PLEASE NOTE: The Handbook is updated frequently and will be posted as revisions are received. Also check the Canons or other posted Policies.
The information in this Handbook is provided to enable the people of God in the Diocese of Algoma, the Church, to be more effective in their ministry and in sharing their faith in Jesus. A special concern is for new clergy and lay people who are in leadership positions, particularly those in isolated parishes.
Diocese of Algoma Handbook: Download Word Document here.
On Using the Diocese of Algoma Handbook
This Handbook is intended as a reference book. It contains information, advice, things to think about, and practices and policies of the Diocese of Algoma. The sources for policies are referenced e.g. canons, decisions of Synod, House of Bishops, Lambeth Conference, Bishop's Directives, etc. If something is not referenced, it is not a policy, and just information. Care should be used in this. Canons are the law of the Church and must be conformed to. Policies are intended to implement the canons and the general principles held by the Church and should be conformed to unless those with the authority to do so give permission to vary the specifics of the policy so as carry out its intent more effectively. Guidelines and other documents are advice, and those who use them are trusted to apply this advice appropriately.
This Handbook is a useful tool for training people in ministry. The Incumbent, Churchwardens and Lay Delegate(s) to Synod should be familiar with the contents of the Handbook and especially with the part on "Planning Process and Duties" in the Administration chapter, and the section on "Parish" in the Organization Chapter, and particularly with the position descriptions. Lay Readers, the Organist, and members of the Worship Committee should be familiar with the Liturgy chapter. The Treasurer should be familiar with the description of this position and that of the Envelope Secretary under "Parish" in the Organization chapter, and with the Finance chapter. Lay visitors and pastoral workers should have a look through the Pastoral/Education chapter and the "Suggested Calendar for the Incumbent, Churchwardens, Treasurer, and Church Board" in the Administration chapter.
Names of diocesan and deanery officials, office holders, committee chairpersons, representatives of organizations, etc. are not in the text of the Handbook because those holding these offices change from time to time.
The last chapter of the Handbook is the 'Appendix'. It
contains copies of forms. The numbers in the index to the Appendix refer to the
chapters of the Handbook.
Deanery Officials
Many of the challenges which come up in parish life are common in parishes throughout the diocese. The Deanery Officials attempt to work with parish officials to address them. As a result policies and procedures have been developed which, if followed, ensure consistency and save time.
Deanery Officials can refer parish officials to this Handbook to explain these policies and procedures. If parish officials familiarize themselves with the policies and procedures set out in this Handbook many potential difficulties can be avoided.
Other Reference Sources:
Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Algoma
The Incorporated Synod of the Diocese of Algoma was created by an Act of the Ontario Legislature in 1905. The Constitution of the Diocese outlines the structures, offices, and procedures which have been put into place by the Synod exercising the jurisdiction and powers given to it by that Act. The Canons function as the by-laws of the Synod of Algoma.
The Constitution and Canons may be amended. See "Canonical Changes" under "Diocesan Synod" and "Executive Committee" in the Organization Chapter. The Constitution and Canons are posted on the diocesan website.
Constitution and Canons of Provincial Synod
These are available from the Executive Officer of the Provincial Synod, whose name and address is in the Anglican Church Directory under the Provincial Synod of Ontario. The Provincial Synod is described in the Organization chapter.
Handbook of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada
A description of the General Synod is found in the Organization Chapter in this Handbook. The Constitution and Canons, as well as the Handbook, of the General Synod are available at the national Church’s website at www.anglican.ca . The General Synod Canons, including the Canons on Marriage and Discipline.
Anglican Church Directory
The Directory is published annually by the Anglican Book Centre. It is usually available each January. The Directory lists the Incumbents of the parishes in Canada, and diocesan, provincial and national officers.
It also contains phone numbers for each parish. If the listing for your parish is not correct please advise the Bishop's Administrative Assistant who is responsible for submitting changes to the Algoma portion of the Directory. The Bishop's Administrative Assistant must have changes and corrections to the editor of the Directory by the first week of August each year.
Handy Contact Information:
The Synod Office of the Diocese of Algoma is located at 619 Wellington Street East, next to St. Luke’s Cathedral with a parking lot off Brock Street. The mailing address is P. O. Box 1168, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 5N7
Telephone: (705) 256-5061 Fax: (705) 946-1860
Email: info@dioceseofalgoma.com
Church House (National Church Office)
80 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ontario M4Y 3G2
Church House Telephone: (416) 924-9192 Fax: (416) 968-7983
Up-dated November 24, 2007 11:50:40 AM