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In the tapestry of our parish life, each new addition brings a fresh thread that weaves a richer and more vibrant community. Today, we are delighted to reintroduce the newest member of our parish Reverend Laurel Dykstra. With a heart full of dedication and a spirit brimming with compassion, Reverend Laurel joins us as our assistant parish priest, ready to embark on a journey of faith, service, and shared moments at Saint Catherine's.

As we extend a warm embrace to welcome Reverend Laurel, let us discover the unique qualities and perspectives that will undoubtedly contribute to our parish. Together, let us celebrate the start of a new chapter and the beginning of a profound connection that strengthens the bonds of faith and fellowship within our beloved community.

Please tell us about your background, education, and previous work experience.
"Hello St. C's. As a student I studied biology and gender studies at University and in seminary I focused on the Hebrew Bible. Outside of the church I have worked mostly in community organizations by and for marginalized communities in the urban core: Indigenous groups, drug users, people with disabilities, and low-income seniors. I am an author and have written or edited articles, books and anthologies mostly related to spirituality and justice."
 Please tell us about your church experience as a lay person.
"I grew up in the Anglican church in Victoria, I spent a decade as a lay person in the intentional Christian communities and community organizations in the United States, and have been a priest in this diocese for 11 years. Most of that time has been growing Salal + Cedar, a church in the diocese that prays out of doors and has a vocation for ecological justice. The parts of church life that are most exciting to me are 1) reading the bible together and asking what it has to do with our lives 2) supporting communities that have a sense of their mission or purpose together and 3) accompanying individuals as they grow deeper in their spiritual lives."
What would you like parishioners to know about you?
"I am an introvert and can be quite reserved. I love the outdoors and am an enthusiastic amateur wildlife photographer. I swim in the ocean all year round. I live with my partner Julie, our young adult twin daughters Myriam and Harriet, and a very large and battle-scarred cat named Basil."
"Why did you want to be an Assistant Priest at Saint Catherine's?"
 The opportunity for this position came  when I was looking for a part time job in addition to my current work with Salal + Cedar. It is an excellent opportunity to practice and grow my skills in a more traditional congregation where I already know some friendly faces."
What do you hope to achieve at St. Catherine's Assistant Priest?
 "I hope to support this community in taking the next concrete steps towards the goals and values that you have identified together. I especially resonate with your community values of: Inclusivity, Curiosity, and Sustainability. I believe that the church's traditions of justice and care are deeply relevant for the world we live in."
What support would you like to receive from parishioners?
 "Please come and introduce (or reintroduce) yourself to me and be patient as I get to know the people and structures of this place. I really value clear communication and I don't always get hints, so if there is something that you would like from me, please let me know and I will try to be clear as well about what I can do."
What are you looking forward the most of working here at Saint Catherine's?
 "I am looking forward to renewing old friendships, meeting new people and growing my own skills in a new position. I am also excited to preach regularly in the same place."
You were here at Saint Catherine's before, what happened before and after you left?
"From summer of 2012 to 2014 I was a curate to the North Vancouver deanery (or region) and the majority of my time was at St. Catherine's. I presided at the Eucharist for the first time in your chapel, worked together with you preparing for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Indian Residential Schools, and read many murder mysteries from the bookshelf near the door. Since my time at St. Catherine's I worked briefly as the interim Indigenous Justice Coordinator for the diocese but have spent most of the past decade as priest of Salal + Cedar, a ministry that I will continue part time."