We are honoured to welcome Colonel Lisa Pacarynuk, Chaplain General of the Canadian Armed Forces, as our guest speaker for Peace Sunday on November 1.

Colonel Pacarynuk was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. A graduate of the University of Alberta (Faculté Saint-Jean), she earned a Master of Divinity from the University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto. After serving in prison and hospital chaplaincy, she joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2000 as a Roman Catholic chaplain.

Throughout her career, Colonel Pacarynuk has served across the Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Royal Canadian Navy, including deployments to Southeast Asia, Germany, Afghanistan, and other international assignments. Ordained in the Anglican Church of Canada in 2010, she returned to CAF service in 2012 as Staff Officer to the Chaplain General.

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in 2014 and Colonel in 2023, she has held a series of senior leadership appointments, including Canadian Army Command Chaplain, MARPAC Formation Chaplain, Royal Canadian Navy Command Chaplain, and co-advisor to the Chaplain General on Protestant ministry. She was appointed Chaplain General in May 2025.

Colonel Pacarynuk is married to a retired RCAF officer, and they have two adult children.

We look forward to hearing her reflections on peace, service, and faith. Please join us on November 1 to welcome her to Carleton Memorial United Church.