Friends of the Bishop is your invitation to share in diocesan outreach through many deep and confidential ministries of the Bishop. 

Our Bishop is the outward and visible sign of our larger Church family.  As such, he connects us to the greater local and international community and encounters many pastoral situations where emergency assistance may be needed.
The Bishop represents our diocesan desire to serve, make a difference and be the hands and feet of Jesus among people everywhere.

+ Sometimes young people need intervention, help, encouragement and direction.
+ Sometimes parishes, postulants and clergy might use help in taking advantage of unique opportunities that become available and are not within the normal budget of the Diocese or continuing education programs.
+ Sometimes our clergy encounter emergencies among their people and need to reach out at times when their own parishes lack the resources.
+ Sometimes there are very unexpected "opportunities to serve."
In our diocese, we have the Anglican Foundation for Children, through which clergy can apply for assistance for children, and most parishes provide discretionary funding for clergy. Friends of the Bishop enables this sort of ministry on a larger scale.

Friends of the Bishop has its roots in Bishop Watton's own journey through cancer treatments. Following his "victory" over cancer, he found a new empathy for those whose lives were emotionally,financially,physically and spiritually stricken by cancer and other life happenings that are beyond control.
While still a parish priest, he began a series of walks to focus on prayer and thanksgiving. These walks took on a character of fundraising as people wanted to give something as an outward sign of their own faith and compassion. When he became our bishop,these walks continued, and many choose to trust him to represent them quietly,respectfully and discretely in acts of generosity and love.

Funding the Bishop's discretionary fund is quite challenging. Maintaining the Bishop's outreach/discretionary fund is important ...but difficult as well.

It's not "news" to hear that funding in the Church is becoming tougher these days. 
That is why Diocese has launched the Friends of the Bishop Appeal.
This is an ongoing appeal, which is highlighted by different events trough the year. It gives people the opportunity to share in diocesan outreach through many deep and confidential ministries of the Bishop. 

The funds raised here are to support the Bishop’s ministry of responding quickly and compassionately to unexpected and often serious situations which arise in the life of our Diocese and beyond. 
The Friends of the Bishop appeal is also a perfect way for secular persons and businesses to partner with someone they trust to make a difference in the well-being and development of others. For that reason, we welcome corporate sponsors and individuals in addition to our parishes, clergy and diocesan groups to support Friends of the Bishop.

How to Donate

Should you wish to help, please contribute online at
canadahelps.org, or by cheque Payable to the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund
(mailing address: 34 Fraser Road, Gander, NL A1V 2E8)

With Canada helps you will receive your receipt immediately.
If you donate by mail, simply indicate if you wish a receipt and we will send it out to you.  

Thank You!