)
Kath Dubecki
Church of the Nativity Hamilton
Kath’s dedication, commitment and passion for the mission of the church have been unflagging over many years in multiple communities.
She has served as a churchwarden, lay delegate to Synod, member of Synod Council, chorister and a member of parish councils.
Of particular note is her role as one of the organizers of the parish’s community lunch program since its inception.
Her perspicacity, warmth, determination, good humour and humility make her a joy-filled companion on the journey of discipleship.
(The Reverend Matthew Griffin, Rector)
Sask (Arthur) Wilford
All Saints Erin
Sask is a long-standing member of All Saints (over 40 years) and has contributed significantly to the life of the parish and the community of Erin.
In the community, Sask volunteered his time to the Erin Air Cadets as a senior advisor on their board and as a mentor and support to the young cadets. Although he has retired from this role, he still maintains close contact with the squadron. Sask is also an active member of the legion.
In the parish, Sask was instrumental in leading several significant parish projects over the years. Most notably, he was heavily involved in the refurbishment of the church building in the 1950s, as well as the restoration and installation of the organ from St. Andrew’s Grimsby to All Saints in 1994. He facilitated the development of a peace garden for the parish’s 140th anniversary.
Sask sings in the choir, participates in parish outreach activities and has served as churchwarden and trustee for several terms.
Recently Sask gifted the parish with a new hand crafted baptismal font, made from a black cherry tree that fell on his property a few years ago.
(The Reverend Canon Susan Wilson, Rector)
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