Rev. Dr. Catherine Smith

Catherine lives a life of contemplation in action. This is a way that intentionally cultivates space to notice and receive the Holy Presence in all things. From that receptive space and encounter all vital action is set in motion. This is as important for the identity and life of our churches as it is for individuals. Trained at the Shalem Institute in Transformative Leadership she brings that capacity to her life and work. She continues that work with small groups and congregations and other organizations.

Honouring our vulnerability

We may often feel vulnerable in our life as individuals or rural congregations. It’s easy to develop a hard shell, to close ourselves off. Catherine’s doctoral work explored the value of remaining open and courageous in those sometimes hurt, ashamed or frightened places in our life. She tries to acknowledge those spaces in her own life and to en-courage others within those spaces. She believes vulnerability is an essential part of us, and much that is beautiful, creativitve and compassionate flows from it if we live in it with peace.

Degrees, Delights and Doings

Catherine received her BTh from McGill, her MDiv from United Theological College, her DMin from St. Stephen’s College and her certification in Transformative Leadership from the Shalem Institute. She continues to develop resources to nourish congregational life, Governance as Spiritual Practice, Table Church, Under it All Conversations, Stations of the Rural Church, Ember Days and a varied collection of prayers and reflections. You can follow Catherine’s work and read her reflections at https://hemofthelight.com

Catherine is also the initiator of Rural Routes Through the Holy.

She lives with her husband, looking out over the marshes of Tantramar. There she writes and walks, gardens and gathers small groups, knits and reads, dances, and delights in time spent with her children and grandchildren.