The Diocese has about 110 active churches, organised into 55 parish units. Our churches are spread throughout the regions (deaneries) of Thunder Bay, Algoma, Sudbury/ Manitoulin, Temiskaming, and Muskoka. Our major population centres are Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, North Bay, Parry Sound, and the Tri-Town area. We have one parish in Quebec.

The region is an area of tremendous physical beauty, comprising the North Shores of Lakes Superior and Huron, the Algoma Highlands, Lake Nipissing, the Little Clay Belt, the Muskoka Lakes, Manitoulin Island, and Georgian Bay. This rich physical setting provides the back drop for many of our churches. I have the privilege of visiting every parish annually, and I find them to be welcoming and connected deeply to the history and community life of their areas.

The purpose of our diocese is to share in the gathering work of Christ so that His newness of life overflows into our hearts, homes, churches, and communities. I am pleased to invite you to learn more about, and take your part in, the exciting community of faith known as Algoma.

Blessings.

Ronald C. Ferris
Bishop of Algoma

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NOTES AND IDEAS FOR
EFFECTIVE PARISH
LEADERSHIP

1   Time Management for Mission - I

2   Time Management for Mission - II

3   Time Management for Mission - III

4   Ways to Develop New Contacts - Part I

5   Ways to Develop New Contacts - Part II

6   The Benefits of Homes Visits by the Priest

7   Hints for Pastoral Visiting

8   Intake Workers - Intake Sources

9   A Second Captain

10 Five Characteristics of Severely Conflicted Parishes

11 Five More Characteristics of Severely Conflicted Parishes

12 Evening Shift

13 Money Games

14 Parish Newsletters

15 Eight Professional Disciplines to Strengthen Your Ministry

16 Loose Electricity

17 Definitions of Priesthood

18 Further Definitions of Priesthood

19 Good Parting

20 Planning

21 Sax's Commandments Suggestions

22 Suggestions for Chairing Advisory Boards

23 Contacts

24 Clergy Support

25 Parish Financial Ethics

26 Deanery Life

27 Developing Prospects

28 Making a Manageable Agenda for Others

29 Ecclesiastical Insecurities 

30 Standards of Care   

31 Ways of Building Parish Momentum

32 A Christian Giving Program 

33 Life Skills Coaching

34 Creating Readiness for Change

35 Building Trust

36 Critical Functions

37 Negotiating Clergy Salary

38 Ways for an Incumbent to be Helpful at a Coffee hour

39 Conduct with Children

40 Seniors' Homes

41 Identifying the Places where Opportunity is Hiding

42 Turn-Around Skills

43 Free Media Coverage

44 The Elements of Leadership

45 The Benefits of Generosity

46 Learning from Industry

47 Incorporating Witness

48 Personal Thanksgiving

49 Design

50 Affiliates

51 Creating Interest

52 Pastoral Transitions

53 Dignity in Worship

54 Literature Racks
55 Shortening the Service
56 The Elements of Communicating Well
57 A Good Challenge
58 Quotations: I Believe in Preaching
59 Helping Good Things Find Expression
60 Facing A Crisis
61 Learning from "New and Independent Churches"
62 Inviting Christian Donors to Cross a Threshold

63 Maintaining Donor Confidence
64 Pastoral Care for Groups and Organizations
65 Routines

66 Important Ratios
67 Magnetic Christian Leadership
68 Encouraging People Who Assume Responsibility
69 Regional Mission Teams
70 Early Communion
71 Predictive intelligence
72 Assisting Discovery
73 Pain Relief
74 Over-leading
75 Your Parish's Bond Map
76 Making a Difference
77 Respecting Attention Span
 

....more as they are available. Check often.

The Right Reverend Ronald C. Ferris, Bishop of Algoma
P.O. Box 1168  Sault Ste. Marie  ON  P6A 5N7  Canada