Karen Dougan of St Michael and All Angels Parish is now Rev.Karen Dougan

On February 2nd,2026  Bishop Clara Plamondon with Rev. Jo Ann Hinter, Dean Kyle Norman,Venerable Peter Zimmer,Rev.Wendy McRae,Rev Alexis Saunders, Revs.George and Ann Westgate and many members of both Grace and St Michael and All Angels parishes Rev Karen Dougan St Michael and All Angels celebrated a wonderful day. It was the ordination of Karen Dougan to the Deaconate. Many of Karen's family sat in the front row to witness this proud moment in our history . Wardens of both congregations along with members took part in the ceremony. Live streaming was also coordinated for those not able to attend.
Several people took photos and submitted them and we are most appreciative for that . 

I thought it would be interesting to hear from Karen herself about this journey as it is indeed a first I believe in the Territory of the People!

An interview with Rev Karen Dougan

For those of us who do not know your story can you tell us a little about yourself  starting with  your childhood and your connection to Church.

“My journey began as a girl. I loved church, singing in the choir and being involved. I strongly felt that God was always to be relied on. I felt this way into my teen years

Where you always active in the church then?

No, I took a hiatus from the church in my early adult years. We moved several times, studying, teaching and raising our family with my husband Webber  so it didn’t leave me a lot of time.

So what brought you back to the Church?

Honestly it was Rev. Bob Hoskins who opened that door and I was back full force. I became involved in many aspects including Sunday School, the Altar Guild, Parish Council, and became a  Warden.

Who else influenced you to become a Lay Minister?

That was Rev Peter Zimmer who invited those of use interested.

And then you became interested in Ordination to the Diaconate?

That  was the next  2 priests - Rev Glenn Stone asked  me  to consider being ordained, and then  Rev Debbie Scheepers. I didn’t make the decision quickly as you can tell it. It was many years as I prayed to discern my calling. Finally I did decide and put in my application.

Tell us about the process.

Bishop Barbara Andrews accepted me as a Candidate and really supported me fully and a Parish Discernment Committee was formed and after their reports were received by the Bishop   I was placed with Rev Len Fraser for 3 months in the lovely congregation of Grace  Church here in Prince George.

What happened next?

Well plainly, Covid –  the Church was closed, the priest was gone, the Bishop retired and live streaming was how we held our community together with an Interim priest. Then a new Bishop was ordained and assured me things were fine as I was still a candidate in good standing. Then that Bishop left and a new search was on for another Bishop which all takes time  you know.

You must of wondered how long this was going to take?

Well I trusted in God but was ever so thankful when one of our Peoples’ Wardens, Dr. Marie Hay, wrote on my behalf to the Interim Bishop inquiring into the situation. We had another new priest,  Rev George Westgate and in time he spoke to the Rev Dr.Dean Kyle  about me . He then went to the new Bishop Clara Plamondon our new and current Bishop and then things got back on track.  I remember Bishop Barbara saying to me “Bishops come and go, priests come and go, but the people of church stay.” I just had to wait. I knew I was on God’s time, not mine.

What made you want to be a vocational deacon?

I have been thinking about that a great deal to be honest. I did believe it was my calling. I wanted to stay where I lived and be a stable figure at St Michael’s for the people and that the clergy shirt carries more trust for many people. When I confided in my spiritual advisor Sr Irene from St.Mary’s, about my concerns of being worthy, she said to me,”God  put His hand on your shoulder, do you say no? That is a calling.”

So in total how many years was it from when you began this process to till the day you were ordained a Deacon?It is has been about ten years.

You have been ordained 5months now. Can you tell us what the things you do as a Deacon are?

As a Deacon, I have one foot in the church and one foot in the world. I carry out the duties of a Deacon at every Sunday Service and  attend church functions. I try to be present and be available as God’s disciple in every situation.

It is a learning process and a change from being a LMWS to being clergy.I am still a member of the Altar Guild and the Parish Council. I am involved with the seniors at River Bend. My hope is that I will be involved with the elderly at hospice or Gateway as I am able.

Thank you Karen for your dedication to St Michaels parishoners and all you come into contact with. We certainly do feel you are someone who ‘Sees us” and walks with us as we all try to walk in the footsteps of our Lord.