Our Worship Team
Rev Mark Hammond
Minister
To know Community, is to know God.
Rev. Mark is known for sermons that approach scripture by seeking to understand the people of the times, and their challenges – which, he believes, are more often than not, very much like our own challenges today. Weaving real life anecdotes within his teachings, Rev. Mark loves to use humour in his services, and believes that everything we do at church, including worship, should contribute to our sense of belonging and community. Not to be too lighthearted, this self proclaimed introvert loves history and books. Mark studied theology at Concordia University, where he went on to teach Christian Ethics. He studied ministry at the United Theological College, and completed a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (Chaplaincy) at the Royal Victoria Hospital. He was ordained by the United Church of Canada in 2012. After becoming ordained, Mark’s first ministry was in Roblin, Manitoba, where he served for almost five years, and learned all about living in a small-town. Mark helped lead the Affirming Ministry process for Northland Presbytery (Conference of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario), and then supported the process in Roblin and Tummel. He says that one of his favourite moments of worship is when he gets to say, “Everyone is welcome at this table.”
In January of 2017 Rev. Mark and his family moved back to Montreal and joined us at Montreal West United Church. On top of leading his congregation, Rev. Mark is on the board of Saint Columba House a United Church community outreach ministry and extends a helping hand or a listening ear whenever he is able.
“I truly believe that the most important way that God is revealed in our lives is through other people. We reveal God to one another, and that is why the way we treat one another is so important.”
Vicky Leprohon
Administrative Assistant
Linking people & worship together.
Vicky is the welcoming voice on the other end of the phone or a friendly email correspondence . She is the first you will talk to if you give us a call, or send us an email. Drawn to the church for the Sunday school and welcoming parishioners, Vicky and her family joined the Montreal West United Church family. She keeps everything running and we couldn’t do it all without her.
Christopher Ducasse
Music Director - Choral Director
Driven by a thirst for knowledge and artistic growth
Christopher, a native of Haiti, is a highly accomplished musician, conductor and composer, know for his exceptional talent and dedication to the world of choral music. His journey began at Holy Trinity Music School where he immersed himself in the study of voice, violin, and piano laying a foundation for his future career.
Driven by a thirst for knowledge and artistic growth, Christopher seized the opportunity to participate in the BLUME HAITI Scholar program and in 2015 joined Lawrence University. Further studies were completed at Silver Lake College of the Holy Family with a Bachelor’s degree in Choral Music Education. Graduate studies brought Christopher to Montreal and McGill University, completing a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting in 2023.
Christopher presently holds choral director positions in other choirs in Ottawa and Rosemère, and is also very pleased to contribute to the music at MWUC. Some of his own compositions have been presented for worship services at MWUC. His choral compositions include Agnus Dei, Sanctus - Benedictus published by Cypress Choral Music in 2022, continuing to solidify his reputation as a gifted composer. His unwavering commitment to musical excellence and the transformative power of choral music remain the driving force behind his remarkable career.
Merrie Hammond
Director of the Sunday School Program
Merrie Hammond is our director of the Sunday School program. She believes in the balance between spiritual teaching and development with fun and play.
Kevin Laramée
Online Producer
Creating meaningful online connections with God
Kevin Laramée has always had a passion for computers, cameras and video production. In 2020 he was able to use his skills when we needed it the most - to bring us together online during a global pandemic. Kevin was able to produce high quality virtual services, including a weekly virtual choral piece, graphics and recording Rev. Mark’s sermon. When we were able to return to the church again, we knew that we had to continue offering online services to our congregation and community at large. As usual, Kevin has been there, behind the scenes, ensuring that we are able to stay together online with quality, thoughtfulness and professionalism.
A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.
- Proverbs 27:9
Tracie Swim
With more than 20 years client service and project management experience Tracie works with dedicated volunteers to help break the isolation of many seniors within the Montreal West / N.D.G. area; Organizes annual Intergenerational Day events bringing together different generations to learn a little about each other, the past, the present and the future, an occasion to have fun and make new friends.; and Participates in various committees supporting seniors and volunteers within the community.