SECTION I: MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE CLERGY

Clergy Information Forms:

Because the basic life facts regarding the clergy are essential to the Bishop in his role as Chief Pastor, informational data forms on all clergy of the Diocese are maintained for the Bishop's files. All clergy are required to submit such data to the Bishop and to periodically update this information.

Letters Dimissory:

Transfer of canonical residency by Letters Dimissory should be requested to be sent to a new diocese by clergy who move there, immediately after taking up residence and being received by their new Bishop. Generally, we receive such letters under the same conditions. However, both the issuance and acceptance of Letters Dimissory may be delayed by the Bishop for cause.

License to Officiate:

A license to officiate in the Diocese may be requested from the Bishop by clergy living within this Diocese who are canonically resident in another Diocese, provided that they have first received a call to affiliate as an assistant priest at one of the congregations of the Diocese of Fort Worth. Such licenses are to be reviewed annually by the Bishop, and an annual activity report must be submitted to the Bishop by all licensed clergy prior to having their license renewed.

Physical Examinations and Clergy Wellness:

Clergy should practice good stewardship by setting the discipline of having thorough physical examinations on a regular basis. We who are accustomed to self-examination at frequent intervals and know the benefit for spiritual health must also care for the physical vehicle provided by God. In taking responsibility for their physical, spiritual and mental well-being, all clergy are to take time to be with their spouse and children. All clergy are to take at least one full day off from work each week and an annual vacation.

Vacation Policy:

Clergy are entitled to one month's vacation for every calendar year's work and ministry. It is to be taken in consultation with the vestry (or Bishop's Committee in the case of Vicars of missions). Should a priest or deacon leave their cure before completing a calendar year, usually they can expect only part of the vacation in proportion to the time served.

Clergy Retreats and Conferences:

Clergy Retreats provide a necessary ingredient for the development of priestly spirituality, and an annual retreat for all clergy is considered mandatory by the Bishop. Clergy Conferences are of a different nature and provide opportunities for the Bishop and clergy to share vital concerns, develop mission and ministry plans and to enhance the quality of collegiality expected in the Christian community's leadership.

Expenses for retreats and conferences are to be shared by the priest or deacon and the congregation. Each congregation is encouraged to budget an annual amount for clergy continuing education and retreat expense. When necessary, financial assistance is available from the Bishop. At all Clergy Conferences and at the Mass of Collegiality during Holy Week, all active clergy are required to be in attendance, unless excused by the Bishop.

All clergy are encouraged to plan times for continuing education and to take sabbaticals when appropriate.

Curacies:

Diocesan Canon 24 covers the calling and the dismissal of assistant clergy and curates. The Bishop deems it a serious pastoral responsibility of his ministry to consult with the rector and vestry in this matter since the curate becomes a member of the diocesan family and is possibly eligible for a later move within the diocese. No priest or deacon is permitted to affiliate with a congregation of the Diocese as an assisting member of the clergy without the express permission of the Bishop.

Professional Ethics:

This category is related to the relationship of clergy with their colleagues living and working in a Christian community. There are canons which protect the rights and privileges of the incumbent rector/vicar. In addition to these "legal" rights, the exercise of common respect and courtesy require protecting the ministry of a successor, for instance, by being circumspect in visiting or returning to his former cure. Should a request be made by a parishioner to a former rector/vicar to perform a marriage, funeral, baptism, etc., permission must first be granted by the incumbent rector/vicar and such ministry is to be performed only at his invitation to do so. Such requests may become a difficult problem for the clergyman in relationship with a former parish. He will be loved and remembered, and he himself will have left behind close relationships. Former parishioners may well continue to call upon him for ministerial functions. But for the sake of his former parishioners and for the sake of the new rector/vicar, who is trying to establish his relationship with his people, the former rector/vicar must refrain if at all possible from accepting these requests. It is painful to make this kind of sacrifice, but ethically he is obliged to say NO and thus, further strengthen his successor's pastoral relationship and ministry. Good instruction of the laity before leaving a cure will serve to fortify this position.

Standards of Sexual Morality:

All members of the clergy of this Diocese, having subscribed to the Declaration required by Article VIII of the National Constitution, shall be under the obligation to model in their own lives the received teaching of the Church that all its members are to abstain from sexual relations outside of Holy Matrimony. The Bishop refuses to admit any clergy into this Diocese who will not subscribe to this standard. All clergy functioning within this Diocese are required to receive training in the prevention of sexual harassment, adult sexual misconduct, and child sexual abuse and to be familiar with the Sexual Misconduct Policy of the Diocese. Copies are available from the Bishop's office.

Clergy and Divorce:

It is to be understood that when a member of the clergy is divorced under a cloud of scandal he or she must resign his or her cure and will not be able to continue to serve within the diocese. He or she is not necessarily resigning from or renouncing the ministry and, in certain circumstances, may transfer and serve in another diocese. The Bishop will assist that person in seeking such a call, when appropriate. Remarriage following divorce is not normally permitted for one who wishes to remain on active service in the Diocese of Fort Worth. It is expected that when marital difficulties arise among the clergy, the Bishop will not be the last to know, but will have sufficient opportunity to work with and counsel the priest and spouse so that divorce will not be the only option.

Clergy Supply Policies and Procedure:

The Diocese, through the Canon to the Ordinary, maintains a list of clergy available for clergy supply. On request, this list will be sent to any parish, rector or vicar in need of a supply priest. The recommended minimum remuneration as of January 1, 1996 is as follows: One principal Sunday Eucharist $100.00 Other Sunday Eucharists (each) $50.00 Weekday Eucharist (each) $50.00 Assistant: 1 or 2 Sunday Services $50.00 Assistant: Weekday Services $25.00 Mileage in excess of 70 round-trip miles is to be reimbursed at the standard rate per mile under current IRS rules.

Interim Clergy:

When there is a vacancy in any parish of the Diocese, the Bishop will assist the vestry in engaging the services of interim clergy, to serve until such time as a new rector is called. An interim priest-in-charge will serve with the understanding that he is not eligible for consideration as the new rector.

The Dress of the Clergy:

Clergy must be ever mindful that their personal appearance while in the performance of official duties in public is not only a reflection upon themselves, but also upon their parishes, the Diocese and the Episcopal Church. Appropriate clerical attire, clean and pressed, shoes shined, etc. is expected of all clergy of the Diocese at all times, sports and leisure time excepted. The Bishop encourages the "black suit, black shirt standard" as the norm for all diocesan priests and discourages the wearing of loud colors or flashy attire with clericals. The cassock is the ordinary dress of the clergy while in the church.

(2) The Eucharistic Vestments: When eucharistic vestments are worn in this Diocese for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the following is strongly advised: The priest who is to celebrate Mass is encouraged to wear the cassock, over which is worn the amice, alb, girdle, maniple, stole, and chasuble. The cassock/alb may be substituted for the cassock and alb. The deacon wears cassock, amice, alb (cassock/alb), stole (over left shoulder), dalmatic and maniple. The sub-deacon wears cassock, amice, alb (cassock/alb), girdle, and tunicle. At a Low Mass, the celebrant is to wear the same vestments, but assisting clergy are to wear cassock, surplice, and stole, if they are to assist in the administration of the sacraments. An acceptable alternative for assisting clergy would be to wear a cassock/alb and stole.

SECTION II: MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE LAITY

Acolytes:

Activities of acolytes are to be handled by the Parishes and Missions. Proper training and instruction of all acolytes are the responsibility of the rector or vicar.

Admission of Children to Holy Communion:

Admission to Communion is given in the sacrament of Baptism. Guidelines set forth in the 1988 House of Bishops resolution should be followed in communicating those baptized as infants: "Resolved, that the mind of the House of Bishops is that: Those baptized in infancy may, as full members of the Body of Christ, begin receiving communion at any time they desire and their parents permit; and that the following pastoral principles are recommended to guide the Church in communicating those baptized as infants:

Clergy who desire to provide First Communion classes for children should consider five year olds as the appropriate age group for such instruction.

Alcoholic Beverages:

It is the policy of the Bishop that no congregation will engage in the sale of alcoholic beverages or mixed drinks at any function of the congregation or any of its organizations. The sale of any alcoholic beverage or mixed drinks is also contrary to the laws of the State of Texas without proper license. The serving of alcoholic beverages (without charge) at wedding receptions, suppers, picnics, etc., either on or off the church property, is left to the discretion of the priest and the vestry. Where alcoholic beverages are served, alternative drinks (non-alcoholic) must be provided and attractively displayed for those who desire them.

Communicant:

Funerals:

The priest is in charge, not only of the funeral service, but also of the decoration of the church and the choice of music. Due consideration to the desires of the bereaved should be given in a pastoral, sensitive way. Funerals for communicant members of the Church are normally celebrated in the context of the Requiem Mass, during which all communicants are to be given opportunity to receive the Blessed Sacrament during the Communion of the people. Homilies by the clergy are appropriate at funerals in the church, but eulogies are inappropriate and are to be discouraged.

Gambling:

It is the Bishop's policy to allow congregations or organizations within a congregation to host, sponsor, or participate in raffles and games of chance (i.e., Bingo) provided they are conducted with discretion and have no connection with an outside commercial organization. He does not condone parishes, missions, or other agencies of the Diocese going into the gambling business (sponsoring Bingo halls, etc.).

Guest Communion:

Intinction:

Intinction as a normal practice is not sanctioned within this Diocese. Clergy are requested to instruct Lay Eucharistic Ministers that if a communicant insists on intinction, the Eucharistic Minister shall take the Host, dip it in the chalice and place it on the communicant's tongue. Intinction is viewed as a mode of communication to be used in cases of communicable diseases, infirmity, etc. Ancient custom and Scripture would indicate reception in both kinds as normative.

Licensed Lay Persons:

A confirmed adult communicant in good standing may serve as Lay Reader, Lay Preacher, Lay Eucharistic Minister, or Catechist if licensed by the Bishop. Guidelines for training and selection of such persons are contained in the Diocesan Manual for Lay Readers and Lay Eucharistic Ministers, copies of which may be obtained from the Diocesan Office. The Bishop will issue a license only at the request, and upon the recommendation, of the rector or vicar of the congregation in which the person will be serving. The license shall be issued for a period of time not to exceed three years and shall be revocable by the Bishop, or upon request of the rector or vicar in charge of the congregation.

Prayer Book Policy:

The Book of Common Prayer, 1979, is the Prayer Book of the Diocese of Fort Worth. The 1928 Book of Common Prayer may be used by Parishes and Missions provided that the permission of the Bishop is first obtained. The Anglican Service Book is not intended to replace the Prayer Book in the pew of any congregation. Texts from it may be used for services rendered only in contemporary language in the Prayer Book, but are to follow the rubrics of the Prayer Book in all instances. The Lectionary and Calendar of the Church Year approved by General Convention will be followed in all congregations in this Diocese.

SECTION III: SACRAMENTS

Baptism:

Except in emergencies, the Sacrament of Holy Baptism should be administered within the Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other major feast day. "Holy Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter Vigil, on the Day of Pentecost, on All Saints' Day or the Sunday after All Saints' Day, and on the Feast of Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday after the Epiphany). It is recommended that, as far as possible, Baptisms be reserved for these occasions or when a bishop is present." (Book of Common Prayer, page 312)

Each person to be baptized is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons, who are themselves to be practicing Christian believers who are active members of the Church. It is the required duty of the clergy to provide adequate pre-baptismal instruction to all sponsors, parents, and mature candidates.

In the baptism of infants and children, it is the Bishop's expectation that at least one of the parents will be an active communicant member of the congregation where the baptism is to take place. In pastoral situations where this is not the case, the priest is to consult with the rector of the parish where the family belongs prior to proceeding. Active participation in the life of the Christian community is expected of all parties involved, both before and after the baptism.

Confirmation:

Confirmation is a significant event in the spiritual life of one making a public reaffirmation of his or her baptismal vows. It is a time of empowerment and commissioning, when one receives the apostolic laying-on-of-hands and anointing with chrism. Candidates for confirmation must be properly instructed in the Christian faith and life, repentant of their sins, and duly prepared to make a mature, public commitment to following Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Though the minimum age for youth confirmations may vary somewhat for certain pastoral situations, the normative age for young people to be presented for confirmation in this Diocese is thirteen or older. The Bishop discourages confirmation for those who are younger than this.

Persons already confirmed by a bishop in the apostolic succession, but not in the Anglican Communion, may be received by the Bishop, following the appropriate instruction and preparation. Any member of the Episcopal Church who has lapsed from active participation in the life of the Church, or who for some other appropriate reason wishes to do so, may make a public re-affirmation in the presence of the Bishop at the time of his visitation.

Local clergy should take care to provide a fresh lemon wedge and a slice of white bread for the Bishop to use in removing the oils from his thumb immediately after the confirmations.

Marriage:

The priest is in charge, not only of the marriage service, but also of the decoration of the church and the choice of music. No wedding date may be set without consultation and approval by the priest in charge. Marriages are expected to be celebrated in the church as a service of worship and not as private affairs or social spectaculars. No marriage is to be celebrated during Advent or Lent, except for special or unusual reasons. In such cases, it is customary to consult with the Bishop before proceeding. The clergy are required to provide careful preparation and instruction to the couple prior to the solemnization of any marriage. For this reason, the officiating priest must be contacted at least sixty days prior to the anticipated date of the proposed wedding.

Every congregation is expected to have clear and precise policies regarding marriages and the use of the Parish Hall for receptions. Matters to be addressed include the use of flowers, candles, photographers, videos, music, rehearsals, fees, etc.

It is the practice of this Christian community to celebrate all services of Holy Matrimony within the normal place of worship, the parish church building. Marriage is a Sacrament celebrated by, for and with the Christian community. Any other practice such as garden weddings, or on bridal paths, at lake side, in airplanes, while skydiving, etc., are to be discouraged as inappropriate. Marriages of communicant members of the Church are normally celebrated in the context of the Nuptial Mass, during which all communicants are to be given opportunity to receive the Blessed Sacrament during the Communion of the people.

Marriage Annulments:

If, for pastoral reasons an ecclesiastical annulment is requested, evidence must be submitted based on Canon I. 19, Section 2 of the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church. In requesting an annulment, the application form provided by the Bishop's office is to be accompanied by the following:

Marriage In The Church of Divorced Persons:

A petition to the Bishop is necessary when either or both parties have been previously married and when the former spouse is still living. The Church is not a business for marrying people, and only those who are part of the Christian community or those who are seeking to become part of it are to be considered. One of the parties must be baptized and should ordinarily be a member of the parish where the wedding is to take place.

A petition is something that seeks a decision. Therefore, certain information is necessary on which to base that decision. The pastoral relationship established between the priest and those coming to him seeking permission to marry in the Church is essential. The findings of the priest are the most important parts of the petition upon which the decision is based. Therefore, thorough counseling and teaching are expected.

The information presented to the Bishop, along with the completed form of petition which is provided by the Bishop's office, must include:

A petition for remarriage of a person who has already been twice married before will not be considered by the Bishop unless the priest can present data which indicates that there were specific impediments to one or both of the previous marriages. These impediments are consanguinity or affinity; mistaken identity; sufficient mental deficiency; failure to have reached the age of puberty; undisclosed impotence, sexual perversion, or venereal disease; bigamy; concurrent contract inconsistent with the marital contract; or fraud, coercion, duress, or personality defects which make competent and free consent impossible.

Communicants of one Diocese who wish to be remarried by a priest in another Diocese must first secure the consent of the Bishop of the Diocese in which they are canonically resident, and then have it endorsed by the Bishop of the Diocese in which they wish to be married.

The Bishop will receive petitions for permission to bless marriages of those married outside the canonical provisions of the Church. A letter, summarizing the circumstances of the marriage, and stating that the couple has been instructed in the Church's teaching on marriage, is necessary. The priest involved with them shall determine the time within these limits. During this period, the couple is expected to show their sincerity of commitment by regular attendance at services of worship, financial support of the Church, prayer, and involvement in the life of the congregation.

Letters assuring communicants of their continued good standing are available if requested, when they are not requesting permission to be married. Such a letter does not carry permission to be married in the Church at some future date. A petition must always be submitted to the Bishop whenever a divorced person, whose former spouse is still living, desires to be married in the Church.

In all requests for the Bishop's consent to the marriage of divorced persons, applications must be in the hands of the Bishop at least 60 days before the marriage is contemplated, and no announcement of the marriage may be made until the consent of the Bishop has been received. Such applications will normally be considered by the Bishop only when the divorce has been final for at least one year.

The Blessing of a Civil Marriage by a priest of the Church requires the same consent from the Bishop and must meet the same criteria of Canon I.19, if there is a previous divorce with the previous spouse still living.

The Reserved Sacrament:

The Blessed Sacrament is to be reverently reserved (generally in one kind) in a tabernacle or aumbry in the church. This reservation is indicated by a Presence Lamp (or Sanctuary Lamp) which is kept burning at all times. This lamp is preferably of clear, uncolored glass (not red), and the sanctuary candle is to be white.

The Blessed Sacrament in reserve is to be replenished on a regular basis. Only ordained persons are to lock or unlock the tabernacle (or aumbry) and remove the Sacrament from or replace it in the tabernacle.

SECTION IV: GUIDELINES ON THE DIACONATE

The Book of Common Prayer describes the work of a Deacon as "a special ministry of servanthood" directly under the Bishop. As such, the life and ministry of a Deacon goes far beyond liturgical functions and Sunday morning activities. It is an active ministry in the world, seeking to serve all people, "particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely." (BCP, P. 543)

The following guidelines are offered by the Bishop and the Commission on Ministry to assist in the discernment of vocations to the diaconate in this Diocese. All aspirants should familiarize themselves with these guidelines prior to applying to enter into the ordination process and must thoroughly discuss them in advance with the priest who is to sponsor their application.

The academic course of study in preparation for ordination as a Deacon will be a combination of a program at The Anglican School of Theology in Dallas and a series of seminars offered here in the Diocese. The process begins by attending "the Bishop's Conference on Vocations to the Diaconate," offered on an annual basis in the Fall.

GUIDELINES

SECTION V: PARISH AND MISSION POLICIES

VESTRIES:

Each year in the parishes of the Diocese, a number of vestry members are elected at the annual parish meeting. These men and women are chosen by members of the congregation to act as their representatives in the parish's relations with its clergy and the management of its corporate property. The vestry is thus, in an important sense, the management team of the parish.

The Canons of the Church regulating the duties of the wardens and vestry of a parish are simple and meager. This is advantageous in that latitude is given to meet varied circumstances and conditions and disadvantageous in that there are practically no instructions to give guidance and authority.

It is vital to remember that the vestry acts as a "council of advice" to the rector. As such, the rector and vestry form a TEAM MINISTRY. Members of the vestry should also be fully aware that they are part of the Diocese and that what they do or fail to do, affects the life and work of the Diocese and is lifting up or lowering the morale and effectiveness of the work of the general Church.

Many parishes are heavily colored by "congregationalism" which is totally contrary to our polity in the Episcopal Church. The rector and vestry of a parish must work together as a team, and a spirit of mutual recognition and appreciation should be far more visible and articulate than it often is.

These guidelines are presented in the hope that vestry elections and service may be all that they should be in the parishes of the Diocese to the advancement of the Body of Christ.

The principal purpose of the parish's annual meeting, as defined by Canon Law, is to elect vestry members to replace those whose terms have just expired. But with careful planning, it can also become a major occasion in the parish year for rallying morale, analyzing the progress of the past twelve months, and concentrating on your goals for the immediate future.

In most parishes, the rector usually appoints the outgoing members of the vestry to serve as a nominating committee. It is their duty to present nominees who will bring additional know-how to the vestry, so that its membership will reflect a broad spectrum of expertise ranging from the legal and fiscal to such fields as communications, teaching, social work, etc.

Many nominating committees prepare a slate of more names than there are positions to be filled to offer a choice to the parishioners and to forestall any embarrassment among the losers. A person's commitment to the parish is utmost in determining his/her willingness to service.

It is foolhardy to expect that being elected a member of the vestry will necessarily activate what has been a nominal churchman. Likewise, it stands to reason that any nominee not personally convinced and practicing Christian stewardship can hardly be expected to bring a concern for stewardship and fiscal needs of the parish if elected.

In some parishes, it is customary to supplement the nominating committee's list by making nominations from the floor of the meeting. Others provide that this be done in advance, by petition with a prescribed number of signatures. Whatever procedure is followed, you will want to be sure that all candidates know what election to the vestry will mean in terms of their time, energy, and imagination.

Although many priests are reluctant to do so, it is quite within the rights of the local clergyman to make suggestions to the nominating committee and most especially to express his previous relations with the nominees, and possible difficulties or problems which could be encountered if they were elected to vestry membership.

BASIC CRITERIA FOR VESTRY NOMINATION ARE THE FOLLOWING:

BISHOP'S COMMITTEE:

A "Bishop's Committee" shall be formed in each mission of the Diocese to oversee the temporal concerns of the mission.

Members of the Bishop's Committee are elected to the committee in the same manner as that of members of the vestry of a parish. However, they serve at the pleasure of the Bishop, who appoints the wardens of the committee upon recommendation of the vicar.

The Bishop's Committee functions in the same capacity as a vestry of a parish, guided by the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese pertaining to Vestries and Bishop's Committees.

When a mission attains parish status, the congregation of the new parish elects a vestry as prescribed in the Canons of the Diocese. When that vestry is in place, the Bishop's Committee is dissolved.

SECTION VI: DIOCESAN POLICY

EPISCOPAL VISITATIONS:

Title III, Canon 26, Section 2(a). Every Bishop shall visit the congregations within his jurisdiction at least once in three years, for purposes of examining their condition, inspecting the behavior of the clergy, administering Confirmation, preaching the Word, and at his discretion, celebrating the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. At every visitation it shall be the duty of the Bishop to examine the records required by Title III, Canon 14, Section 3.

Title III, Canon 14, Section 2(e). At every visitation it shall be the duty of the minister, and of the church wardens or vestry, or of some other officer, to exhibit to the Bishop the Parish Register and to give information to him of the state of the congregation, spiritual and temporal, under such heads as shall have been previously signified to them in writing, by the Bishop. He will want to review the register of all burials, baptisms, and marriages which have taken place since his last visitation and to be given a copy of the most recent financial report of the congregation.

During a visitation of the Bishop, the services are under his direction. The liturgical color and propers of the day are to be used, whether or not there are to be confirmations. A special offering is to be received at all services for the Bishop's Discretionary Fund on the day of his visitation.

Normally, the Bishop's visitation schedule is established at least nine months to a year in advance. This requires for the clergy to make known any special requests or local needs far in advance, (i.e. anniversaries, special celebrations, etc.), by calling or writing the Canon to the Ordinary.

DEANS AND DEANERIES:

The Diocese is divided into geographical groupings of congregations called Deaneries. The purpose of the Deanery is to enable clergy and laity to share common interests and concerns and to work together with more strength than is sometimes available to single congregations. The Bishop appoints the Dean of each Deanery who serves at the Bishop's pleasure. Deans are members of the Executive Council with voice but not vote. Activities on the Deanery level include meetings of the Clericus, the Deanery Council, and the Church Women.

MISSIONS:

Missions within the Diocese of Fort Worth are the responsibility of the Bishop and part of his apostolic office and of the Diocese of which he is the constitutional head. Canon 21 of the Diocese states that "the power to establish a mission is hereby vested in the Bishop of the Diocese." It also gives him sole authority to appoint clergy and lay persons to serve in the missions of the Diocese. Bishop's Committees of Missions will have the same duties as Vestries of Parishes. Canon 10 of the Diocese has also provided for an Executive Council of which the Bishop is the president, to administer the missionary work of the Diocese through the Department of Mission. The basic policy of the Missions Department is to assist the Bishop in the administration of all mission congregations and to aid him in the establishment of new missions. The establishment of any mission, either parochial or diocesan, must be approved by the Mission Department.

COMMISSION ON CHURCH ARCHITECTURE & ALLIED ARTS:

This commission is composed of people skilled in church architecture and ecclesiastical art. Any parish or mission considering building plans is required by Canon 14 to obtain the approval of this Commission before erecting, adding to, or making changes in any church building, parish house, or rectory. The Commission is under the Diocesan Ministries Commission.

TITLE TO PROPERTY:

Article 14 of the Constitution of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth provides as follows: "The Title of all real estate acquired for the use of the Church in this Diocese, including the real property of all parishes and missions, as well as Diocesan Institutions, shall be held subject to control of the Church in the Diocese of Fort Worth acting by and through a corporation know as the `Corporation of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth.'" Forms for the sale, purchase, loans, etc., may be obtained from the Diocesan Finance Department. Such transactions must be approved by the Finance Committee, the Standing Committee and the Board of Trustees of the Corporation of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth.

SECTION VII: DEPARTMENTS AND COMMISSIONS

MISSION DEPARTMENT

Mission Policy: The mission policy for the Diocese is determined by the Bishop and the Mission Department and approved by the Executive Council. The Mission Strategy and Development Committee, consisting of clergy and lay members, is appointed by the Bishop and is responsible for establishing new congregations, as well as assisting in the growth and support of existing mission churches. The Canon to the Ordinary serves as Executive Officer for the Department.

Diocesan Curacy Program: All newly ordained transitional deacons and priests working full-time in parish ministry and related fields are under the supervision of the Mission Department's Curacy Program. Each ordinand will serve the first two years of his ministry as curate to an experienced rector. The rector and curate are expected to cooperate with the guidelines and policies set forth by the Mission Department. The Diocese shares with the parish the expenses of the program.

World Mission Committee: The members of this committee are appointed by the Bishop and are charged to help our Diocese be more "mission minded," by stimulating our interest and involvement in mission work beyond the boundaries of our own Diocese. The committee assists the Bishop in coordinating our relationship with our Companion Dioceses in Northern Mexico and Northern Malawi.

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

The Finance Department consisting of appointed members of the Executive Council is responsible to the Executive Council for determining and/or carrying out the following procedures for the Diocese:

The Canon to the Ordinary serves as Executive Officer for the department.

FORMS: All forms for loans, sale of property, purchase of property, etc., may be obtained from the Finance Department of the Diocese of Fort Worth.

INSURANCE:

WHERE TO SEND CHECKS:

All checks sent to the Diocese of Fort Worth should be made out to "Diocese of Fort Worth" and marked for Assessment, Whitsunday Offerings, Bishop's Discretionary Fund, or whatever purpose you may indicate. Any checks so made out to the Diocese of Fort Worth will be credited to the proper purpose.

COMMUNITY MINISTRIES COMMISSION:

The Commission for Community Ministries is appointed by the Bishop from the membership of the Executive Council to deal with the Church's outreach to the community in which it lives. The Commission's responsibilities are divided into the following areas of work:

DIOCESAN MINISTRIES COMMISSION

The Diocesan Ministries Commission is appointed by the Bishop from the membership of the Executive Council and oversees the Church's work in the following categories:

SECTION VIII: GENERAL INFORMATION

FORT WORTH FORWARD NEWS ITEMS should be sent to the Diocesan Office marked "For the Editor, Fort Worth ForWard." Twice a year a computer printout of each parish/mission mailing list will be sent for corrections. These should be corrected and returned as soon as possible. It would be helpful to receive any changes of address as soon as this information is received by the congregation. The Editor of the Fort Worth ForWard and the Bishop should both be on the mailing list of every parish and mission of the Diocese.

ITEMS AVAILABLE AT THE DIOCESAN OFFICE that are available from the Bishop's Secretary:

MEETING FACILITIES:

Call the Canon to the Ordinary to schedule use of the meeting facilities at the Diocesan Center for Ministry. Also, it is important to check with him on all activities which should be on the Diocesan Calendar, whether or not they are to be held in the Diocesan Center. In this way we can avoid unnecessary scheduling conflicts.

CONFERENCE CENTERS:

Camp Crucis is owned and operated by the Diocese of Fort Worth under the direct supervision of a Camp Manager. It has a Board of Managers that is responsible in turn to the Commission for Diocesan Ministries. It offers outstanding educational programs in its summer camping sessions for young people of this Diocese and the Diocese of Dallas. The facilities can accommodate a maximum of two hundred and thirty (230) persons as follows: Eleven (11) in the Bishop's Lodge, twelve (12) in the Staff Cabins, eighteen (18) in the Infirmary, nine (9) in the Friary, with one hundred and eighty (180) in the rustic Cabins which have no heating or air-conditioning. (See Map)

Bishop Mason Retreat and Conference Center is owned by the Diocese of Dallas to be used by the people of the parishes and missions of both the Diocese of Dallas and the Diocese of Fort Worth for the purpose of conducting retreats, conferences, workshops, and/or quiet days.

The facilities are excellent, and a maximum of seventy (70) persons can be accommodated with forty-two (42) being housed in Bishop Garrett House, sixteen (16) in Bishop Moore House, and twelve (12) in Bishop Harte House.

For further information call 214/539-9715. (See Map)

BISHOP DAVIES CENTER:

This is a non-profit corporation owned by All Saints Hospital and located at 2712 Hurstview in Hurst. The center is not simply a nursing facility; it is a retirement home which provides its residents with comfort, security and peace of mind. The facility has 150 beds. Rates are variable and are dependent upon the selection of the level of care provided to the resident. Services offered are: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy, X-ray, EKG, lab, beauty/barber shop, social services and social activities. Metro: 817/498-2390. (See Map)

COLUMBARIUM:

The Columbarium and Mausoleum of the Diocese of Dallas is located next to the Orand Memorial Chapel at the Bishop Mason Retreat & Conference Center at Flower Mound, Texas. This mausoleum is open from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. for interment except on Sundays, Good Friday, Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Visitors are welcome to come visit, however it would be wise to call before making the trip to be sure that someone is there to welcome you. To make arrangements to visit, call: Bishop Mason Center - 214/539-9715