St Francis Anglican (Lake Country) held an innovative and significant Induction Service on March 12, 2023 to appoint Reverend Jane Bourcet and Reverend Paul Martinson as co-incumbents of the parish. Archdeacon James Cowan presided, and in accordance with the practice of the Diocese appointed both priests. The service also involved the congregation, who in turn committed to share the ministry of Christ with the priests. Jane and Paul share a one-third clergy position at the parish, and as such are breaking new ground in the life of the church. They replace Reverend Trevor Fisher, who retired from St Francis in September 2022.
Reverend Paul Martinson has been associated with the parish of St Francis for many years, first as a parishioner, then as a lay minister, and finally as an ordained priest. He was ordained by Archbishop Lynne McNaughton in March 2022; however, his path in his ministry is both wide and long. Along with his commitment to St Francis, Paul continues to be an elder in YWAM (Youth with a Mission) which in his own words is “the culmination of 45 years of experience teaching missionary disciples and working in cross-cultural settings.” He is also completing a doctorate with North American Institute of Indigenous Theological Studies (NAIITS) and the University of Divinity, researching eldership in the YWAM movement across cultures and generations.
Reverend Jane Bourcet has also had a long-standing relationship with St Francis. She retired from All Saints Vernon in 2017 and since then, has been a regular guest priest for the Lake Country parish. Jane is also a very busy and involved member of the Diocese, serving on committees including the Diocesan Spiritual Development Committee, the Examining Chaplains committee, as well as the Executive for the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer.
The co-incumbency was a concept borne under the guidance and encouragement of Reverend Trevor Fisher, and brought into being with the blessing and support of Archbishop Lynne McNaughton.
The Induction service was followed by a luncheon in the church hall hosted by the parish’s ACW.
