This booklet is essential reading for Clergy, Churchwardens and members of Parish Councils and Vestries. It is not intended to be a comprehensive description of the diocese and its life but merely a place to find answers to frequently asked questions about church policy. It gathers together policy from a variety of authorities: Anglican common law, episcopal directives, decisions of the Diocesan Executive Committee, and the constitutions and canons of the Diocese, the Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert's Land and the General Synod. As a new handbook, it is a work in progress, and will be developed as questions it doesn't answer arise. If you don't find answers to your questions, you might quarry the Canons and Constitutions (below), the General Synod Handbook or contact the Synod Office which is always happy to answer enquiries.

Diocesan Handbook

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW:
This handbook is a reference to existing Canons and Constitutions of General, Provincial and Diocesan Synods as well as other diocesan policies and has been compiled in response to the following motion of Synod passed in October 1999 at the 62nd Synod of the Diocese of Saskatchewan:

Motion B5: Be it Resolved that the Diocese develop a Handbook treating Diocesan Regulations and Policies, to include, among other things:
a. policy regarding the use of public music in worship
b. a policy regarding remuneration of visiting clergy and lay readers; and
c. a policy regarding the conduct of funerals.

Clergy:

CLERGY LICENSING:

All clergy appointed to a parish or congregation do so under the license of the Bishop.

VISITING CLERGY:

Visiting clergy in good standing may function with the permission of the Bishop. It is the responsibility of the Incumbent of the parish to obtain the Bishop's permission on behalf of the visitor. Before accepting an invitation to preach or officiate in another diocese it is also fitting to ensure that permission from the local bishop has been granted.

JURISDICTION:

Diocesan clergy in good standing may on occasion officiate or assist at services in parishes to which they are not licensed only at the request of the Incumbent. No cleric shall function in a parish where he or she is not the Incumbent without invitation or permission first being granted.

APPOINTMENTS:

When there is a parish vacancy the procedure for the appointment of a new minister is set forth in Diocesan Canon C.3.05.

CLERGY DRESS AT DIOCESAN SERVICES:

For the sake of decency and order clergy dress at Diocesan Services (unless otherwise stated by the bishop) is black cassock and white surplice, with a red stole for confirmations and ordinations, and a black scarf and hood for funerals and all other services.

Liturgy and Worship:

LITURGICAL TEXTS:

The Book of Common Prayer Canada (BCP 1962) is the authorized liturgical text to be used in the Anglican Church of Canada. The following supplementary liturgies have been authorized by the Bishop of Saskatchewan for use in the Diocese: The Cree Language Book of Common Prayer Canada (1918); Book of Alternative Services (BAS 1985). Canon Law of the Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert's Land requires the written permission of the Bishop in order to use any other liturgies or in order to alter or substitute those services authorized by lawful authority.

MUSIC IN WORSHIP SERVICES:

Though often assisted by choir directors or organists, the selection of music in worship services is ultimately the minister's responsibility. According to the diocesan canons "the ordering of worship services, including the musical portions thereof, and the use of the organ shall be under the control of the Minister only." It is left to the Incumbent's discretion and discernment as to what music forms part of all public worship services. A principle regarding the express doctrinal content of musical texts in church is implied in the General Synod marriage canon (Canon XXI): "Hymns or anthems sung at the [marriage] service shall be those only which may be found in Holy Scripture, in the books of Common Prayer or Common Praise [1938], or in texts approved by ecclesiastical authority." Incumbents who wish to introduce a new hymn book should seek the Bishop's permission in advance of any decisions on the matter.

Congregations that duplicate music for public use are required to have prior copyright permission and license. Information on copyright licenses is available through the Synod Office.

WEDDINGS:

General Synod Canon XXI: On Marriage in the Church sets forth guidelines for the proper preparation and conduct of weddings in the Anglican Church of Canada. There are six parts to Canon XXI which are listed below.

CANON XXI

Part I - Prerequisites for Marriage
Part II - The Solemnization of Matrimony
Part II - Determination of Marital Status Under this Canon
Part IV - the Remarriage of a Divorced Person whose Former Partner is Still Living
Part V - Admission to Holy Communion in Special Cases
Part VI - Ecclesiastical Matrimonial Commission

It is expected that Anglican clergy licensed to conduct weddings will take the time to familiarize themselves with all aspects of this important document. (Copies may be obtained from Synod Office)

The Marriage Canon also contains the following Declaration Form that all couples intending to be married shall be encouraged to sign:

DECLARATION

We,...................................and....................., hereby declare that we intend to enter into marriage which we acknowledge to be a union in faithful love, to the exclusion of all others on either side, for better or for worse, until we are separated by death.

We undertake to prepare ourselves for the exchange of vows at our wedding, recognizing that by this mutual exchange our union in marriage will be established.

We intend to strive thereafter to fulfill the purposes of marriage: the mutual fellowship, support, and comfort of one another, the procreation (if it may be) and the nurture of children, and the creation of a relationship in which sexuality may serve personal fulfillment in a community of faithful love.

Dated signatures of the parties witnessed by the cleric.

FUNERALS:

The Pastor of the Parish shall be responsible for the conduct of the Service of Burial. Unless there be special cause to the contrary, the first part of the service shall take place in the Church. When the second part of the service takes place in a cemetery that has not previously been consecrated the form for hallowing of a grave in the Burial Office shall be used. The casket will be closed finally before the funeral begins. Normally during the church service the casket will be covered with a pall or ceremonial blanket.

CONFIRMATION, FIRST COMMUNION & ADULT BAPTISM

The minimum age for Confirmation is 12. First Communion should normally take place at Confirmation. However, in parishes where it is an established custom, at the discretion of the Incumbent, First Communion is permitted at age seven. All parishes which follow this custom are to require a course of study for the candidates and their families. In these parishes First Communion must be marked liturgically as an important community event. Children who have been admitted to Communion in the Anglican Church in another diocese are communicants in the Diocese of Saskatchewan regardless of age. Adults who come to faith should normally be baptized and confirmed at the same service by one of the bishops but for pastoral reasons they may be baptized by a priest and confirmed by one of the bishops later. Adults may receive Holy Communion before they are Confirmed if they are "ready and desirous" to receive Confirmation.

Gambling:

Parishes, parish groups, and diocesan organizations shall not engage in gambling activities, bingos, or lotteries, either directly or at arm's length.

Remuneration and Benefits for Full Time Stipendiary Clergy:

STIPEND:

Basic stipend set by Council of the North for the year 2002 is $24,790 plus a service allowance of $200 per year for each year in orders year 1 to year 25. A responsibility allowance of $2,000 is paid to the Dean of Saskatchewan and a responsibility allowance of $3,000 is paid to the Diocesan Executive Secretary.

TRAVEL:

The parish pays for clergy travel. Minimum $2,700 per annum or actual kilometers traveled at 34 cents per kilometer up to the maximum agreed to by the Diocese and Parish and as set in the parish budget. Any travel not based on actual kilometers traveled is a taxable benefit.

HOUSING:

Housing and utilities are paid by the parish. By special agreement with the diocese a person may own their own home and receive a housing allowance as may be negotiated with the Diocese, the parish and the individual, In such cases utilities are paid for by the Incumbent. Rental value for exemption must be obtained from an independent person.

TELEPHONE:

Telephone rentals and business long distance calls are paid for by the parish. Personal charges including personal long distance calls are to be paid by the Incumbent.

GROUP LIFE INSURANCE: Manulife Financial

Life insurance coverage for stipendiary clergy is $80,000 with $2,000 spousal coverage and $1,000 coverage for each dependant. The premiums for the first $25,000 of coverage are paid by the church the balance is paid by the Incumbent. Increased life insurance coverage under this policy is available at an increased nominal cost to the member. For information contact the Synod office.

MEDICAL INSURANCE:

All residents of the Province of Saskatchewan are covered by Saskatchewan Health Insurance. All full time stipendiary clergy of the diocese are insured by the National Church Medical Plan, (underwritten by Manulife Financial) which covers a percentage of dental care, vision care and extended health care. The annual premiums for this coverage are $1605 (2003) paid 50% by the parish and 50% by the Incumbent in the form of monthly stipend deductions.

PROPERTY INSURANCE:

If a house is provided, the Incumbent is responsible for providing adequate insurance protection for all personal property under a Tenant Policy. Incumbents who own their house are responsible for all their insurance coverage under a Home Owner's Policy.

DISABILITY:

Short term: Diocesan policy to pay 80% of stipend for one month period followed y the use of Employment Insurance Program. Long Term: New Long-Term Disability premium paid by employee (2% of pensionable earnings.)

WORKMAN'S COMPENSATION:

Diocesan employees covered by Diocese. Parish clergy coverage is optional. It is not covered at present.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT:

There is no diocesan plan. However see "Group Life Insurance" above.

ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA PENSION FUND:

A MSCC loan to a maximum $9,000 is available to stipendiary clergy, repayable at various rates per month depending on size of loan. A diocesan loan of $900 is available to stipendiary clergy repayable $25 per month over 36 months. These are interest free loans, but interest, as set by Revenue Canada must be shown as a taxable benefit. The maximum of any loan is limited to the amount that is repayable within the estimated lifetime of the particular vehicle. For each year of service in the Diocese $100 is put in trust to assist in the purchase of a vehicle by stipendiary clergy in the diocese for continued service in the diocese.

MOVING COSTS:

The parish will meet the cost of moving a new Incumbent within Canada. It is appreciated economy, when possible, for persons to pack their own books. In the event of a person remaining in the Diocese less than five years, the Diocese reserves the right to require a percentage repayment of moving expenses (on a pro rated basis). Financial assistance to the parish may, in case of need, be negotiated with the Diocese.

CLERGY WORK WEEK:

As with other caregivers, the clergy can expect to be on call beyond normal work hours. Like many of the laity who devote hours of volunteer time to the church or other good causes, the vocation of the clergy may cause them extra hours of work for which they are not paid. The work of a parish priest is a vocation, a ministry and a profession, and not simply a job. This guideline is provided so the clergy may have some idea of what to demand of themselves and in the fulfillment of that ministry, and the laity some idea of what they can expect from their clergy.

For time management purposes, it is helpful to divide the days of the week into three periods, morning, afternoon and evening, of which the Incumbent would work two per day (six days a week including Sunday) dedicating this time to Sunday and weekday services, the daily office, visitation, sermon preparation, study, teaching, counseling and administration.

One full weekday should be a day off. Mondays or Fridays are the most common, but this may vary according to the schedule of family.

ANNUAL VACATIONS:

Every cleric licensed by the Bishop shall be entitled to a vacation of one month in every year with pay. Normally this will include no more than four Sundays and will be taken in June, July or August and/or the two weeks following Christmas. The churchwardens shall be responsible for making provisions for the conduct of Divine Worship during the absence of the clergy, and such fees and honoraria as are customary shall be paid by the Parish. (See remuneration of visiting clergy, below.)

STUDY LEAVE & CONTINUING EDUCATION:

Every cleric licensed by the Bishop shall be entitled to a period of study leave of one week in every year with pay subject to formal approval of the proposed study program by the bishop and in consultation with the parish vestry. These weeks may not be accumulated from year to year. The Continuing Education plan of the Anglican Church of Canada provides resources for continuing education of the clergy who are members of the plan. The annual premium is $600 (2002) payable 25% by the member, 25% by the employer, and 50% by the diocese. Application for study leave and for drawing on one's Continuing Education Fund are to be made through the Synod Office.

REMUNERATION OF VISITING CLERGY:

The parish is responsible for paying the honouraria and travel expenses of visiting clergy when they officiate at services in the absence of the Incumbent. A $50 honorarium plus 34 cents a kilometer travel reimbursement shall be paid for one service. Should there be more than one service on the same day $75 honorarium plus 34 cents per kilometer travel reimbursement shall be paid to the minister by the parish. Full time stipendiary clergy of the diocese shall receive no extra remuneration for services rendered to other parishes in the diocese, apart from the accustomed dues of the minister at weddings and funerals.

REMUNERATION OF CLERGY DURING PARISH VACANCIES:

A vacant parish shall pay the cost of its Interim Incumbent throughout the period of the interregnum as negotiated at the start of the interregnum. The interim ministry costs shall be determined by the Bishop (or his designate), the Incumbent and the Wardens of each affected congregation. When the interim Incumbent is also the stipendiary minister of another parish, the cost shall reflect that portion of the interim Incumbent's time to be spent in ministry to the vacant parish as a percentage of the cost of the Incumbent's salary and agreed upon benefits. The vacant parish is solely responsible for the reimbursement of the interim Incumbent's parish, on a monthly basis, as overseen by the Diocese.