Biographies of Our Lay Chaplains

Margaret Rao

Appointed a lay chaplain in 2005, with a Master's degree in Pastoral Studies, and almost three decades of teaching E.S.L. to new Canadians, Margaret brings a vibrant, warm and caring manner to every situation. She also demonstrates a strong commitment to social justice through her involvement with a variety of non-governmental and faith-based organizations. Margaret’s lifelong love of music has led her to develop song and dance programs for children and adults alike, including Sacred Circle Dance. Margaret is also an Enneagram enthusiast and teacher. She and her husband are the parents of three young adults.

: 'You made us feel so welcome and normal. We wish we could transport Toronto back to Australia.'    (Kath B & Elaine S.)

' We felt so comfortable in your capable hands. We will definitely recommend you to all our single friends.'     (R. V. & V.V.)

'Thank you for your openness and clear headedness at this sad and difficult time in our lives.'

(L.S. & Family)

Peter Brydon brings his dramatic background and his long experience as a high school teacher to his activities as a lay chaplain. He has a warm and empathetic nature, and he looks forward to meeting with you and helping you plan the service which is just right for you, whether it be a joyous celebration or a time of mourning. He loves music and enjoys singing in Toronto First’s choir. He has been married to Wendy Peebles for twenty-five years and they have two young adult sons.

“You conducted a beautiful service, and I thank you again. Everything went well and you deserve a lot of the credit. You read Fern Hill with great feeling and you talked about my daughter as if you knew her for 34 years.” (J.Q.).

Gillian Burton

Gillian has celebrated many beautiful weddings with both opposite and same sex couples. A lawyer, mediator and hearing officer, she has special skills in organizing and presenting meaningful and stress-free ceremonies. She also carefully crafts personalized funerals, having had experience in pastoral care through Toronto First. She takes great pride in her three children and four grandchildren, who help inspire her in preparing joyous child dedications.

“Thank you so much for helping us celebrate our Dad’s life….I was wondering if you could email me a copy of the Eulogy. I will find reading it again and again a great comfort. You really captured the essence of Dad. “

“I just want you to know again how thrilled we were with our wedding. It was beautiful and you were all we could have dreamed of in an officiant. Many people commented to us afterward on what a lovely job you had done, and asked who you were. Your manner was professional, warm and kind. We appreciated the way you gently guided us through the ceremony and made it feel easy and fun.”

“Thank-you again for providing such a lovely, thoughtful and well-researched service for my mother…I have learned a lot more about her and am grateful to have a better sense of who she was.”

”It was a pleasure and honour for us to have you perform our wedding ceremony. We are both so pleased with how it all went, and we’re pleased also that we could have it go exactly as we wanted it to, which wasn’t always easy. You brought calm, poise, and peacefulness to us. It was wonderful to meet you.”