What is a Sabbatical?

What is a Sabbatical? The word sabbatical has its roots in the biblical

concept of Sabbath (“to rest” or “to cease”). Sabbath keeping is setting aside time

that God consecrates and makes holy. I will be on sabbatical leave in order to rest,

disengage, study, reflect and travel, in order to return to minister in this parish

refreshed and renewed in body, mind and spirit This is a time for me to receive

spiritual nourishment and a change in perspective, and to deepen my relationship

with God and my loved ones. This special time is also a season of growth for the

entire congregation. During the Sabbatical, you will be studying, visiting nearby

locations and gathering data on evangelism and spiritual transformation – the same

thing that I will be doing. On my return, we will compile results and share insights.

From this we will then chart possible new directions that God would have us go in

this Parish.

What will I/we be doing on this sabbatical? I will be visiting churches and

community centers that not only serve the most needy in their communities, but who

also seek to transform the souls of those served. I will visit South Africa, England

and many locations across the USA. Members of the parish (you?) will visit places

that are doing this in New Jersey, NYC, and Washington, DC.

Who will cover my responsibilities during my absence? Fr. Tim Holder, our

associate rector, will be covering the pastoral and liturgical needs of the parish while

I am away. I could not be more pleased that Fr. Tim is here to serve in this capacity.

In addition, your deacons, chaplains, wardens and vestry will be taking on key

responsibilities. The canonical authority when the rector is away is with the

wardens. Vince Tortorello (Sr Warden) and Monica Coughlin (Jr Warden) will

work closely with Fr. Tim and the vestry. It is also my hope that all lay leaders will

“step up to the plate.”

Will I be in contact with Christ Church during my sabbatical? An important

part of a sabbatical is to make a complete break from the parish. The only people who

will be in direct contact with me will be my family. In the unlikely event that some

extraordinary news must be communicated to me, Fr. Tim or Vince (Sr Warden) will

contact me through my family. I am planning to learn how to do a “blog.” This is a

one-way method of communication. I can post photos and write excerpts about my

travels and learnings that you can read. These blogs can also be shared with the

congregation at weekend services.

What can we expect on your return? My first service back will be the weekend

of August 7-8th when I will vest and be in the services, but neither preach nor celebrate.

I want to come back into the parish that Fr. Tim has been leading. There will be a

“Welcome Back” party (yet to be planned but maybe that weekend). Your vestry and I

will spend a day on retreat in the Fall. There will be parish meetings in the Fall so I can

hear of your experiences during the sabbatical, and you hear mine.

Please pray now for me and for our parish as we prepare to enter this sabbatical time.

Blessings and love,

Mother Joan