DR PAT RETIREMENT AND SELECTION COMMITTEE UPDATES

Message From The President

As the Board Chair, I certainly didn’t expect this so soon, however, we understand Dr. Pat’s position AND we want to wish her well!

She has given us 13 years of leadership, of teaching, humor and love. She has become a Canadian citizen, so she won’t be going too far. She has earned this. So, thankyou so much Dr. Pat.

As a Board, we just want to let you know that we will be planning a party AND we have a committee in place to get started on a new Spiritual Director.

We have been busy on a Strategic Plan and the three main topics are the Property development, Marketing and Succession Planning.

This is exciting for all of us as we know we are all One and our thoughts create our realities. We have 9 more wonderful months of Dr. Pat and time to bring in a new leader for our centre.

Please join me in letting Dr. Pat how much we love her. - Alana Newton

 

UPDATES

Update April 26, 2026

At the April 26 AGM it was announced that a Selection Committee has been formed and that anyone who wishes to know more or to inquire about joining the committee can approach Board President, Alana Newton at any time.

 

Update May 25, 2026

The Selection Committee consists of 6 CCSL members, co-chaired by Chala Frank and Neil Williams and also including Rosanna Law, Joanie Guthrie, Francis Lee and Rev. Marjorie Contenti. The Committee are preparing a candidate package which will include a short video and photographs of our community and Centre.  There will be a 4 day process to narrow down the qualities of the Minister our community is looking for.  More details to be revealed in the coming weeks and months.

 

Update July 30, 2026

SAVE THE DATE!  Dr. Pat's retirement party will be held the afternoon of November 21 and we know everyone will come out to celebrate her years of Service at Calgary CSL!

Question : How long will it take to get a new Spiritual Director?  

Answer : There is a lot of preparation going on already with the Board and the Selection Committee and the home office of Centers For Spiritual Living.  The Selection Committee meets regularly and expects a new Spiritual Director will be in place no later than mid-year, 2027. Our community can expect continued updates in the coming months, as milestones in the process are reached.

Full Message from the Selection Committee as Announced August 2, 2026:

Dear Beloved Community, we want to thank you for your continued prayers, patience, and support as we move through our ministerial succession process. Our Selection Committee continues to meet regularly and is following the established Centers for Spiritual Living succession process with care and intention. We have completed the current phase of our work including bringing a video to the editing stage. We are now coordinating with the Board on foundational work that will take us to the end of 2026. We are aiming to have a new minister in place by mid-2027, and we plan to connect with the community for your input, and to keep you informed as milestones are reached. We know that times of transition can bring both excitement and uncertainty. We invite you to continue holding our Centre, our future minister, and our leadership in your thoughts and spiritual practice, trusting that the right person will emerge in perfect divine timing. We will provide another update by the end of next month, or sooner if there is significant news to share. Thank you for your trust, your participation, and your dedication to our spiritual community. Together, we are creating the next chapter of our Centre with faith, love, and shared purpose.
In gratitude,
The Selection Planning Committee Neil Williams (co-chair), Chala Frank (co-chair), Rev. Marjorie Contenti, Joanie Guthrie, Rosanna Law and Francis Lee