It is a delight and privileged to have the opportunity to serve as Priest-in-Charge at The Anglican Parish of St. Christopher and St. Aidan in beautiful Lake Cowichan.
Previously, I served as rector of The Anglican Parish of St. Peter, Quamichan for 8 years (2009-2016), and previous to that appointment I served in the Diocese of Calgary for 3 ½ years as curate (2005-2007) and then interim priest (2008).
I received my call to ordained ministry at 45 years of age. With my children grown and a varied professional background that includes business, catering and restauranteuring, hospitality, marketing and adult education, I took the plunge and returned to university, entering seminary at 50 where I completed my academic work for a Master’s of Divinity from the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad on the University of Saskatchewan campus.
During my educational experience I studied in Rome at the Anglican Centre housed at the Vatican, studied in Jerusalem and walked the path of St. Paul in Turkey. I completed the Anglican Studies program offered at Canterbury Cathedral (where I had drinks with the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev. Rowan Williams) and I presided at Holy Eucharist at the altar of St. Augustine.
More recently I completed a 2 year diploma program, “Congregational Development”, developed and offered by the Diocese of Olympia.
My hospitality industry background has included ownership of several catering businesses, a dinner theatre, management of a fine dining restaurant and events planning. Other business experience has included ownership of a private school on Vancouver Island, which I ran with two woman partners where we developed and delivered programs for both the public and private sectors.
Some may see ordained ministry as such a contrast to, and a departure from the work I have done in the past… I see ordained ministry as one more way in which to feed people… I am completing the circle of feeding people in body, mind and soul! As I offer food for the soul, with God’s help, I look forward to this exciting journey with each of you as we serve our community of Lake Cowichan together.
I am a widow of Mel for 13 years, I have two adult children, and 3 grandchildren. I have also experienced divorce and know the pain and distress that it causes a person and a family.
I love to cook and entertain, to walk, to read, to listen to music and I appreciate and honour God's wonderful creation. I own a bed and breakfast in Cowichan Bay and enjoy being a small business owner as well as an Anglican priest and child of God.
I look forward to personally meeting, and getting to know you as we welcoming all into our midst at The Anglican Parish of St. Christopher and St. Aidan.
Blessings,
Rev. Deborah Rivet
