A "Deanery" is a group of Anglican Churches organized into a geographic grouping. The Parkdale Deanery is made up of seven Anglican churches in the heart of downtown Toronto. Our Deanery is, in turn, grouped with others into the Episcopal Area of York-Credit Valley. Along with four other "Episcopal Areas" they comprise the Anglican Diocese of Toronto.
For many years the Anglican Churches in the Parkdale Deanery have been facing the challenge of declining church attendance and aging facilities. Several initiatives over the years have attempted to deal with these problems, rarely with much success. Recently a new initiative has been started with ambitious plans to meet these challenges. We call this initiative "Deep Roots, New Growth."
The Parkdale Ministry Development Council was formed as a response to the challenges we face as a group with the conviction that these challenges are best met with a cooperative response. The same trends that have impacted the environment around us affect all the churches of our Deanery and beyond. Even churches in the Deanery that seem strong will be affected by these changes. The work of the Parkdale Ministry Development Council (PMDC) is to proactively engage these challenges.
The PMDC was formed on the previous recommendation of a Commission called by the Bishop to report on the state of ministry in Parkdale. It is now co-chaired by the Bishop of the York-Credit Valley Episcopal Area, and lay member, Brian Clarke. Each Congregation in Parkdale is represented by their clergy and up to two lay representatives.
The consulting firm, Potentials facilitated and wrote a report in July 2007. Its executive summary can be viewed here: Parkdale Ministry Development Report 2007.
The PMDC is eager to hear people talk about what the church is doing and could be doing in this place. Stay informed by visiting this Website. Speak to the members of the Council in the Parkdale parishes. Read the comments of others and add your own to the Parkdale Deanery Blog.