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  CLERGY SUPPORT
 
    

To be a priest today is tough work. We are charged with gathering and encouraging community in a society which is individualistic and busy. There are many competing claims on the energies of our members. We are often working with people in the midst of personal crisis and grief. Clergy need support. The following list outlines the support structures available in the Diocese of Algoma. When the "going gets tough", here are fifteen resources to help.

1. The Bishop: The Bishop is chief pastor. Because of time and geography, the Bishop is not able to look after all needs personally. The Bishop strives to foster a structure and community where all of our workers have access to needed pastoral support.

2. The Executive Archdeacon: The Bishop delegates to the Executive Archdeacon special responsibility for personnel matters, policy, and communications.

3. The Regional Archdeacon: Some matters require serious "in person" attention and time. The Archdeacon personally represents the Bishop when the Bishop cannot be present. The Archdeacon works to foster a climate of caring fellowship amongst the clergy and workers in a deanery.

4. The Regional Dean: The Regional Dean is elected by the Deanery Council. The Regional Dean often convenes clericus meetings and facilitates deanery life.

5. The Pastoral Chaplain: Appointed by the Bishop for each deanery, the Pastoral Chaplain meets and works with those pursuing a calling to formal ministry in the Church. The Pastoral Chaplains have a special responsibility for new ordinands.

6. Lay Stewards: Two Lay Stewards are elected by the Deanery Council. Along with the Regional Dean, they make regular visits to the parishes and provide help, particularly with respect to parish finances, buildings, and congregational life.

7. The Employee Assistance Plan: This Plan provides immediate and confidential counseling for any of our active clergy, their spouses and their children. The service is accessed through an 800 number, and coverage is provided for "in person" counseling with qualified counselors throughout the five deaneries.

8. The Early Ministry Conference: Each April a three-day residential conference is held, involving the Pastoral Chaplains and all clergy in the first five years of their ministry, to work on subjects pertaining to orientation to priestly life.

9. The Clergy Conference: A two-day residential conference is held in the years alternate to Synod for in-service education, sharing and community building.

10. The Deanery Clericus: Anglican clergy in each deanery meet regularly and shape their meeting times and common life. In some urban areas, clergy meet weekly. In other deaneries, the meetings are monthly.

11. Peer Support: Deanery groupings or smaller clusters of two or three clergy often meet for retreats and mutual support.

12. The Continuing Education Plan: Clergy and congregations contribute regularly toward Continuing Education programs and courses for the clergy. These programs are self directed.

13. Clergy Evaluation: Each deanery clericus elects a senior priest to be their Evaluation Advisor. Evaluations occur on a three-year basis by rotation. Wardens and others chosen by the priest share their observations and suggestions through a simple agreed process.

14. Ecumenical Ministerials: In many of our communities clergy participate in Ecumenical Ministerial Associations, where clergy gather for sharing and support in an ecumenical setting.

15. Sabbaticals: Algoma clergy are eligible for two-months' sabbatical after each seven years of service. Special financial resources are available through the Continuing Education Plan for time away and for clergy supply.

Item XXIV

©1999 Ronald C. Ferris



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