Sr. Elizabeth Ann Eckert is the new reverend mother of the Anglican Sisterhood of St. John the Divine (SSJD), succeeding Sr. Constance Joanna Gefvert.

Sr. Elizabeth Ann assumes her new role as the sixth reverend mother in mid-April. A novitiate director and since 2000, assistant to Sr. Constance Joanna, she was elected reverend mother Jan. 12.

A forestry graduate at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ont., she worked for a number of years in horticulture.

In 1987, Sr. Elizabeth Ann became a member of SSJD and made her life vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in 1994.

Her ministry at SSJD has included leading retreats and quiet days. She helped to found St. John's House in Montreal, worked in pastoral care at St. John's Rehabilitation Hospital, worked as an Education for Ministry mentor, been on the Mother's Council and served on SSJD's board of directors. She has had training as a spiritual director.