It is a season of transition here at the diocese. You will hear a different voice on the end of your call and see a different face as you walk in the door. Please welcome our new Receptionist/Administrative Assistant, Maria Catarina Sousa. She has replaced Elias in his former position.
Maria's Bio:
Maria was born in Brazil and moved to Canada last year. She holds a Bachelor of Law degree from Brazil and previously worked for the Court of Appeal in her home state as a Judicial Assistant and Law Clerk. She can speak Portuguese, Spanish and French. As a Christian, Maria is very excited to serve the Church and fulfill its mission at the Synod Office.
A message from Bishop John on Elias' departure:
Anytime someone has phoned or visited the Synod Office, the first person they would have encountered was Mr Elias Neto. Elias has offered a friendly voice, a calm presence and often a cup of coffee. He has been an important member of the Synod Office team and part of our Diocesan community.
Effective February 9, Elias has left the Synod Office Staff Team to start a new role with the Provincial Government. Elias has a very broad and varied skillset, and this will be put to very good use in his new position.
Elias was trained as a lawyer in Brazil, is very organized and has been keen to offer his talents in a variety of places in our Diocese. His faith in Christ in very important to him and his whole family; his role at the Synod Office was an extension of living into his faith. We appreciated his warmth, humour and care for all who came in our doors. We appreciated his ability to step into many roles, including troubleshooting some technical issues and creating a database for clergy, lay leaders and parishes. We appreciated his willingness to help out whenever a need arose.
Elias will be greatly missed but we are grateful for all that he has offered at the Synod Office since 2020. May God bless, hold and keep him always.