Rector

The Rev. Dr. Jane Rowland is an artist, theologian, and Anglican priest living in Calgary, Alberta. Jane is a passionate and dedicated teacher, with over thirty years experience in paid and volunteer lay ministry, theological education, and ordained ministry.

She holds a Master of Divinity from Regent College, Vancouver, and a PhD from St Andrews University, Scotland, where she wrote her dissertation on Spiritual Mothers and Prophesying Daughters: The Practice of Female Ministry among North American Radical Evangelicals, 1875-1943. More current theological explorations are in the areas of trauma and theology, and trauma and spirituality.

Jane also draws upon her background in graphic design to create intricate pen and ink images inspired by the ancient practice of manuscript illumination. Recent art work explores themes of faith, trauma and hope through the lens of the biblical book of Jonah.

Other interests include wandering the range lands of the Eastern Slopes photographing and drawing wildflowers, gardening and reading science fiction.

In July 2022, MJ returned to St. Laurence as a member of our clergy team. In 2014, she began her priestly ministry at St. Laurence as an assistant, moving on to fulfil her call to full-time ministry in 2016. MJ has also served as a chaplain in health care, specializing in care for patients who have various forms of Dementia and supporting their caregivers.

For many years MJ worked in health care with a specialty in Cardiopulmonary rehab. It was during this time with her faith community that she discerned her call to ordained ministry. She is a graduate of Chicago’s Seabury Western Seminary and Loyola University. She also completed her Pastoral Care Education in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. MJ was ordained to the order of Deacons and Priests in the Diocese of Chicago.

MJ and her family were all born and raised in Canada, as well as becoming American citizens whilst living in the Chicago area for 20 years. MJ is a 55-year member of Girl Guides of Canada and Life member of Girl Scouts USA. She is a passionate supporter of the rights of women and children. As a Spiritual Director MJ focuses her work around the Bowen Family Systems.

In her retirement, MJ is happily engaging in the Fibre Arts, especially working with wool and quilting. MJ and her spouse, Keith, have lived across Canada and in the USA, but now live in a little log cabin in Millarville.

The Rev. Carolyn Herold has been part of the St. Laurence community since the 1980s (with some breaks away to study and live in other countries). Carolyn delights in creating and participating in inclusive liturgies and has a strong interest in social justice advocacy. Carolyn is registered with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care and has over 10 years of experience providing spiritual care to diverse populations in long-term care and both rural and city hospital settings. Carolyn currently ministers as a Spiritual Health Practitioner in Banff and Calgary hospitals.

Carolyn is a passionate educator. Both prior to her ordination and during her seven-year tenure as the Assistant Priest at St. Laurence, Carolyn co-led and led education programs. Prior to her ordination, Carolyn served as a Christian Education Director at Anglican and United churches within Calgary for over 10 years, facilitating both children’s and adult programs. A highlight of Carolyn’s career was working as the Education Manager at The Military Museums in Calgary where she was honoured to lead several groups of teenagers on tours of the battle fields in western Europe.

Carolyn is grateful for the opportunity to continue her ministry at St. Laurence in the role of honourary assistant. Her other interests include skiing, hiking, cycling, travel and gardening.

Music Director

Hello! I’m Donna Ruparell and I am privileged to direct the music ministry here at St. Laurence. I am classically trained, but work to bring other styles of music to our worship as well. I grew up with a Mennonite background and have sung in many choirs throughout my life.

Outside of church I am an avid gardener, hiker and reader, and I love to take pictures. I love making things and always have some project or other on the go. At the moment, I am learning how to knit socks and am very new to the world of throwing pots. I am married to Tinu, our current IT person at St. Laurence, and we have three children, all in various stages of leaving home for the big wide world.

Parish Administrator

I joined the community 6 years ago after I retired from Scotiabank. I enjoy the fellowship of the clergy and the many parishioners with whom I have the opportunity to interact.

I have been married for 32 years, and am blessed with 4 children and 8 grandchildren. I enjoy spending time outside the church with my family, as well as swimming, reading, hiking and travelling.