2021 Bursary Recipients

AFC celebrates 2021 bursary recipients

Through grants and bursaries, the Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC) is committed to alleviating the financial burden of students. Thanks to the generosity of Canadian Anglicans, in 2021 AFC awarded $36,500 in bursaries for theological education to students enrolled in a variety of programs. Here are some of our 2021 bursary recipients:

Ms. Denise Byard, Diocese of Toronto, Trinity College

“I have a passion for outreach and discipleship and building a fully vibrant, diverse, multi-cultural and multi-generational self-sustaining parish that enjoys rich intergenerational connections. In addition, I believe that it is important to deepen our relationships within the community, create cross-functional engagement to augment our worship, and strengthen our digital communications. I am taking the year to discern entering the postulancy process to become an ordained priest. As an Indigenous African Canadian female (Africadian: Canadian residency and citizenship prior to Confederation in 1867), I pray to be a force for positive change in the church by providing much-needed diversity, compassion, and care for all peoples.”

Ms. Sarah Wicks, Diocese of Montreal, Montreal Diocesan Theological College

“I want to be a good and caring pastor in the diocese in which I work, always growing and learning to be a more competent individual for the people that I serve. On one hand, that could be considered a small impact. I do not particularly want to be anyone’s bishop or lead any councils but be content in working where I am. Recently, I had the privilege of being a chaplain at Camp Menesetung, a United Church Camp in Goderich, Ontario. It has re-established my belief that there is nothing as holy as showing young adults and children the love of God. As we all come out of the COVID-19 pandemic and struggle to reform in-person relationship, the pastoral responsibility to be with people while they deal with their lives is overwhelming and beautiful.”

The Rev. Robin Celiz, Diocese of New Westminster, Boston University School of Theology

“The Doctor of Ministry Program in Transformational Leadership at Boston University equips church leaders with the education and skill required to confidently lead parishes and communities through important processes of discernment and change management. I have always understood part of my role as priest as an agent for change—the kind that can move a community or parish into a new way of life, able to build a sustainable future that is relevant and vital to its context. Upon completion of my D. Min, I plan to continue to work in ordained ministry in the Anglican Church of Canada. The skills, knowledge and experience gained from this degree will empower me to be a better parish leader and an asset to the diocese as a professional consultant in change management.”

Ms. Virginia Wilmhoff, Diocese of NS & PEI, Acadia Divinity College

“I chose Acadia Divinity College because of the Charles J. Taylor Centre for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care, and I graduated in May with a Master of Divinity. My hope is to enter hospital chaplaincy or chaplaincy to the homeless and those living in poverty—settings that present a unique opportunity to be the face of Christ and to show His love to many people with whom the Church would not necessarily come in contact. I spent two and a half years as a case manager to the formerly homeless in Philadelphia. The people I served had been failed by themselves, other people, and institutions and, as a result, they needed God’s love and mercy. Walking alongside them was an important way to show that they were not abandoned; by allowing God’s grace to work through me, I could show them the love of Christ.”

Working with education partners across the country, AFC nurtures the professional development and spiritual renewal of current and future leaders of the Anglican Church. To view the full list of 2021 bursary recipients or to learn more about the extraordinary work of our grant recipients, view our Annual Report online at www.anglicanfoundation.org/2021report. Thank you for supporting AFC!