Curacy Program Profile - Rev. Julian Erb
Meet the Reverend Julian Erb. Julian is married to Yukiko and has a wonderful son named Zaden and another baby coming in July 2023. He enjoys hiking, the Beatles, and trying all types of food. His life was transformed by Jesus at Capernwray in New Zealand and ever since he has been on a mission to make much of Christ. And he is currently serving as a Curate at Grace Anglican in Calgary through our diocesan Curacy Program.
“The curate experience has been good for Julian,” Ven. Rob Stringer, rector of Grace, told us. “It has given him a place to learn some of the real world dynamics of parish ministry and the work/life balance without the added pressures of being the rector of an established church or the planter of a new church."
Julian agreed. “It has provided a context where I get great pastoral experience and learn from clergy mentors,” he writes. “From visitation, leading worship, and small groups I have been blessed with great experience to serve Jesus and his church. Leading my first catechism class and seeing the members baptized and confirmed was a real joy. I know catechism is important and this experience has set me up for more opportunities to teach the basics of the faith and share the gospel.”
“As a smaller parish this would not be possible without the financial support of the Curacy Program.”
- Ven. Rob Stringer
The parish has also really benefited from Julian’s presence and work there as an enthusiastic new minister. And it has provided new ministry opportunities for the parish.
“For example,” said Archdeacon Rob, “the development of a catechism class with most of the teaching handled by Julian. Furthermore, having Julian on the ministry team is a great encouragement to me as the Rector. I have someone to pass on ministry experience to and I have someone to share the burden of ministry with, as he is equipped to use his unique gifts and develop pastoral skills. And I am also freed up to use my gifts and skills in the advancement of the gospel unto the glory of God. As a smaller parish this would not be possible without the financial support of the Curacy Program.”
“The Curacy Program is a win-win-win situation.”
- Ven. Rob Stringer
When we asked Archdeacon Rob if he’d commend the Curacy Program for other young ordinands and to other parishes he said yes. “The Curacy Program is a win-win-win situation. A win for the curate in his or her development as a priest, a win for the local parish through the investment in ministry and mission during the curacy, and a win for ANiC through the developing of a fully-equipped minister who will serve the diocese for many years.”
One of our central values as a diocese is having equipped and supported clergy who are qualified and cared for and well prepared for ministry.
And one of the ways we are seeking to pursue this value is by helping provide young clergy opportunities through our Curacy Program to minister in well established parishes as curates under a more senior clergy member who is able to act as an instructor and mentor. But this initiative can’t operate without generous giving above and beyond our normal parish tithes.
You can learn more about the Curacy Program and give today here: