Synod Highlights October 2025
On October 3 & 4, 2025 the Diocesan Synod was held at St. Alban's Cathedral in Prince Albert.
On Friday evening the Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Richard Reed gave his charge, recognized Mike Johnson with a Letter of Commendation and also invested EIGHT people into the Order of Saskatchewan:
Opal Harris
Opal has exemplified resilience, faith and compassion for many years. She has been a member of the Anglican church in Briarlea, Shellbrook and Prince Albert. She has served in teaching Sunday School, Bible Studies and continues to serve the Diocesan ACW President. He leadership reflects not only in the dedication to her church, but also her deep commitment to encouraging and supporting others in faith and service. Opal’s life story is one of quiet strength and grace. She has endured tremendous personal hardships. Her Christian faith is the cornerstone of her life sand she continues to inspire all who know her with her ever-present smile and kind words.
John Hareuther
John has worked as a faithful church member of St. David’s since making Prince Albert his home in 1977. He is arguably the longest standing Lay Reader for 44 years. He has also served on the Finance and Executive Committees of the Diocese and specific Diocesan project committees. John is committed to keeping his church well-maintained. He knows every nut and bolt in the building as well as where every key is located and the intricacies of all the mechanical systems. He is a longstanding vestry member serving multiple terms and as Church warden where he was the watchdog of finances. There isn’t a toddler that could say they did not have a turn being carried on his shoulders as he towers over them. He is a good friend of Saint Nicholas and a treasured member of the church family.
Noreen Hareuther
Noreen has a lengthy history of church service work. She is a member and Warden of St. Davids in Prince Albert. She has dedicated decades of organizing and facilitating Vacation Bible School and is also a Lay Reader. Noreen enjoys welcoming newcomers and prayerfully seeks solutions to problems within the Church and stands behind her beliefs. She helps in the planning and helping at church fundraising events and celebrations. Noreen has worked as the Christian Education Director at the Synod Office and is currently a Spiritual Care Practitioner at a hospital in Saskatoon. She also serves on the Board of Mont St. Josephs home in Prince Albert, the Diocesan Marriage Commission and is the Registrar for the Province of the Northern Lights.
Lawrence and Priscilla Joseph
Lawrence And Pricilla Joseph have given unselfishly of their time and talents to our Diocese and St. Alban’s Cathedral for decades. They have opened their home and hearts to an amazing number of adopted kids and friends in need of support. Both Lawrence and Priscilla have shared their love of music and special events from fall suppers and fundraisers. They have a deep and unshakable faith and have served on the Cathedral Corporation, Diocesan committees and special projects in the Diocese. Lawrence was a long-time Lay Reader and Priscilla has coordinated the Annual (and delicious) St. Alban’s Fall Supper. When asked to define her parents, their daughter Trina talked of their deep faith and the importance of Family. Their guiding principal has always been “Do all things in love”.
Grant Laird
Grant wears many hats. The Diocese has benefited greatly over years of his dedicated service. From being the general project manager for the renovations of this cathedral as well as numerous projects at St. Georges, Prince Albert and especially St. Mary’s Cemetery and Church. His talents are many, and they are difficult to list. From grave marker repairs/rebuild, window installation and refurbishment, managing at least 5 contractors at any given time during the remodel at St. Alban’s, plumbing, heating and electrical. His expansive knowledge of all things structural and mechanical is well known by most. He always insists on excellence, not to mention affordability in any project. He is kind and takes his Church, faith, and family commitments seriously. He pays great attention to the details of all he touches, and we would be lost without him.
Ethel Macfie
Ethel has been an active member of St. George’s Waitville and St. Mary’s Birch Hills for years. Ethel was the secretary-treasurer for St. Saviour’s Church and Cemetery for 25 years. She shares her gifts and talents, being active in the ACW, the vestry, altar guild and fundraising. In her detail-oriented manner the church services and events are executed smoothly whether it was grooming and maintaining the church and grounds, preparing for services, accounting duties or organizing potlucks. One of her most treasured memories is seeing Bishop Michael and Father Jordan walking down the street in robes to present her and her husband Rod with a certificate commemorating their 60th wedding anniversary. Ethel’s faith has carried her through her life’s many joys and sorrows. She is truly a blessing and a worthy recipient of this award.
Elaine Thorne
Elaine has served the parish of St. John’s faithfully for decades in a variety of capacities and ministries. She has been a dutiful treasurer, and her endeavors have contributed greatly to the financial sustainability of the parish as well as empowering various ministries and outreach through ensuring that the parish books are well managed and in proper order. She is part of the behind-the-scenes beautification of the grounds and building. Her generous donations of time and resources provides homemade refreshments for coffee hour as well as churchyard flowers and turkeys for the fall fundraiser. There is no small task in Elaine’s eyes. She is currently taking home hymnbooks and replacing the bookmarks because she says they need replacing. From picking up children for Sunday school to making sure the sick or infirm get visitors and reminding the wardens of administration tasks, it all matters to Elaine. She serves the Lord faithfully through her steadfast service of His body of the Church and is a faithful disciple and witness.
On Saturday, after a light continental breakfast and Morning Prayer, Synod was busy, passing several motions and discussing our Mission, Vision and Values in our Diocese.
Synod ended with the Closing Eucharist and the Ordinations of FIVE new Deacons!
The Rev. Deacon Trevor Roberts, is liscensed to St. Paul's Sturgeon Lake, the Rev. Deacon Matthew Hoskin is liscensed to St. David's PA, as well as, Emmanuel St. Louis and St. Stephen's MacDowall. The Rev. Deacon Beatrice Fremont is liscensed to Holy Trinity PA, the Rev. Deacon Helen Roberts is liscensed to Montreal Lake and the Rev. Deacon Kathleen Stewart is liscensed to the Bishop. The Bishop's Charge can be found here.