Lay Readers and other participants from across the Diocese of Algoma and beyond gathered at Thorneloe University in Sudbury from September 24–27 for the 2026 Lay Readers’ Conference, a weekend of learning, worship, conversation and fellowship centred on the theme Bring God’s Grace and Love.
The gathering offered opportunities for continuing education and spiritual formation while also creating space for Lay Readers to strengthen relationships, share experiences and reflect together on their ministry within the Church.
Deepening Our Lives in Christ
The conference weekend included a Friday evening Worship & Fireside Chat, with Archbishop Anne Germond joined by Lay Readers Peggy Morrison and Eva Black for a conversation on Deepening Our Lives in Christ through Spiritual Practices and Disciplines.
Together, they reflected on spiritual formation, lay ministry and lives of service in the Church.
The evening concluded in the Thorneloe Chapel with a Taizé prayer service led by the Rev. Norm Blanchard, offering participants a time of prayer, music and quiet reflection.
A Day of Learning and Formation
Saturday brought a full day of formation beginning with Morning Prayer.
The Rev. Benjamin Paul spoke about pastoral care; the Rev. Jason Tripp shared opportunities for education and learning through Thorneloe University; and Dr. Pavani Paul explored the continuing importance of the Psalms in the life of faith.
In the afternoon, the Rev. Norm Blanchard and the Rev. Rhonda Hurst led What We Need to Know About M.A.I.D., which included small-group conversations around scenarios related to Medical Assistance in Dying.
Reflecting on Truth and Reconciliation
Truth and Reconciliation was also woven into the gathering. Morning Prayer included prayers marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and We Are Still Here, a responsive litany incorporating Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices.
Participants were invited to consider what reconciliation means personally to them and to write their reflections on sheets placed before the Survivors’ Flag.
For Archbishop Anne, the weekend was a meaningful opportunity not only for continuing education, but also for strengthening the community of Lay Readers whose ministry is deeply woven into the life of Algoma.
“Lay Readers offer an extraordinary ministry across our Diocese. In communities large and small, they bring their gifts to worship, pastoral care, Christian formation and the everyday life of our parishes. This conference gives us an opportunity to honour that ministry, to learn together, to deepen our own lives in Christ, and to strengthen the relationships that sustain us in ministry.
It was wonderful to see people come from near and far to pray, learn, share their experiences and simply enjoy being together.”
— Archbishop Anne Germond
That fellowship was an important part of the gathering, with time around tables, shared meals, conversations between sessions and opportunities to renew friendships with others engaged in lay ministry across a geographically vast Diocese.
Continuing the Learning
This year’s conference was accompanied by additional learning opportunities at Thorneloe University, including the public lecture and theological intensive with the Rev. Dr. H. Daniel Zacharias, Reading the Bible on Turtle Island: An Invitation to North American Indigenous Interpretation.
The learning will continue beyond the conference itself. Presentations, downloadable materials and other resources will continue to be added to the 2026 Lay Readers’ Conference Resource Hub.
Visit the 2026 Lay Readers’ Conference Resource Hub.
