Credentials

The Clergy Support Memorial Church Board was in full agreement to certify the Rev. Dr. Julie Charland to the Office of Appointed Designated Minister – Life Celebrations and Pastoral Care on November 15, 2021. She demonstrated to Clergy Support Memorial that she is invested and involved in the service of others within and outside her church and faith tradition. She has witnessed and supported the needs of others, not only in school age children, but also the needs of the community at large. Her commitment and support of a local women’s shelter, along with providing counselling ministry, and being a social justice warrior, continue to inspire Julie to expand her ministry in the service of people who may not have any other means of support.

Academic Credentials

• Graduate of the Canadian Ministers’ Institute – December 2021
• Ph.D. in Education (Measurement and Evaluation) – University of Ottawa, 2012
• M.A. in Education (Measurement and Evaluation) – University of Ottawa, 1996
• B.A. (Hons.) French Literature – University of Ottawa, 1990
• B.Ed. Ontario Teaching Certificate – University of Ottawa, 1988
• B.A. (Concs.) French and Spanish Literature – University of Ottawa, 1987

Awards and Memberships

• Hardbacon Co. Award for The 15 Best Financial Independent Blogs in French for 2021 and 2022
• Willis McClease Award, by the Canadian Student Debating Federation, for service from 1989-1998

Pastoral Care

Rev. Julie has always been aware of the needs of others, especially those who are less fortunate, marginalized, lonely, and those who struggle with their own identity and dignity. Her many years of active involvement with Cornerstone Housing for Women assisted Rev. Julie in ministering to those women with their basic needs, both material and emotional. Julie also continues to be actively helping people going through difficult times with her gentle presence and her soothing food gifts. Rev. Julie is there, on her own initiative, for the lonely, those who are ill, and who are grieving.

During her time as a high school principal, Julie was always very conscious of the different challenges being faced by young adults relating to cultural, heritage, and gender and sexual identity. She has been there supporting them through their own struggles while reassuring them of their human dignity and beauty.

Worship

In her youth, Julie was very involved as a lay minister in her Roman Catholic parishes, serving as lector, choir member, and participating in leadership camps. As an adult, she continued serving as a Eucharistic Minister. Her worship has always involved the element of service, which makes her a true minister.

Personal Growth

Since retiring in 2018, Rev. Julie has put much of her focus on learning about minimalism and simple living. Much of her energy was focused on refining her writing and managing social media for her blog, Un Futur Simple. All of this work is in line with her strong beliefs knowing that this can free her and others from material attachments in their search and efforts to become more human and less materialistic. All of which is very much in line with the gospel teaching of seeking the Kingdom of God first without allowing our attachment to material things to deviate us from what is truly important.

Hobbies

Cooking is a definite passion for Julie. She finds joy in feeding people and exploring new recipes. She is also an avid gardener always expanding her vegetable patch.

She also enjoys playing Pickleball and Nia dancing, which is a sensory-based exercise activity that brings together yoga, martial arts, dance arts, and healing arts.

Julie adds a quote, “Music occupies an important part of my headspace. Minimalist music fascinates and inspires me. I particularly enjoy the works of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt.”