The Partnership Committee is pleased to provide an update on the support being planned for the Diocese of Masasi in Southern Tanzania. As a reminder, this partnership began under the auspices of Bishop Barry Clarke and Bishop Patrick Mwachka and has continued under Bishop Mary and Bishop James Almasi.
After much discussion between bishops and members of the Partnerships Committee, we decided to sponsor the education of one of their clergy who will attend the Montreal Diocesan Theological College for two years to obtain his Bachelor’s degree in Theology. We felt that this support of one priest would help to upgrade the knowledge skills of many while saving on future costs to study abroad.
The candidate is the Rev. Linus Buriani, a priest who is well known by members of our committee. Following his studies, he will return to teach at St. Cyprian’s Theological College. The Diocese of Masasi has plans for St. Cyprian’s to become a regional centre for theological training. Father Linus has strong English skills.
This is a major financial commitment on the part of the Partnerships Committee and serious fund-raising efforts will be required. They are actually under way:
- As the committee will not be making any trips to the partner dioceses due to COVID-19 restrictions, the amount budgeted for such trips is set aside for the project
- The parish of All Saints by the Lake has graciously agreed to contribute their Paul Busing Bursary Fund (around $4,500) to support the education of a theology student from the developing world
- The corporation of St Stephen’s Chambly has been asked to offer a thousand dollars a year for two school year.
The Partnerships Committee will also receive contributions from the 2021 Bishop’s Action Appeal as the Bishop recently announced. We hope to also receive funds directly from individual parishes, many of whom have benefited from visits by the bishops (Patrick and James) and development officer (Father Geoffrey Monjesa who was ordained deacon in Montreal by Bishop Barry).
We thank all of you in advance for your generosity.
To learn more about the work of the Partnership Committee or if you are interested in joining, please contact the Rev Andy O’Donnell at [email protected].
