Credentials

Rev Susan Patterson joined us in July 2007 as a Designated Minister and as a founding cleric in Clergy Support Memorial, while sharing her Lay Chaplain activities with the Canadian Unitarian Universalist Council. After 17 years serving with Clergy Support Memorial, our Church Board unanimously elevated her to the office of Ordained Minister in July 2024. Susan’s extensive experience, her compassionate approach and strong commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to their own personal rites of passage reflect her deep understanding of people’s spiritual and emotional needs.

Academic Certifications

• Canadian Minister’s Institute
• Bachelor of Arts, University of Guelph
• Certification in numerous counseling and personal growth programs, including — Personality Dimensions Master Trainer, Home Funeral Practitioner, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Certification, True Colors Certification, The Birkman Method, Conflict Management, and Alternative Dispute Resolution Level 1 & 2, among others.

Pastoral Care

Rev. Susan has been a dedicated servant to her community for 17 years. Whether it is personal counselling, leading worship or volunteering at the food bank, Susan’s approach is always inclusive, thoughtful, and tailored to the specific needs of those involved.

Throughout her ministry, she has officiated a wide range of ceremonies, including weddings, recommitment ceremonies, baby dedications, and celebrations of life. She believes that every individual deserves the right to celebrate life’s milestones in a way that feels meaningful and personal to them.

She has been honoured to represent the Unitarian Community for Celebration of Life Ceremonies at: Erb and Good Funeral Home in Waterloo; Henry Walser Funeral Home in Kitchener; T. Little Funeral Home and Cremation Centre in Cambridge; Wall Custance Funeral Home in Guelph; Logan Funeral Home in London; Gilpin Funeral Chapel in Parkhill; Sargent & Sons, Thunder Bay.

Worship

Rev Susan is regularly involved in Sunday services, as a Leader and as a Speaker, Greeter and Usher at Lakehead Fellowship in Thunder Bay and at Grand River Unitarian Church in Kitchener.

Community Contributions

• Interfaith Grand River – Annual Breakfast Committee
• Board Member – Grand River Unitarian Church
• Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society – Events volunteer
• Food Bank of Waterloo Region – contributor
• Adult Religious Education Chairperson

Personal Growth and Congregational Learning

• The 4 Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz – one day course providing an inspirational code for life; a personal development model, and a template for personal development, behaviour, communications, and relationships.
• A Marriage Course – 1 day workshop working with newly and seasoned partners, focusing on personalities/temperaments.
• The Cup of our Life – a guide for Spiritual Growth: Joyce Rupp – 6-week series to learn to recognize and appreciate the inherent presence of the divine being.

Closing Words

Susan’s core values of empathy, inclusivity, and personalized care make her an excellent choice for couples and families looking for pastoral care. Her experience, combined with her passion for helping others, ensures that she will create a ceremony that is both heartfelt and uniquely tailored to the couple’s values and beliefs. Susan’s ability to listen deeply and foster meaningful connections guarantees that every couple will feel supported and celebrated during one of the most important moments of their lives.