Schedule

Thursday, April 2 - Senior Leadership Team Meeting (pm); Maundy Thursday worship (evening)

Friday, April 3 - Walk to the Cross: Good Friday Procession exploring justice and mercy, 10am (beginning at St. Mary's Basilica, Spring Garden Road); Good Friday worship

Saturday, April 4 - The Great Vigil of Easter with Renewal of Baptismal Vows and Confirmation, The Cathedral Church of All Saints, 8pm

Sunday, April 5 - The Resurrection Mass (Jazz Easter), The Cathedral Church of All Saints, 11am

Monday, April 6 - Day off

Tuesday, April 7 - In Office Meetings (am), Bishop's Advisory Council Meeting (Archdeacons, pm), Online Meeting (evening)

Wednesday, April 8 - Regional Deans Meeting (pm), Canadian Compass Rose Society Board Meeting (pm)

Openings

Shared Ministry - Parish of St. John's Crapaud and the Parish of Milton and Rustico, 3/4 time

Full-Time Rector - Parish of Christ Church, Amherst

Full-Time Incumbent - Parish of St. Luke's Hubbards & Parish of Blandford

Shared Ministry of the Parish of Digby, The Anglican Church of Canada and Rivers of Grace Pastoral Charge, The United Church of Canada

Full-Time Rector, Anglican Parishes of St. John's & St. Nicholas

Bishop Sandra will be away from the synod office from Monday, April 13 to Monday, May 4 inclusive for regional visits in Rivers to Trails and Cape Breton, Sunday parish visits, and to attend the national house of bishops’ spring gathering. During this time, she will not have regular access to email and will only be available for emergencies. Please direct all pastoral and administrative queries to your archdeacon or regional dean, or as necessary to Mike MacKenzie, director for parish relations, by emailing parishrelations@nspeidiocese.ca.   

Bishop Sandra Fyfe is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Picco as Diocesan Archivist. Mark brings valuable archival experience from Library and Archives Canada, the Jewish Public Library of Montreal, and the Bedford Institute of Oceanography.

Mark will work two days per week, typically Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We are pleased to welcome him to the office on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Contact information for Mark's is archives@nspeidiocese.ca or (902) 406-8982.

PURPOSE: To provide for development and/or expansion in new growth areas at the parish, regional or diocesan level; to provide seed monies for experiential and/or new forms of ministry; to provide seed money for projects that foster engagement with the wider community and the gospel; to provide funding for Outreach Ministry which touches the lives of those in need in society in general.

AMOUNT: All grants and loans are subject to the availability of funds.

DEADLINE: April 30th

APPLICATION: Download form to be completed, including a budget. See Policy 2.2.9 Growth for Ministry Fund - Governing Regulations and Application for Funding (Revised February 2017) Please mail completed forms to the Synod Office or email to Tonia's attention at office@nspeidiocese.ca

The Diocese is developing a new five-year strategic plan, and we need your voice! As we enter this important season of discernment, we are exploring one central question: What future do we want to shape together for the Diocese, and what will it take to get there?

Parishioners, lay leaders, and clergy are invited to an in-person or on-line gatherings to reflect on day-to-day parish life and ensure our new strategic plan reflects local realities. Everyone is welcome. No special preparation or expertise is required—just your care for the future of the Church!

Why Attend? This is a space to imagine the future and name what we want to grow over the next five years. By attending, you will:

• Help shape the priorities and direction of the Diocese.

• Share your hopes and aspirations for parish life in your region.

• Share ideas on how the Diocese can be more connected and supportive.

• Discern together where God may be calling the Church next.

Your perspective is vital. Please join us in this hopeful, collaborative conversation!

To register by phone, call 902-420-0717. 

If you have questions or require additional information, please contact:
thereforewehavehope@gmail.com

It is definitely not too late . . . 

 . . . To register a project for the Say Yes! to Kids 2026 campaign - the deadline for the SYTK 2026 registration has been extended to Wednesday,  April 8 . . . and there is still space for 10 more teams to join. There is magic when a parish or Anglican organization raises funds for a Say Yes! to Kids project, lots of magic, including a $1,000 match when the first $1,000 is raised! Don't miss out on that great opportunity: https://www.anglicanfoundation.org/sytk2026opens/ The 2026 campaign launches on April 15. 

If you feel the need to speak more directly to someone about project possibilities (do not let the lack of young people in your parish be a deterrent - there are lots of options), you can contact the following: Allie Colp, Diocesan Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator (youthandfamily@nspeidiocese.ca); or Cynthia Pilichos, Diocesan Anglican Foundation Representative (cjp2320@gmail.com); or Michelle Hauser, AFC's Development & Communication Officer (mhauser@anglicanfoundation.org). Don't miss out on the Say Yes! to Kids movement!

"A greeter is not simply handing out bulletins. A greeter is interpreting God."

This is a statement from the Episcopal Church's 'Invite. Welcome. Connect' publication this month.

Gifted and trained greeters can make all the difference in welcoming new (and regular) guests to our worship services and events. Visit this article which lists basics about greeting - in-person and online.  

Holy Week and Easter offer a sacred and hope‑filled opportunity to welcome new people into the life of your faith community. Many already have a connection to your parish, others are searching, and some are simply spiritually curious. A gentle, thoughtful invitation can make all the difference.

Reach out—especially to newcomers!

A personal invitation is the most effective method. 

Let people know they are welcome, expected, and included.

Spread the word widely.

Use every channel available to you:

• Paper invitations for parishioners to share with people they know

• Your parish website

• Church and neighbourhood Facebook pages

• Posters in local gathering places

• Congregational email lists

• Roadside signs and sandwich boards

Include the essentials.

Make sure every announcement clearly states:

• Service times

• Civic address / location

• What to expect - type of liturgy, childcare service, etc. 

(Never assume people already know where you are or how to find you.)

Make giving easy. 

Share information about how to donate to your ministry.

• Easter memorials

• Easter flower gifts

• Canada Helps (safe and simple online giving)   www.canadahelps.org

• PAR or e-transfers, etc. 

Your invitation not only welcomes people into the powerful story of Holy Week, and to encounter loving faith community, but also helps them support the ministries that make a real difference to their neighbours.

We're headed off for a weekend with youth in grades 7 to 12 for a weekend of fun and learning about how to tune in with ourselves, with God, and with one another at Big Cove Camp in Sutherlands River, and registration for youth participants and leaders is NOW OPEN! You can find all the details here!

REGISTRATION is OPEN for our Annual Clergy Retreat: June 8th to June 12th at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Centre, Stanley Bridge, PEI, as we ponder God's gift of friendship and its many dimensions with the Rev. Dr. Dawna Wall.

Dorothy Day courageously stated that we all know the long loneliness. Living into our vocations means we are often holding a lot, and don't always have a safe place to put things down, or those whom we can examine the dimensions of the burdens. Others have been here before us, and through their stories offer us encouragement, tears of lament, laughter and understanding. Francis and Claire, David Jonathan, Ruth and Naomi, Aelred and Ivo...to name just a few of those who compass us about, with spiritual friendship.

Click HERE for details and to register

Email questions to Rev. Tammy Hodge Orovec at: rev.tammyhodge@gmail.com

See what your parish offers in the way of prayer programs, contemplative gatherings, or quiet prayer times.

 Explore prayer gatherings from other parishes, perhaps not available at your church, or held at a time more convenient for your schedule; in person and on ZOOM.

Lent/Spring update  

The Diocesan Environment Network will visit Prince Edward Island from April 19–22, meeting with parishes and community groups to promote environmental action and eco-spirituality.

An Earth Day service will be held April 19 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Church, Ellerslie, followed by a public gathering at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Anglican Church Hall in Summerside. All are welcome.

All Saints, Bedford

St. Francis by the Lakes, Lower Sackville

Women's Retreat on Saturday, April 25 from 10am-3pm, with Rev. Cathy Pharo, an Anglican priest serving parishes in Crapaud and in Alberton.  Her theme is Rooted in Love. Cost is $30. and to register, contact srgemma@eastlink.ca

IN HALIFAX? GOOD FRIDAY PROCESSION, APRIL 3 10 AM starting at St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica, 5221 Spring Garden Road – Two cathedrals are joining to offer a Walk to the Cross exploring the biblical story of Jesus’ passion and death through contemporary issues of justice and mercy. We begin at 10 am at the Basilica Cathedral, and end at our Cathedral, carrying a cross through the streets, and stopping at the Provincial Courthouse, Public Library, Spencer House, St. Mary’s Elementary School, and the Victoria General hospital complex. At each stop there will be reading, prayers and reflection on the theme of that station. Rain or shine. Bring a friend. 

Families are invited to celebrate the season at a free Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4 at 2 p.m. at the gazebo on Shore Club Road.

The event, open to children 12 and under, will feature an egg hunt, an egg counting contest, ice cream sundaes, and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny. There is no charge to participate.

In the event of heavy rain, activities will move indoors to 10 Shore Club Road.

The event is sponsored by St. Luke’s Outreach Mission Group and all are welcome to attend.

Families are invited to celebrate Easter at a fun-filled community event on Saturday, April 4 at 2 p.m. Hosted at St. James “The Yellow Church” in Boutilier’s Point, the afternoon will feature crafts, storytelling, prayers, a special visit from the Easter Bunny, and an exciting Easter egg hunt. The event will take place at 6991 St. Margaret’s Bay Road and is open to all ages.

Join Martin Rutte, author of Project Heaven on Earth, for a powerful one-day immersive experience exploring how you can help bring Heaven to Earth—in your life, your work, your nation, and our world. Martin Rutte is an internationally recognized speaker, author and consultant and is president of Livelihood- a management consulting firm based in Charlottetown, Canada and New Mexico. For more than 15 years, Martin has led Project Heaven on Earth, a global initiative inviting people to envision and create a better world. Cost is $60.Including the text. If you have a text, cost is $40. Register soon, as space is limited. srgemma@eastlink.ca

A fun-filled spring celebration is coming to Lower Sackville! The community is invited to a free Easter/Spring Party on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Francis by the Lakes.

Open to all ages, the event will feature a variety of family-friendly activities, including an egg-on-spoon relay, colouring and craft tables, bingo, cookie decorating, and plenty of treats. Kids can also enjoy an Easter bunny hunt, face painting, and a photo booth.

Organizers say the event is a great way for families and neighbors to come together, celebrate the season, and enjoy some festive fun.

A community workshop aimed at helping people confidently talk about their faith will be held on Saturday, April 11 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Stairs Memorial United Church in Dartmouth. Titled “Learning to Speak About Our Faith in a Post-Christian World,” the session will explore spirituality in Canadian society today and offer practical guidance for sharing and growing in faith. The workshop will be led by Rev. Dr. Rob Fennell of the Atlantic School of Theology, and free registration is available to those interested in attending.

If you wish to be licensed, you must have the approval of your parish council, but everyone is welcome to come for a refresher or just to explore Christianity through an Anglican lense. Chebucto Region is hosting an in person Lay Ministry Training Course. 

Are you interested in: Training to be a licensed lay minister? Curious to learn more about Christianity and the Anglican faith? Taking a lay ministry training refresher course?

First sessions of a 5 session course are :

Saturday April 18th 9-3pm lunch provided

Saturday April 25th  8:30-11am

Additional 3 sessions to be scheduled

Everyone is welcome  to attend but online registration required:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScAO4_ak8_Z-r1Av4yKooQyh33b-w9VqnhsN-sLatW1zjKB2g/viewform?usp=header

The St. Luke’s Earth Keepers are inviting individuals, families, and community groups to take part in an Earth Day Cleanup Challenge on Saturday, April 18, from 9 to 11 a.m., rain or shine.

Participants are encouraged to clean up an area in their community, with prizes awarded for the most unique and most valuable items collected. Bags and gloves will be provided, and all are welcome to join.

The Earth Keepers will gather at the Exit 6 carpool lot at 9 a.m. before heading out. Following the cleanup, participants are invited to St. Luke’s Parish Hall for refreshments and prize presentations at 11:30 a.m.

Come out, help keep the community clean, and celebrate Earth Day together.

Cribbage enthusiasts are invited to a social afternoon of cards at St. Margaret of Scotland Church on Tuesday, April 21, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.

The event will take place at the church, located at 3751 Robie St., and is open to beginners, novice players, and seasoned regulars alike. Organizers are aiming to welcome up to 56 players.

Admission is $5.00, and all are encouraged to attend for an afternoon of friendly competition and community connection.

For more information or to register, contact Doug King at 902-237-5999.

The St. Francis Players are proud to present their latest production, All Aboard Encore, with four exciting show dates sure to entertain audiences this spring.

Tickets are $30 and include a delicious meal of chili, salad, roll and dessert. A vegetarian option is available upon request at the time of ticket purchase. Wine and beer will also be available.

The box office will be open online from March 21 at 1:00 p.m. until April 20 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets may also be purchased in person at St. Francis by the Lakes, 192 First Lake Drive, during the following times:

• Sunday, April 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Don’t miss this lively dinner theatre experience filled with great food, great company, and great entertainment.

You are invited to a fun and affordable afternoon at St. Peter’s Church’s upcoming “Dime Auction” on Saturday, April 25. Running from 1 to 4 p.m. at 3 Dakin Drive, the event offers a unique twist on traditional auctions, making it easy for everyone to participate.

Attendees can purchase $5 or $10 tickets for a chance to win a variety of items through the select auction format. In addition to the excitement of bidding, guests will enjoy a selection of delectable desserts along with coffee and tea.

For more information, please contact the church office at (902) 443-1969.

Come out and enjoy the annual St. Luke’s Mayfest Indoor Yard and Bake Sale—a great community event happening rain or shine! Browse a wide selection of yard sale treasures and treat yourself to delicious homemade baked goods. There’s something for everyone.

• Please bring your own reusable shopping bags
• Cash only
• Please – no early birds
• Wheelchair accessible

For more information, visit twocoves.ca or follow @TwoCovesHubbards on social media.

Come find a bargain, enjoy some baking, and support a great community event!

We are joining with Spencer House to host a screening of a powerful short film about some of the losses involved in aging, A Soft Touch, and a community conversation about how we can build a region where older adults can thrive, stay connected, and continue to share their gifts and wisdom. Reservations welcome here. 

Gather, relax, and raise a glass to the Class! Join alumni, graduates, special guests, and families for a relaxed social gathering with light refreshments on the eve of Convocation. During this event, we will present student prizes and awards as well as the Rev. Alison Etter Memorial Fund grants, which support alumni projects that promote peace. We will also celebrate other accomplishments across the AST community. 

You are cordially invited to the 2026 Atlantic School of Theology Convocation. Please join us as we celebrate the achievements of our graduating class and the callings they are answering as they move into the world.

A reception will follow the ceremony. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Joining us from afar? A link for the YouTube Live Stream will be shared closer to the date for those who wish to join us online.

Join us for our Annual Event

The Rural Routes Through the Holy Annual Gathering is more than an event—it’s a space for renewal, inspiration, and community.

We offer a haven of support for lay leadership, clergy and those all who offer their gifts in rural settings.

If you’re feeling isolated, fatigued, or looking for new ways to nurture your faith community, this 3-day gathering is for you.

Each year, we meet in a different province within the Maritimes, creating a welcoming environment where rural congregations can come together to share their stories, worship together, and explore new ideas for the future of the church.

Click HERE to register

St Luke’s Parish in Hubbards has seven green adult choir robes and 14 youth choir/server albs (white) available for free to anyone who can use them. Contact Jerry Cavanaugh at jerry.thea@eastlink.ca or 902-497-8641

The Diocese of NS and PEI Heating Oil Program with Irving Oil offers Churches of the Diocese and eligible Diocesan Clergy and Diocesan Staff a discounted rate based on non-profit status. This rate is not offered to individual Anglican parishioners. For more information, please contact: The Centralized Commercial Account Manager for the Diocesan Heating Oil Program, Ms. Sharon Williston by name at 1-888-310-1924 or by email Sharon.Williston@irvingoil.com 

The Furnace Oil price for the period  - Mar. 28, 2026 - Apr. 3, 2026

Nova Scotia - $1.7095 Prince Edward Island - $1.7095