UCM has three experienced Lay Chaplains, who are licensed under the Marriage Act of Ontario, serving the Peel and Halton Regions and surrounding areas. Fees for ceremonies are discussed in advance with the Lay Chaplain.
Our Lay Chaplains perform various Rites of Passage for the general public in the Peel-Halton Regions and surrounding areas, such as private homes, public or home gardens and rented halls.
Preparations for services are in consultation with the parties involved. Lay Chaplains have a wide variety of readings, sample services and suggestions and will ensure services are relevant and reflective of your personal circumstances and beliefs.
Please contact them directly or the UCM office for more information.
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Ellen Newman Ellen has been a member of the Unitarian Congregation of South Peel since September of 2004. She is an active member of the SourceFire Pagan worship group, the Sacred Circle Dance group, and also teaches Spiritual Exploration to 3 – 5 years olds on Sundays. Ellen has been a Certified Doula (professional childbirth attendant), and Certified Childbirth Educator for 6 years. Her intimate involvement with childbearing women, their partners and families from every culture, background and identity, led her to recognize the sacredness of this transformative life event, and was the spark that developed her interest in the importance of rituals to celebrate significant rites of passage. Ellen has a keen interest in serving individuals, couples, and families in developing meaningful ceremonies to mark these rites; be it a coming of age ceremony, a marriage, a baby dedication or naming, a memorial, a house blessing, a croning or a saging, or any other celebration or milestone that may be of importance in a person’s life. She revels in the diversity of her community, and has a personal interest and a developed sensitivity with regard to sexual orientation and identity, culture, and spirituality.
Vanessa Romeiro A practicing Catholic in her formative years, Vanessa has been a member of the Unitarian Congregation in Mississauga for over a year after searching for a spiritual community which truly reflected her progressive values and passion for social justice. She is married and feels blessed to be able to journey through life with her loving spouse. Vanessa understands the need to mark special rites of passage and transitional moments, and truly appreciates the opportunity to help members of the greater community celebrate these moments. Vanessa is currently completing graduate studies in Religion and Culture, which has equipped her with a breadth of knowledge regarding the world’s religious traditions. One of her life passions is music, and she taught piano to beginner students for almost 10 years. She loves to sing and is a member of the Sunday morning choir at UUCM. In her spare time she enjoys reading and traveling. Vanessa is excited to be a part of the planning and celebration of the rituals of importance in your life, in a way that is personal and reflects the uniqueness of those involved. To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. -Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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Wendy Shusterman Wendy has been an active member of the Unitarian Congregation in Mississauga for 6 years, and firmly believes in the inherent dignity and self worth of every human individual. She is the Mother of two adult children and has always advised them to seize every opportunity that comes their way. Wendy is delighted to have the opportunity to be a Lay Chaplain and celebrate the rites of passage with members of the greater community. Wendy has traveled the globe as a consultant and is renowned as an enthusiastic speaker and storyteller. She has a love of language and recognizes the power of words. Wendy looks forward to helping you create a meaningful and memorable service for your various celebrations of the circle of life. |
