PRESS RELEASE – For immediate distribution. July 18^th, 2011.

The Executive Committee of the Carlington Community Chaplaincy is pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Hetherington as the new Chaplain, working out of the Stronghold Community Home on Caldwell Ave, effective September 1^st, 2011.

Jessica will complete her Ph.D. in Theology at St Paul University by the end of 2011 after earning her Masters in Theology there in 2005 and her Bachelor of Arts Honours degree at the University of Toronto in 2001.

Jessica is no stranger to the Chaplaincy having spent the summer of 2004 filling in for the Chaplain at that time. Before that she worked as a Support Worker and Counsellor at Street Haven in Toronto and the Cornerstone Women’s Shelter in Ottawa as well as experiencing a two year term as Residential Counsellor with the Society of Vincent De Paul’s Rendu House in Toronto.

While at St Paul University, Jessica has been a sessional instructor at St Paul and the Ottawa Lay School of Theology and is experienced in designing and delivering interactive, reflective workshops on social justice, ecology, and feminism. She also produced fact sheets, handouts, and reflection activities for use in the workshops, facilitated learning and empowered participants through interactive exercises, worship, and quiet reflection.

The selection process has been long and thorough, under the leadership of the Reverend Christine Johnson from Glebe St James United Church and the Chaplaincy Board of Directors looks forward to the new program year in partnership with Jessica. Her appointment comes at a critical point in the history of the Chaplaincy, as we develop new initiatives and build closer relationships with other service providers, especially in the Bellevue-Medford area.

The Carlington Community Chaplaincy has been active in the Carlington area for almost 24 years providing spiritual care, counselling and specialised programs, open to all residents of the community.