The Venerable Michael Sung, Rector
Father Michael has led Holy Trinity Riverbend since its inception as The Chinese Anglican Parish of Holy Trinity in 1993, overseeing the church’s evolution into the parish it is today. He continues to lead the church now in its second year as Holy Trinity Riverbend, as it provides a spiritual base for those in the Riverbend and Terwillegar area, and beyond. In addition, he is the current regional archdeacon of Strathcona, one of four area groupings of Edmonton diocesan congregations.
During the church’s early years in the mid-1990s, Michael also devoted part of his time as interim rector for All Saints’ Cathedral, Edmonton as well as St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Vegreville, Alberta. These experiences allowed him to gain greater familiarity with the Anglican community in Edmonton, building on his years leading congregations in his native Hong Kong. Prior to coming to Edmonton in 1993, Michael served as Deputy General Secretary of the Diocese of Hong Kong and Macao, before which he led the congregation of St. Peter’s Church and served as curate for St. Paul’s Church, both in Hong Kong. Michael also gained early experience providing counsel and spiritual guidance as chaplain to an Anglican high school, of the Hong Kong (Kai Tak) Airport, as well as visiting correctional institutions. He received his theological degree from the South East Asia Graduate School of Theology in Hong Kong.
Michael and his wife, Agnes have two grown children.
Michael can be reached online at frmikes@htrchurch.ca and welcomes visits at the church during the week or on Sundays.
Sheila Hagan-Bloxham
Sheila is a semi-retired Anglican priest. Prior to being ordained she was a mental health practitioner specializing in Employee and Family Assistance; her background is nursing. Sheila is utilizing her earlier skills and current training in the practice of Spiritual Direction. She is excited to be part of a dynamic approach to ‘doing church in a new way’.
Jonathan Connell, Curate
Recently ordained priest, Jon takes his turn in preaching and leading Sunday worship. Aside from that, he enjoys being the clergy member of the team that runs Messy Wednesdays, and is actively creating neighbourhood links to create the Community Garden.
A very happy father of two very active children, Jon has been very happily married to their very patient mother Fiona for over thirteen years. After graduating with a degree in theology from Oxford University in 2001, he and Fiona took time for work and travel in Europe before returning to Canada in 2004.
His personal interests include obscure theological concepts made readily explainable (usually at the expense of his hairline), the relationship between our built environment and individual & communal spirituality (often at the expense of a skinned knuckle or two), and exploring the variety of forms of worship that have developed over the last 2000 years (happily, few expenses there). Outside of work, gardening, amateur astronomy, and obscure British comedy spark him up.
Jon can be reached at 780-431-1817 or jonathan.d.connell@gmail.com.