The Rev. Claire Bramma

I grew-up in a loving home just east of Toronto (Whitby) and was given the chance to pursue many different interests. I became a Christian at age 15 and began attending a Baptist church with some friends from high school. Drawn to adventure and to serving Canada, I left home at age 18 to join the Canadian Armed Forces and attend a “university with a difference” (the Royal Military College in Kingston). After completing a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and a Masters of Science (Geomatics), I served as an Army Engineer Officer in various locations around Canada and overseas, including deployments to Haiti and Afghanistan. During these years I was active in a variety of different denomination and military chapels.  

In 2010 while serving at an Engineer Regiment in Valcartier Quebec, I began to sense a call to the Anglican Church of Canada as well as to consider the military Chaplaincy. The nudging of the Holy Spirit persisted through life’s adventures and in 2018 while posted to Ottawa and as an active parishioner at St. Matthews in the Glebe, I entered a time of discernment concerning a call to vocational ministry. By God’s grace, mentors came into my path and doors were opened, and I became a postulant for ordination in 2019 and began Seminary at Trinity College in Toronto (part-time), while continuing work as an army staff officer. In 2020 I was accepted into the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service (RCChS) training program where I was afforded the opportunity to become a full-time student which enabled me to complete my Masters of Divinity in July 2022. I am now entering the experiential phase of the Chaplaincy training which involves a 2-year ministry appointment.

I was ordained as transitional Deacon on 23 April 2022 (Saturday in Easter Week) at Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa. Coming to the Ottawa Valley is a new adventure for me, as I learn about village life and rural rhythms. As Assistant Curate I hope to bring an optimistic and compassionate spirit, as well as gain experience in pastoral care, liturgy, and incarnational ministry. I am single with no children, and I give thanks to God for having a supportive network of family and friends. I like to spend time in creation, whether it be jogging, cycling, kayaking, or cross-country skiing. I also enjoy playing the guitar, gardening, and fostering rescue cats. I look forward to getting to know the people of the Parish of the Valley and to join with you in being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in our communities.