© Alisha Goosen
Heather Klassen
Marriage Officiant and Life-Cycle Celebrant
Orgained Clergy in mennonite church alberta
ABOUT ME
As a Life-Cycle Celebrant, certified by the Celebrant Foundation & Institute, I am trained in weddings, funerals, storytelling and rituals. As an ordained clergy in Mennonte Church Alberta, I am licensed to perform weddings in the province of Alberta, and can also create ceremonies to honour many other life transitions.
It is my privilege to work with a wide variety of people at the most significant times of their lives. I am a good listener and enjoy getting to know people’s life stories and experiences. I like the creative process of writing ceremonies and choosing elements that will suit each client. I believe in the power of well-chosen words and rituals to bring people together in ways that are beautiful and transformational.
Prior to becoming a celebrant, I enjoyed an interesting career as a professional musician, educator, and administrator in the not-for-profit sector.
When I turned 40, my interest in personal and spiritual growth led me to further study at seminary, where I completed an MA in Spirituality and Ethics. Training in spiritual direction honed my listening skills, and helped me realize what a privilege it is to hear people’s stories and accompany them along life’s journey.
Following seminary, my husband and I had the wonderful opportunity to teach overseas for 4 years in the English Department at a university in Central Java, Indonesia. My cross-cultural experiences and opportunities for interfaith dialogue continue to inform my celebrant work as I relate to a wide variety of people with very different backgrounds.
In my studies and work, I have developed my public speaking ability, and through my involvement with various churches over the past 20 years, I am also experienced in preaching and leading worship services. I bring a calm, professional demeanor, and am able to engage audiences with warmth and sincerity.
When I’m not studying or working, I’m often hiking or snowshoeing in the mountains, or on the hills near my home. I also love performing beautiful music as a singer with the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus.
In my early 50s, my life journey took an unexpected twist when I injured my right hand and lost the ability to work as a pianist. Through this difficult time of transition, I began looking for new opportunities to connect meaningfully with people and make use of my previous life experiences. When I learned about the work that celebrants do, it was as if a light bulb went on, and I knew I had found what I was looking for!