Governance

The Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is comprised of 11 Directors, the Chaplain and the Archdeacon of Thunder Bay-North Shore. Directors hold their appointment for a 2 year term. 5 Directors are elected annually at the Mission’s Annual General meeting (AGM) normally held in May. The Thunder Bay-North Shore Deanery Council appoints 1 Director for a 2 year term at its pre-Synod meeting.

The Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary are Directors and appointed for a 1 year term by the Board of Directors at its meeting following the AGM.

2024/2025

Chair
Pastor Matthew Diegel

Vice-Chair
Vacant

Secretary
Anne Zuliani

Treasurer
vacant

Directors

Barbara Brayshaw Fontaine

Janet Pike

David Stephens

Don Wright

Brad Yeo

Jean Paul Mercier

Dorothy Playle

Irene Wyrozub

Susan Zirnsak-Pike

Chaplain – Non-voting
The Reverend Canon Ed Swayze

Archdeacon of Thunder Bay-North Shore – Ex-officio
The Venerable Deborah Kraft

Goals and Objectives

The purpose of the Mission to Seafarers is to promote the spiritual, moral and physical well-being of seafarers and their families world-wide.

Our goals fall into two categories, Direct Ministry and Providing Resources to Minister to Seafarers:

Direct Ministry

  • Provide ministry to seafarers and port personnel who request our services.
  • Visit seafarers aboard ocean-going ships in the Port of Thunder Bay.
  • Transport seafarers to shopping, the Seafarers’ Center and upon request to worship or for a tour of city.
  • Operate the Seafarers’ Centre as a welcoming place where seafarers are provided with an opportunity to connect with volunteers and relax. Seafarers are offered:
    • communications facilities and the purchase of SIM cards so that they may contact their family and friends;
    • Bibles in various languages, free of charge; and
    • warm clothing.
  • Deliver Christmas Gift Bags to ships that are in Port in December.
  • Offer an annual Blessing of the Fleet service for local mariners.

    Providing Resources to Minister to Seafarers

    • Educate the community about seafarers and enhance the profile of the Mission in the community.
    • Attract, train and retain volunteers.
    • Fund raise to operate the local station and provide for capital improvements.
    • Work with Missions to Seafarers: Canada (MTSC) and the North American Ministry Association (NAMMA) in order to share practises and information so that the Thunder Bay station maintains standards of ministry consistent with other MTS stations.