Christ Church Cathedral parishioner Jane Osler was presented the National Church’s highest lay honour, the Anglican Award of Merit, by The Most Reverend Shane Parker, Primate, at a very full 10:30 worship service on Sunday Oct. 26th, 2025.
This Award is conferred on lay Canadian Anglicans who have made “outstanding contributions toward the life and work of the Church”. Jane has been a leader in liturgy, education, pastoral care, and many diocesan and national ministries, as well as contributing her talents to the Diocese of New Westminster and the Cathedral parish.
Archbishop Shane Parker, who as Primate is the national Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Canada, placed the Award’s medal, a white cross, on Jane, the congregation gave her an enthusiastic standing ovation. Jane thanked former Diocesan Bishop Michael Ingham and retired Dean Peter Elliott, who were present, for encouraging her to get involved in the National Church. Jane spoke of the gifts of meaning, belonging and fulfillment she has received in return for her volunteer work.
The visiting Dean of Canterbury, The Very Reverend David Monteith, preached at the service and the Primate presided. To mark the occasion, Dean Chris Pappas, on behalf of the Cathedral congregation, presented Jane, Dean David and Primate Shane with Anglican Rosaries beautifully created by the parish’s new Rosary Ministry.
Following this auspicious service a reception was held, hosted by the Cathedral’s Trustees and Wardens, where Jane and the honoured guests were toasted by Dean Chris and hors d’oeuvres were served, featuring uniquely Canadian and
West Coast cuisine of smoked salmon, mini quiches, Nanaimo Bars and butter tarts. Jane was presented with a bouquet by parishioner Jennifer Barr, currently working with Jane on the development of a strategic plan for the parish. Jennifer spoke of the multiple leadership roles Jane has served in as a long-time parishioner of the 8 AM service.
The parish recognizes and thanks the many clergy, staff and volunteers who made the service and reception memorable, including Gary Kenwood, Ian Birtwell, James Riva, Greg White, Holly and David McMillan, Shehnaz Hozaima Cavey, Doug Yee, Byron Jang, Sondra Marshall, Neale Adams, Jennifer Barr, Julie Bauming and her faithful coffee servers Sarah Scarfe, Isabel Woo and June Zawada.
Very special thanks to volunteer ‘chef extraordinaire’ Mark Halyk.