A new Dean for Kootenay
by Archbishop John E. Privett
Dear Friends,
I write this in early January as we officially welcome The Very Rev. Nissa Basbaum as the incumbent of St. Michael's Cathedral and Dean of the Diocese of Kootenay. Nissa (pronounced Neesa) comes to our diocese from the Diocese of Niagara where she was the rector of the Parish Church of the Transfiguration in St. Catherine's. She is married to Robin, and they have two children who are both studying at universities in Ontario. Nissa brings a great deal of experience and many gifts to her new responsibilities and I am very pleased that Nissa responded to the call of God to join us all in ministry at the Cathedral and in the diocese.
The appointment of a new Dean is an important event for the whole diocese. Although Nissa will have the Cathedral congregation and the city of Kelowna as her primary focus in ministry, she also undertakes a special role within the diocese. As Dean, Nissa takes on the role of Senior Priest of the Diocese with an advisory role for the Bishop. I will look to Nissa as a colleague with whom I can discuss my own ministry, my thoughts and concerns for the diocese and to whom I will look for wise advice and private council. The Dean also exercises a leadership role in diocesan life by undertaking specific ministries, which will develop over time as the need arises. She is a member of Diocesan Council, the Administration Committee and a member of BARDS (a quarterly meeting of the Bishop with the Archdeacons, Dean and Regional Deans to assist the Archbishop in the leadership of the diocese). As Senior Priest, the Dean also is available to clergy for consultation and advice, and provides confidential pastoral support to clergy when needed. The Dean of the Diocese also works with the Archbishop in developing the ministry of the Cathedral within the diocese.
The ministry of the Cathedral is an important one. In addition to being the parish home for the Archbishop and his family, the Cathedral is meant to be a leader in worship, ministry and mission. In this capacity it is a resource to all parishes as we explore ways to more effectively carry out the mission we have been entrusted with. A Cathedral is meant to be a community of faith that will explore and model high standards in worship and outreach and share what it learned with all parishes. Major diocesan services are held at the Cathedral and all parishioners throughout the diocese are always welcome at St. Michael’s at any time. In my view, the appointment of a new Dean is an exciting event for all us. If you are visiting Kelowna I encourage you to visit your Cathedral, either mid-week or on a Sunday. When you do come to visit, please introduce yourself, sign the guest book and let the greeters know what parish you are from — and be sure to say hello to Dean Nissa — welcome her personally and let her know something about your home congregation because, after all, she is Dean for all of us!
Faithfully, + John
