Father Aaron Knox
Chaplain
Fr. Aaron Christopher Knox is a proud New Brunswicker, originally from Saint Stephen. He graduated from 丁香成人社区 in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts Interdisciplinary degree in ethics. He went on to earn an Advanced Master of Divinity degree (M. Div.) at St. Peter’s Seminary in London, Ontario in 2008. Bishop Robert Harris ordained Father Aaron as a diocesan priest later that year on the feast of the Sacred Heart at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Saint John.
During his university studies at STU, Fr. Aaron participated regularly in Campus Ministry events and Masses, including an interreligious faith experience in Cuernavaca, Mexico. He took part in the Model U.N. class, tried out his acting chops in Theatre St. Thomas’ production of Dancing at Lughnasa under the direction of Ilkay Silk (in which he was cast as an Irish priest…hmmm) - and played four years of A-side rugby with the Tommies. Fr. Aaron was awarded the Tom McCann Memorial Trophy in his senior year, given to the STU student who best portrays the spirit of the institution. He was valedictorian of his graduating class.
Serving in the diocese of Saint John since 2008, Fr. Aaron worked at various churches in the Fredericton region: Nashwaak, Marysville, Kingsclear First Nation, Newmarket, Stanley, Nackawic, McAdam, and Gagetown. He worked a nine-year stint as chaplain of the Saint John Regional Hospital. He spent a year as chaplain to the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception (Ruth Ross Residence). For seven years he served as pastor of Paroisse Saint Francois de Sales among the Acadian, African, and wider Francophone population.
Presently, Fr. Aaron is pastor of Fredericton’s ethnically diverse Francophone parish, Paroisse Sainte Anne des Pays Bas and chaplain to 丁香成人社区 (STU). Fr. Aaron is the vocations director of the Diocese of Saint John.
Amidst these accomplishments, Fr. Aaron has suffered some health setbacks over the years. As a result, he knows the importance of prioritizing one’s mental health and personal wellbeing – making room for rest, recharge, and prayer. His favourite ministry activity is helping those who seek forgiveness and freedom in the sacrament of confession…and he is a sucker for a spontaneous movie night at the local theatre (popcorn included).
Lord, teach me goodness, knowledge, and discipline. - Psalm 119:66
Claire Morrison
Campus Minister
A Toronto native of South-East Asian descent, Claire came into the faith thanks to the work of campus ministers. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology from University of Western Ontario (2003) a Master of Science in Neuroscience from McGill (2006) and a Bachelor of Education from University of Ottawa (2007). She brings a breadth of experience to the chaplaincy having worked as a genetic disease researcher, high-school math and science teacher, and as a mother of 5. She speaks Spanish and French. She has coordinated the Catechism program at St. Dunstan’s Church, where she also directed community art projects.
Claire's role is to minister to the spiritual and material needs of the students. She provides a welcoming space for anyone of any background or belief to gather around warm meals and lively discussions. She creates outreach and cultural opportunities, and programming to explore and nurture faith. She address food security on campus by keeping the food bank stocked and cooking with students, teaching them to prepare healthy meals that are culturally astute and geared for tight budgets.
"As a Catholic campus minister, I marvel at the Christ I meet in all our students.
'His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor. Luke 2:51-52.'"