Deacon's Customary - The Episcopal Diocese of Central New York

the Canons of the Episcopal Church. The discretionary fund is for such pious andcharitable uses as shall by the member of the clergy in charge be thought fit and will beaudited annually as part of the regular parish audit.The member of the clergy in charge of a congregation customarily has a special fund madeavailable by the Vestry, the expenditure of which is under the authority of the cleric. Themember of the clergy in charge of a congregation also may grant assistant clergy,permission to expend monies from the discretionary fund, or the vestry may establishseparate funds for the use of an assistant clergy or deacon. The clergy in charge of theparish where a deacon is assigned shall discuss with the deacon the usage of thediscretionary fund.14. Rule of LifeIt is expected that the deacon will maintain a disciplined prayer life, and deacons areencouraged to have and consult a trained spiritual director approved by the Bishop, andfollow a regular program of study. A plan of continuing education should be preparedannually, and implementation should be reported in the deacon‘s annual report. (SeeAppendix A).15. Conferences and Continuing EducationAll active deacons shall complete 8 (eight) hours of continuing education per year inaddition to the annual deacon‘s Conference. It is possible to combine these hours to 16(sixteen) hours every two years. Topics chosen should either improve skills and vision forthe deacon‘s current ministry or prepare the deacon for a new ministry of justice (ex. areasof racism, affordable housing, prison, etc.). Appropriate continuing education may bescheduled by the deacons themselves. It is important at the beginning of each year toknow the general areas of study anticipated, but not the particulars of time or place. Thedetails can be acknowledged in the final report. Deacons are encouraged to meet togetheron a regular basis to build collegiality and foster communication.16. Retirement [Pursuant to Title III Canon 7.7]A deacon may retire from active service for reasons of age or infirmity with the consent ofthe Bishop at any time and shall retire for reasons for age or infirmity at the request of theBishop. The Bishop may, with the consent of the deacon, assign a retired deacon to anycongregation, other community of faith or non-parochial ministry, for a period not toexceed twelve months, and this period may be renewed.8