Shelly-Ann Pollard led her first worship service as incumbent at St. Martin, Bay Ridges. However, after only two weeks of in-person worship, services were suspended due to the restrictions and lockdowns caused by COVID-19. Almost two years later, on Sunday, December 5, 2021, due to the easing of some pandemic restrictions, the people of St. Martin were, at long last, able to hold a service of celebration of new ministry to formally induct Ms. Pollard as their incumbent.
Bishop Riscylla Shaw presided over the service with the assistance of the Rev. Canon Ruthanne Ward, regional dean of Oshawa deanery. St. Martin’s honorary assistant, the Rev. Richard Newland, shared the gospel reading and the Rev. Canon Erin Martin of St. James the Apostle, Sharon, delivered the homily. Several symbolic gifts were presented by members of the selection committee and a new chasuble was given to Ms. Pollard on behalf of the congregation. The entire service was livestreamed on YouTube for all who were unable to attend in person.
While the pandemic delayed this event from happening, it didn’t stop Ms. Pollard from getting on with her ministry and getting to know and serve the members of St. Martin and the entire parish was proud to officially welcome Ms. Pollard.
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