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 Trustee at St. Paul’s Bloor Street 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.
Assistant Curate & Youth Minister
The Reverend Yohan Dumpala
Email: curate@stjohnsnorway.com
Yohan was called to serve at St. John’s Norway in 2021 as our youth minister. Soon after graduating with a Master of Divinity from Trinity College, he was ordained a Transitional Deacon at St. James’ Cathedral and began his Curacy in May 2022.
As an Assistant Curate, Yohan has been responsible for various aspects of parish ministry and continues to oversee youth ministry. He is an avid musician, photographer, and videographer and is a supporter of new creative forms of ministry. As a volunteer Tech Mentor at the Diocese of Toronto, he serves as a valuable resource to all who require guidance in ensuring Church services and ministries endure in a virtual space.
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.
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.
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!
Parish Placement Student
Tyler McKenna
Tyler is a seminary student at Wycliffe College, from Moncton, New Brunswick and is a Postulant with the Diocese of Fredericton.
He has been led St. John’s, where he’s fulfilling his parish placement to gain practical experience in ministry. Before coming to Toronto, he had a commitment to service in his role as an overnight shelter coordinator at Harvest House in Moncton, working with people facing homelessness and other difficulties, learning invaluable life lessons from their presence and stories.
Tyler has a great appreciation for the simple life, he has spent some time working with an off-grid farmstead in the wilderness of Cape Breton. There he learned the values of food security and responsible care of the land and he forged a connection with the natural world, and gaining insights into the what it is to be human in connection with Creation.
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. In addition to teaching music privately in the GTA, he works as an accompanist for the National Ballet of Canada.