Canada news briefs: Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert’s Land

Ecumenical retreat agreement signed

In what may be a unique venture for Canada, the Franciscans, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina, the Anglican Diocese of Qu’appelle, and the Saskatchewan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada have signed a memorandum to become partners in operating St. Michael’s Retreat House in Lumsden, Sask. The groups will jointly run the centre under a three-year pilot project. The Franciscan brothers previously operated the retreat house. Saskatchewan Anglican

Pastor for clergy advocated

The Diocese of Calgary is considering a proposal to hire a part-time retired priest to minister to clergy in the diocese. Archdeacon Robert Purdy presented a proposal to the diocesan executive committee that calls for a two-year contract staff position, with responsibility to work with clergy. The position would be evaluated at the end of the contract. A recent diocesan study found that clergy support now rests on regional deans and territorial archdeacons, but these senior clergy don’t have sufficient time to meet the needs of clergy who are under increasing stress. Sower