Region 7 - Fort Sackville
Region 7 - Diocesan Website with list of Parishes
The region of Fort Sackville as a result of a recent reorganization of the regional structure consists of thirteen parishes stretching from Hubbards to Fall River. Geographically this places many of our parishes in some of the fastest growing areas in the diocese. The result of this is that in many ways our region is forward looking. This is evidenced by the fact that the three newest churches in our diocese are located in our region. St. Thomas in Fall River was until recently the newest but just this year Trinity in Fairview and St. Nicholas in Westwood Hills began worshipping in beauitful new facilities. As well a number of other churches in the region have completed, begun or are considering renovations or upgrades to meet the needs of doing ministry in their particular parishes.
While demographics suggest great potential for us to grow our churches, with the exception of a couple of parishes, growth has not reflected this potential. Recognizing this to be true, a number of parishes in the region participated in an eightleen month program of Holy Conversations, facilitated by Janet Marshall, to share ideas and and look at ways of doing effective ministry both in the region and in our individual parishes. While the program with Janet has concluded we hope to continue the conversations among ourselves in the region.
We are blessed to have a relatively stable base of clergy serving in the parishes throughout the region. Ten of the parishes have fulltime rectors, one is served by a three-quarter time rector, and two have part-time priests-in-charge. As well there are three non-stipendary priests and two non-stipendary deacons serving parishes. Along with committed lay people this provides a wonderful foundation for the provision of ministry.
As I have stated earlier our greatest excitement is being located in a growth area. It is also our greatest challenge, a challenge that comes in two parts. One how to we realize the potential that is, and two, when we do how do we meet the challenges of providing ministry with limited resources.
The first part of the challenge we addressed somewaht with Holy Conversations. However, this was not intended to be a magic bullet. The benefit will hopefully come from a continued committement on the part of clergy and lay people to stay in the conversation, sharing and developing ideas to deliver effective ministry to the people we serve. The second part requires that we take care of one another at all levels, diocesean, regionally and in the parish by providing clergy and lay people the resources to meet the demands of growing communities.If the first part of what challenges us is correct, and if we hope to meet that challenge, we will need direction and foresight to overcome the second part.
Michael Conrad
Regional Dean, Fort Sackville