March 2012 - Ministry in the Big Land

Ministry in the Big Land

Reflections of a Labrador Priest

Submitted by the Rev. Wayne Parsons

Rector, Parish of Labrador West

Christmas day past, marked the fifth Christmas that myself and my family have spent in Labrador. The first two were in the former parish of Battle Harbour and the last three have been in the Parish of Labrador West where I currently serve as its Rector. Within this span, I have been blessed in so many ways and have grown as a priest on a yearly basis. The call to ordained ministry in the Big Land can indeed be challenging, but yet rewarding for those who answer the call to ministry in one of the most beautiful parts of God's creation. 

I well remember my days in Battle Harbour (now the parish of Southeast Labrador) and the trips to the communities of Williams Harbour and Norman Bay by boat. The openness of the ocean, the splendour of watching icebergs crumble before your eyes, the feeling of freedom. In winter perhaps seeing a polar bear or two in the distance on ski-doo or watching them from the air, in the twin otter, as you fly over the vastness and beauty of God's universe. I always cherished the drives between the communities with roads and the marvelling constantly, yet quietly, about the beauty and firmament of God's hand upon this small corner of his vast vineyard. Then there are the people, the people of Labrador are one of God's greatest treasures. True, genuine, hospitable, loving, honest and hardworking, are only a few of the adjectives that describe these wonderful souls. Although there are indeed sometimes challenges around a multi-point rural parish, the people themselves far out way any difficulty that you will ever encounter. 

 Likewise, heading into the third year of ministry in Labrador West has also been equally as satisfying. Labrador West is a booming mining economic hotbed with unprecedented growth and opportunities. It is an industrial ministry. Over seventy per cent of the communities of Labrador City and Wabush work directly with the two mining companies. Most others are in support services of this. Therefore, regular parishioners who attend faithfully and are employed with the mines, as shift workers, only attend every second Sunday as the alternate weekend they work. Labrador West is also an absolutely beautiful place to live. Built on industry and thriving in nature has been used to describe our communities. It is a tremendous place to raise your family and offers many of the services of a larger urban center with much less hassle and congestion. 

From a parish standpoint, Labrador West has been often referred to as a flagship parish. I would concur with this statement. As a parish we are very blessed in many ways. From our growing Buzz children's ministry, Anglicanism course, outreach both local and abroad, family service and fellowship just to name a few. The parishioners of the parish are truly wonderful and genuine people. Also, from a ministerial standpoint, ecumenically we work extremely well with the focus on togetherness and improving ministry services for all in our communities.  I would also be remiss, if I did not mention the wonderful clergy team within the Archdeaconry of Labrador. Led by Archdeacon Taylor, we have a wonderful clerical team and I believe we all know how lucky we are and truly support and care for each other in our ministries. Ministry is indeed a truly special calling and is life changing. 

On October 18, 2001, I was ordained a deacon at the Cathedral in St. John's. Afterwards, I was very blessed and honored to have ministered in the Parish of the Ascension, Hospital Chaplaincy services and the Parish of All Saints as Visitation minister. Those experiences helped begin the shaping and perhaps preparation for ministry further abroad, which in this case has been the tremendous gift of Labrador Ministry. In closing, Labrador is not just a place for new clergy or a stepping stone. In many ways, it is a place that if you allow it, will mold and shape you not only as a clergy, but as a person and will make an indelible difference upon your life forever.  In closing, I would highly recommend ministry in Labrador to anyone who will answer the call. In fact, for me personally, many nights before I lay down to sleep… I say thank you God for making me a Labrador priest.