Canada’s ‘Singing Priest’ coming to Shelburne

January 22, 2014 · 0 Comments

Father Mark Curtis, better known as ‘Canada’s Singing Priest’ is coming to Shelburne’s Trinity United Church (200 Owen Street) on Sunday, February 9th at 2 p.m. to lead the ‘Come In From the Cold and Warm Your Neighbour’s Heart’ prayer service, brought to you by the Shelburne Ministerial Association.

Good will offerings will be accepted for the local food bank.

Father Curtis, affectionately once known as ‘Canada’s Singing Priest’, was considered the country’s leading Christian entertainer and recording artist, between 1998–2007. He has recording more than 15 recordings throughout his 30 year career.

Father Mark’s music has also earned him radio and television airplay across the country. His concerts and recordings raised awareness and funds of more than $11 million for various charitable organizations across Canada and the United States.

His humanitarian efforts were recognized by two Prime Ministers, Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin as well as Rotary International with the reception of the Paul Harris Fellow Award in 1998, The Rev. Norm Choate Distinguished Graduate Award from the University of St. Jerome’s, Waterloo in 1996 and Milton’s Citizen of The Year in 1994.

His performance highlights include singing 200 concerts annually, singing for the Royal Family, two Prime Ministers of Canada, a regular national anthem performer for the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey games, the Toronto Blue Jays baseball games, CFL football games and other prestigious sporting events such as the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and the NHL Alumni.

Beyond the concert stage, Father Mark served two terms in municipal politics in 2003 and 2006. He has also served on numerous committees and boards within his community and throughout the province. He was especially known for his role as musical ambassador to Rose Cherry’s Home, Ontario’s first hospice and respite for terminally and chronically ill children. He and his wife Rita also co-hosted Nite Lite Live, a late night national television program on the CTS Television Network, which was committed to reaching people in their darkest hour of need.

In 2007, Father Mark retired from his full time professional musical career as he was appointed by the Attorney General of Ontario to the office of Justice of the Peace. In 2010, his musical accomplishments were recognized by the Milton Historical Society, with his induction into the Walk of Fame. The Walk of Fame recognizes those Miltonians whose accomplishments are national and/or international in scope In February, 2013, Father Mark’s musical talents were further recognized with his reception of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, which was presented during Queen Elizabeth’s 60th Anniversary to honour her service to this country while at the same time, honour significant achievements made by inspirational Canadians. Today, he continues to serve as an Honorary Assistant priest at Grace Anglican Church in Milton and is married to Rita and has three children, Courtnie, Laura and Grant.