Bishop’s and Champlain to welcome new Chaplain
The Bishop’s University/champlain Regional College Campus Ministry Committee has announced the appointment of the Rev. Jesse Dymond as the new Campus Minister, effective August 1, 2017.
Dymond will work with the Student Services teams of both Bishop’s and Champlain and will serve as a staff advisor to the Student Refugee Program, as well as chaplain of St. Mark’s Chapel. The Campus Minister provides pastoral care to all members of the campus community within an ecumenical and multi-faith environment.
“It is a rare opportunity to be invited to minister in and amongst such a vibrant community of students, scholars, and lovers of learning,” Dymond says. “In a changing church and world, pastoral support for those who both ask and answer difficult questions of faith is imperative. I am honoured to serve in this capacity.”
Ordained as an Anglican priest in 2008 at the Cathedral of St. Paul in London, Ontario, Dymond has been serving the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada as Online Community and Resources Coordinator since 2011. He has also served in parish ministry and hospital chaplaincy in the Diocese of Huron, Ontario.
A native of London, Ontario, Dymond holds a master of divinity degree from Huron University College and a master of arts in theology from the University of Western Ontario. He is also beginning a PHD in Human Relationships, Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy, a professional degree offered by Waterloo Lutheran Seminary and designed to be pursued within the context of full-time pastoral ministry.
The campus community and St. Mark’s Chapel wish Archdeacon Heather Thomson a happy retirement after 27 years as the Campus Minister, and extend a warm welcome to the Rev. Dymond and his family.
Thomson, speaking to the new appointment, said that she was very pleased to see the Campus Minister job change hands seamlessly.
“Campus ministry is so important to me,” the outgoing minister said. “I think (Dymond) is going to be great.”
Thomson said that although she was not involved in the process of choosing her successor, she had the opportunity to meet the new chaplain when he came to visit the area a short time ago.
“I’m happy to help out with transition if that is required or wanted.” She added.