Minister of Word, Sacrament & Spiritual Formation
Born on PEI, and growing up in a ministerial family, Cathie spent her childhood in various congregations in the Maritime Provinces and Ontario. She graduated high school in Halifax, Nova Scotia and went on to Mount Allison University, where she received her Bachelor of Music (Organ). She was granted her Master of Divinity from Atlantic School of Theology, and later pursued Post-Graduate Studies from the Toronto School of Theology from 1992-1994. One of Cathie’s first jobs was actually at First United in 1986. She and the late Mary Shepherd enjoyed collaborating. Mary was choir conductor; Cathie was organist.
Beginning her ministry in Tatamagouche in 1987, Cathie has served in five congregations in both Canada and the United States. Most recently, after serving as Minister for Faith Formation for Adults and Young Families (part-time) from September 2022-June 2023, and appointed Minister of Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care (full-time) from July 2023-June 2024, Cathie accepted a call to become First United’s Minister of Word, Sacrament and Spiritual Formation (full-time) and began on July 1, 2024.
Passionate about music and ministry, Cathie is also deeply committed to the holistic health of individuals and congregations – mind/body/spirit. She holds Level 2 Certification in Healing Touch. Celtic spirituality, interfaith mysticism, and theological and biblical scholarship – constructed by those who are so often marginalized in our society, i.e., women, people of colour, the Queer Community, immigrants – capture her intellect and imagination. In a time in our culture when ‘church’ is no longer at the center of many people’s lives, Cathie endeavours to understand why that is so and, simultaneously, be curious about the ways children, youth and adults are finding spiritual nurturance, formation and community outside the church. She welcomes conversations with you about any of the above! Please feel free to be in touch via email (below).
Contact Cathie at: cathie@firstunitedtruro.ca