While the parishioners of St. Thomas, Brooklin would have liked to send the Rev. Canon Claire Wade off into her retirement with a special service to celebrate her ministry and thank her for her presence and guidance, COVID-19 restrictions did not allow for such a celebration.
Instead, in June 2021, Canon Wade stood for over two hours in the heat of a midsummer’s day as a long line of cars stretched down St. Thomas Street and slowly moved through the church’s parking lot, where parishioners wished her well, gave cards and gifts and thanked her for her time with the church. Canon Wade was particularly fond of the children that attend St. Thomas and they showed up with banners and good wishes.
Canon Wade saw St. Thomas through good times, such as the church’s 150th anniversary celebrations, and during the more challenging times, such as the pandemic, when worship services had to be online or in-person with adjustments. Whatever the format, the parishioners enjoyed her weekly homily and their gratitude for her inspiration, compassion and guidance shone through at her drive-by farewell.
This is not a time to be afraid. It is a time to have courage