Rector
The Reverend Molly Finlay
Email: rector@stjohnsnorway.com
Molly was called to serve St. John’s Norway in 2020, and it has been her great joy to discover with the parish all that God is doing in our midst! Ordained in 2017, Molly served as Associate Priest at Christ Church Deer Park and Assistant Curate at All Saints’ Whitby. In all of her appointments, Molly has launched discipleship and outreach programs, as well as new forms of worship aimed at reaching newcomers. Prior to ordination, Molly enjoyed a career in television journalism later serving as a senior advisor to both Cabinet Ministers and the Premier of Ontario. She has extensive communications experience in the private and not for profit sectors. As an active layperson Molly volunteered at the All Saints’ Sherbourne drop-in for several years, was a member of the Anglican Church of Canada’s Resources for Mission Committee, served as a lay reader, small group leader and is an Associate of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine. She has a Masters Degree in English Literature from King’s College, London and a Divinity Degree from Wycliffe College, University of Toronto. Molly is married to Sam Robinson and has two teenaged daughters, Georgia and Elle.
Honourary Associate
The Reverend Tay Moss
The Reverend Tay Moss is an Anglican Priest, digital media producer, and innovative ministry coach. In his 20 years of ministry experience, Tay has founded faith-based social enterprises, arts-and-spirituality initiatives, and multiple new ministry projects. He produces videos, podcasts, and websites and is a volunteer ministry coach supervising large church development grants on behalf of the Diocese of Toronto. Before joining St. John’s, Tay was the Incumbent (Priest) of The Church of The Messiah for 15 years. Tay is the Coordinator of the Innovative Ministry Centre at the Toronto United Church Council. Its principal project is CHURCHx–an eLearning website for churches and individuals looking for ministry or spiritual education. Tay’s spouse, Betsy Moss, is a Professor and University Administrator and together they have three kids: Henry, Kat, and Sam. Tay is an avid sailor (both cruising and racing), canoe trekker, and cook. He has an interest in contemplative Christian spirituality, as well, and is an Associate of the Order of the Holy Cross. As the Honorary Assistant at St John’s, his role is to support the ministry team by occasionally preaching and presiding and providing whatever help or assistance they may need.
Deacon
The Reverend John Quaggin
Email: deacon@stjohnsnorway.com
Having been a lifelong Anglican, in 2020 John heard the “still small voice” of God calling him to a new vocation in the special form of the ministry of a Deacon. With the loving support and encouragement of his family and the parishioners and ministry team at St. John’s, in October 2024 John was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons.
As a truly bi-vocational Deacon, John both serves God’s world through his ministry at St. John’s and by working full-time as a legal professional, Notary Public and member of the Law Society of Ontario. John has represented clients, including those who are vulnerable on a pro bono basis, in the areas of housing, administrative, and human rights law.
John gives thanks to God for the gift of his ministry involvement at St. John’s and outside the four walls of the church, serving through his liturgical duties, by assisting lay leaders in administering St. John’s food pantry, through his membership in the East End Refugee Committee and the church’s Micah Committee, and by facilitating discipleship and Small Group sessions for parishioners.
John is married to Jennifer Thomas and is the proud father of two adult children, Evan and Fiona.
Director of Music
Cara Halpin, MMus, CRCCO
Email: music@stjohnsnorway.com
A passionate musician, educator and collaborator, Cara Halpin believes in the enriching experience of sacred music, both in traditional and contemporary settings. After starting music lessons at the age of four, Cara studied piano with Canadian composer Ruth Watson Henderson before completing her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Western Ontario, where she was awarded the St. John’s Music Scholarship. Cara continued her studies at the University of Toronto obtaining a Master of Music in music education and choral literature. She is a Colleague of the Royal Canadian College of Organists.
Children’s Ministry
Bridget Brain
Email: children@stjohnsnorway.com
Bridget Brain loves to see how God is at work, especially in the lives of children. Having over a decade of experience working with children and teens, Bridget knows that God calls to us and draws us closer no matter what age we are.
Bridget graduated from Wycliffe College in 2020 with an M.Div, where she excelled in their courses “Counselling Adolescents and Families” and “Children, Youth, and Family Ministry.”
Bridget is also a fine artist, having an H.B.A. from U of T in Art and Art History where she specialized in painting a drawing. Bridget loves the arts, and sees their value in life and faith.
Bridget and Michael Brain, a PhD candidate at Wycliffe College, were married last year and look forward to celebrating their first anniversary together in June.
Bridget is excited for all the God is doing and will do at St. John’s, especially in the children’s ministry!
Theologian-in-Residence
Jonathan Slater
Email: theologian@stjohnsnorway.com
Jonathan and his wife Maureen came to St. John’s in the fall of 2023 and were received into the Anglican Communion in April of 2024. Trained as a secondary-school math and geography teacher, Jonathan’s desire to explore questions of faith more deeply led him to pursue graduate studies in theology at Wycliffe College and Trinity College at the University of Toronto. Since completing his Ph.D. in 2013, he has taught courses in theology as an adjunct professor at both Trinity and Wycliffe College. He also teaches communications and religion courses as a partial-load professor at Seneca Polytechnic. Jonathan also brings youth ministry experience to his role at St. John’s, having served as a pastor of youth ministries in Mennonite churches in the Toronto area from 2005 to 2015. Jonathan will be helping to lead discipleship programming, small group ministry and adult & youth formation, and we will hear him preach from time to time too!
Theological Student
Grace Rockett
Hello St. John’s Norway community! My name is Grace Rockett and I am currently studying at the University of Toronto’s Trinity College in my Master of Divinity and I am a postulant for the Anglican Diocese of Toronto. I am so excited to be a part of your community and get to know you all better. I am a long time resident of The Beach, one of my favourite activities being taking my dog (Walter) out for a walk along the water. I have my undergrad in Musical Theatre from Sheridan College and I hope to marry my skills in theatre and in ministry as I embark on this journey. I wear many hats throughout the week, so please do not hesitate to introduce yourself and ask questions, I love to learn and I would love to chat!
Parish Administrator
Edward Cockerton
Email: admin@stjohnsnorway.com
Edward Cockerton is an administrator, educator, music director and accompanist. He is a graduate from the Red Deer College Music program with a Diploma of Music specializing in Voice and Piano. Edward has worked with many churches as a pianist, soloist and special guest performer. He is the lead musician for The Table, St. John’s Norway’s 5PM Contemporary Service and covers for Cara at 10:30AM or joins in on the guitar or harp for special services. In addition to teaching music privately in the GTA, he works as an accompanist for the National Ballet of Canada.