Come Find A Home With Us
...If you know the answer, ask bigger questions
The Story So Far...
The beginning
In 1956, a new Anglican Church was founded to meet the needs of the flourishing south end of St. Catharines. First established at Lady Spencer Churchill School, the Church of the Transfiguration moved to its current location and new building in 1959.
Property Development
In 1983, the original church building was remodeled. In 1985, Transfiguration partnered with the Ontario Housing Corporation to construct a low-income senior’s apartment building: The Transfiguration Terrace. The twelve-unit apartment building is administered by a board of church members. Residents are encouraged to participate in Transfiguration events and are invited to attend a Christmas celebration.
Remodel and Renovation
In October 2010, planning began for a building expansion that would include classrooms, offices, accessible washrooms, improved heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), an expanded fireside room, revamped entrances, increased parking, audio/visual upgrades, increased storage and to deal with outstanding deficiencies of past building inspections. By June 2011, the Bishop’s approval for the project was given.
The building committee worked tirelessly with the city, the architect and the contractor to bring the project to completion. Finally in February 2014, the new and improved space was completed and the congregation was able to return home and resume worship and other activities in our modern and functional facility. The Church space is used by a number of community groups offering yoga, chair yoga, tai chi and arts classes.
Meet our Priest
The Venerable Sheila Van Zandwyk (Rector) is a welcoming and engaging priest.
She is approachable and warm and leads the services with a friendly demeanour, often interacting directly with the congregation.
Humble and Humorous: She jokes about herself, like getting things wrong, which makes her relatable.
Insightful in her Sermons: Her sermon delves into the gentleness of God, contrasting Old Testament perceptions with Jesus' actions, and applies these concepts to the meaning of baptism in daily life.
She uses personal anecdotes, such as stripping wallpaper, to illustrate deeper spiritual points.
Community-Oriented: She emphasizes the importance of community and shared faith and is usually at all of our Parish events.
Dedicated to Her Role: She is actively involved in the church's activities and announcements, from thanking volunteers to promoting upcoming events.
The Venerable Sheila Van Zandwyk is a prominent Canadian Anglican priest currently serving as the Rector of Transfiguration Church in St. Catharines, Ontario.
Current Leadership Roles: Archdeacon of Lincoln: In February 2022, she was appointed by Bishop Susan Bell to serve as the Archdeacon of the Lincoln Deanery within the Anglican Diocese of Niagara.
Rector: She has led the Church of the Transfiguration for over six years, overseeing worship services and community outreach programs.
Background and Ministry Early Life & Career: Born and raised in St. Catharines, she initially worked in retail management for several years before entering the seminary at age 40.
Ordination: She has been ordained for over 17 years and has served in various parishes across Oakville, Hamilton, and St. Catharines.
Education: She is a graduate of Trinity College at the University of Toronto.
Public Witness: She is known for her participation in leadership roundtables, such as "Breaking Barriers: Women in Ministry Leadership", where she discusses contemporary challenges and the role of women in the church.
Meet our Music Director
Music Director Lindsey M. Mills leads an eclectic music program that transcends many styles, blends diverse sounds, incorporating traditional hymns and contemporary worship.
The Music Ministry is made up of The Transfiguration Worship Band and Choir. Lindsey has cultivated and created an eclectic, multi-instrumental approach to the church's music ministry. Including a very well received "Prelude Artist Series" which she created to allow the musicians and vocalists to share their gifts before the service. Often the band and choir lead a song and invites the entire parish to sing a long. A fun way to introduce new music.
And as the service comes to a close, she saves a final gift ~ an uplifting postlude that gets everyone to stay and sing along. Smiles on their faces, hands clap and feet dance as joy and spirit fill the air, sending loved ones off into the day with full hearts.
Style: She focuses on engaging, empowering, and bringing people of all ages together in music and finding a place for anyone who wants to be a part of this harmonious group.
The Transfiguration Music Ministry Choir & Band are fun and fondly known as "The Brood of Vipers".
Visit our Music Ministry Website: www.transfigurationmusic.ca
Background: Lindsey is a Canadian recording artist, Professional multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and educator with an extensive background in both sacred, secular and original music. She has toured extensively and performed in both Canada and the US.
Skills: She is proficient in more than a dozen instruments, including piano, vocal, guitar, fiddle, bass, mandolin, ukulele, and drums.
Affiliations: A lifetime member of The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Science (the Junos), The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada, American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, and is a member of both the Canadian and American Music Association and has served as an Executive Board Member for years.
Original Works: She has composed and written thousands of original compositions in her career. Lindsey has also written many pieces for the parish, such as "Bring Us Home To Mother Earth," dedicated to the love and care of our precious earth which our Parish Family takes a major role in caring for.
Lindsey is also our Parish Administrator and loves the diversity and challenges of the work involved. It is another avenue and creative outlet for her to use her artistic background, strategic and tech-savvy "behind-the-scenes" leadership. She is able to streamline operations while enhancing the church's outreach, rental family and community engagement —with modern, proactive approaches to communication and technology.
Meet our Deacon
The Reverend Deacon Sandra Thomson is a very dedicated member of the ministry team at the Church of the Transfiguration in St. Catharines, Ontario.
Her background and role include:
Ordination: She was ordained as a deacon by Bishop Susan Bell on November 21, 2021, at Christ’s Church Cathedral in Hamilton.
Ministry Focus: She is very dedicated and actively involved in community outreach and ministering to people experiencing homelessness. Specifically helping with a local Breakfast Program. She often contributes regular spiritual reflections for the parish and reads our Gospel during the services at both our 8:30 and 10:30 Services on Sunday.
Current Service: She serves alongside the Venerable Sheila Van Zandwyk (Rector) and participates in leading Holy Eucharist services, which are livestreamed on YouTube for our 10:30 service.
History: Prior to her ordination, she was a long-time parishioner and active lay member (including serving as a crucifer) at St. James' in St. Catharines
Meet our Wardens
Rectors Warden: Ray Elder
Deputy Rector’s Warden: Kari Vanderzee
People’s Warden: Barbara Sainty
Deputy People’s Warden: Kelly Twerdy ~ also our Treasurer
A warden (or churchwarden) in the Anglican Church is a senior lay official responsible for the administrative, financial, and property affairs of a parish. Working in pairs—typically one elected by the congregation and one appointed by the clergy—they serve as key leaders, liaisons between the clergy and laity, and maintain the church's legal and physical, or "temporal," health.
Key aspects of an Anglican warden:
Role and Function: They oversee the maintenance of church buildings and grounds, manage parish finances, and ensure regular worship services continue.
Partnership with Clergy: They work closely with the Incumbent (rector/vicar) to support the spiritual and practical life of the parish.
Legal Responsibility: In many jurisdictions, they are part of the parish "corporation" and hold legal accountability, particularly during times of pastoral transition.
Appointment: Usually two per parish: the "People's Warden" (elected by the parish) and the "Rector's/Incumbent's Warden" (appointed by the clergy).
History: The role dates back to the 13th/14th century, originally designed to ensure compliance with bishop requirements and manage parish assets. They are not typically involved in leading worship directly but ensure the setting for worship is secure, orderly, and well-maintained.
Meet our Children, Youth & Family Coordinator
Steff Doan
A Children, Youth, and Family Coordinator in the Anglican Church develops, implements, and oversees ministries, programs, and community engagement for young people and families to nurture their spiritual growth. This role often includes organizing Sunday school, youth groups, and special events while recruiting and training volunteers. They are essential in creating an inclusive, safe environment that integrates families into the wider church life.
Meet our A/V Team
Brian, Kelly, Barbara, Sarah
An Audio/Visual (A/V) team in an Anglican church is a specialized group of volunteers or staff responsible for managing technology—specifically audio, video, and lighting—during worship services, special events, and online streaming. As part of the wider worship ministry, their primary goal is to enhance the congregation's experience by ensuring clear sound and visual aids, while connecting in-person and online attendees to the service.
Meet our Parish Caretaker
Shirley Delaney
Our building caretaker, Shirley, is a staff member responsible for the daily maintenance, cleaning, security, and operational upkeep of the church building and grounds. They ensure that the worship space, offices, and parish halls are prepared for services and events, often performing cleaning, minor repairs, and maintenance. She is very caring and keeps our Parish home sparkling!
