Sabbatical

From the Post-Ordination Formation Handbook of the Diocese of Providence:

In the priestly ministry of today, the sabbatical is considered of great importance both for the priest and for his ministry. In its 1984 document, “The Continuing Formation of Priests: Growing in Wisdom, Age and Grace,” the National Conference of Catholic Bishops observed: “Periodic sabbaticals are of such importance to the personal development and growth of all clergy that diocesan bishops must educate and interpret to the faithful the need on their part to forego at times some priestly service.” Hence, as a part of our diocesan priestly formation and educational policy, a sabbatical program has been established according to the following norms:

1. A sabbatical is defined as an intensive continuing formation or education period away from a priest’s normal assignment. Such a sabbatical is designed to foster his ministerial and personal growth according to his ministerial as well as personal needs. It is therefore to be distinguished from a vacation, sick leave or special advanced study.

2. While wide latitude will be given to the priest in selecting and planning his sabbatical, the programs selected should normally be in the area of theological, spiritual or ministerial studies and skills. When appropriate, however, other areas of interest and benefit to the priest and his work may be selected in consultation with the Office of Post-Ordination Formation.

3. An active diocesan priest (i.e., a priest of the Diocese of Providence who is not retired or on leave of absence) holding an official assignment in the Diocese of Providence may, after celebrating his tenth anniversary of ordination, make a formal application for a first sabbatical. Priests are eligible to apply for a subsequent sabbatical ten years after returning from the previous sabbatical. Sabbaticals are not cumulative.

4. The term of a sabbatical is not to exceed three months.

5. The priest applying for a sabbatical is responsible for his replacement who is subject to the approval of the Most Reverend Bishop.

a. Pastors are responsible for identifying both a person whom the Most Reverend Bishop will appoint to serve as the administrator pro tem of the parish and for priests who will cover the sacramental needs of the parish. The administrator pro tem is subject to the approval and appointment of the Most Reverend Bishop. If the priest cannot find someone to serve as administrator pro tem and priests to cover the sacramental needs of the parish, he may seek the assistance of the Director of Priest Personnel in finding such replacements.

b. In the event that suitable replacement(s) and sacramental coverage for a parish cannot be found, the priest may have to postpone his sabbatical.

6. In order to remain within budget guidelines there will no more than two approved sabbatical leaves per year, provided funds are available.

7. The procedure for applying for a sabbatical is as follows:

a. Applications for a sabbatical will be made to the Office of Post-Ordination Formation using the prescribed form available on the Office of Post-Ordination Formation website and Diocese of Providence Intranet. This application should outline the applicant’s plans including reasons for the request, time requirements and nature of the program. The application should include a formal letter addressed to the Most Reverend Bishop requesting the sabbatical; such letter will be forwarded to the Bishop with the request and recommendation of the Post-Ordination Formation Advisory Board. The priest may also approach the Office of Post-Ordination Formation for information and guidance concerning his eligibility and the availability of programs.

b. The application should be made at least nine months in advance of the desired sabbatical.

1. Preference will be given to those priests who have not previously taken a sabbatical, provided his application is received before the following dates:

• Applications for a Fall sabbatical are to be submitted by January 1^st prior to the proposed sabbatical

• Applications for a Spring sabbatical are to be submitted by May 1^st prior to the proposed sabbatical.

2. Applications received after the dates in 7(b)(1) above will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis, without preference to those who have not previously taken a sabbatical.

c. The applicant is expected to have consulted with those who will be directly affected by his sabbatical leave.

d. The Office of Post-Ordination Formation will consider all aspects of the application and will consult the Director of Priest Personnel, the applicant’s pastor or superior, etc., before forwarding its recommendation to His Excellency, the Most Reverend Bishop.

8. The Office of Post-Ordination Formation will use the following criteria in the selection of applicants for sabbatical:

· years of service in the diocesan ministry

· date of application

· whether the applicant has taken a previous sabbatical (see 7(b) above)

· personal needs of the applicant

· diocesan needs

· availability of funds from Diocesan Sabbatical Fund

· quality of the sabbatical program

9. The ultimate decision of granting a sabbatical is that of His Excellency, the Most Reverend Bishop. The Most Reverend Bishop will communicate his decision to the applicant either directly or through the Coordinator of the Office of Post-Ordination Formation. If approved, a priest should advise his parish about his sabbatical plans in order to enlist their support and interest.

10. Funding for sabbaticals will be taken from the Diocesan Sabbatical Fund. This funding contributes toward payment of the tuition, room and board, books, program-related costs of the sabbatical program as well as a maximum of $1,200 reimbursement for coach/economy class transportation. Fees for upgrades to first class or additional luggage, etc. are the personal responsibility of the priest himself. The maximum payment per sabbatical is not to exceed the current rate established by the Institute of Continuing Theological Formation (ICTE) for the twelve-week Spring semester program in Rome. This does not include the $1,200 cost of transportation. If costs exceed the above limit, the participant will be responsible for funding the remainder.

11. In addition to the cost of tuition, room, board, books, and program expenses, the Sabbatical Fund will cover the participant’s regular salary (including leadership allowances) for a maximum period of three months while on sabbatical. A monthly reimbursement check, in the amount of the priest’s current salary, will be sent to the parish or primary assignment for up to three months of the duration of the sabbatical leave. The parish or primary assignment will then be responsible to deduct the usual taxes, benefits, etc.

a. To the extent necessary, replacement clergy will be paid by the parish for priests in parish assignments or by the office or agency of ministry for priest directors and those in special ministry.

12. Individuals are encouraged to apply for grants and scholarship funds offered by the institution sponsoring the sabbatical. Special arrangements may be necessary in certain assignments.

Sabbatical Resources

Below are some resources for sabbatical programs. Sabbaticals are not limited to the programs below; these are meant to be a sampling for your reference and consideration.

• Institute for Continuing Theological Education at the Pontifical North American College
• Centro Ad Gentes, Society of the Divine Word, Nemi, Italy
• St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology Sabbatical Opportunities