2027 Sabbatical
Mother Anjel and her husband, Deacon Stuart, will take their first sabbatical in the summer of 2027. This is the first sabbatical she has had in 20 years of ordained ministry.
Sabbatical is not just for our clergy, it is also for our parish as we look forward to where God is calling All Saints. Read more about sabbatical below.
What is Sabbatical?
Sabbatical time is a time of rest. The word "sabbatical" is rooted in the word "sabbath" and our Scriptures reflect the need for deep rest. God designated the seventh day as a sabbath to the Lord in which no work was to be done. In actual practice, this is very difficult for parish clergy. While our rectors get weekly time off and vacations, in truth, they are "on-call" 24/7 for pastoral emergencies when serving a parish regardless of time away.
Sabbatical time is one of deep rest where Mother Anjel will get to turn off her phone, step away from her daily duties, and get much needed rest and refreshment. It is also an opportunity for the parish to receive pastoral and sacramental care from another clergy person as well as the opportunity to step into new forms of leadership. This season of rest will prepare both Mother Anjel and the parish for growth upon her return.
With Gratitude
One question which arises quickly in a parish is: Who is going to pay for this? Mother Anjel and the Vestry prepared a highly detailed grant proposal for the Lilly Endowment for Clergy Renewal earlier this year. This process is very competitive and nationwide, so we had no guarantees we would be awarded a grant. However, we are pleased to share that All Saints was awarded a grant of $36,853 to fund this sabbatical! Learn more about the 2027 Lilly Grants by clicking here.
The sabbatical grant will cover the costs of our supply clergy and pastoral coverage, enrichment programs during the sabbatical period for the parish, and Mother Anjel and Deacon Stuart's planned pilgrimages and travel. Additional smaller gifts to the sabbatical fund will help Mother Anjel and Deacon Stuart with incidental expenses not covered by the grant.
We are deeply grateful to the Lilly Endowment for Clergy Renewal for making this sabbatical possible.
Journey of Pilgrimage
The first part of Anjel and Stuart's time away will be engaging in two walking pilgrimages: the Kerry Camino and the Camino Inglés (the English Way). The first stage is a trek from Tralee to Dingle in Ireland, walking the Irish portion of the Camino system. After resting in Dingle, they will travel to Dublin to see the sights, and then fly to Madrid.
After arrival in Madrid, they will take trains to Ferrol, the beginning of the Camino Inglés. They will then walk by stages to Santiago de Campostela - the Cathedral of St. James. This is the same route that Anglican mystic Margery Kempe took when she made her pilgrimage to Santiago in 1417. Anjel and Stuart will spend some time in Santiago at the Anglican Pilgrim Center.
After some time in Santiago, they will travel by train to Barcelona to both rest and visit the Basillica of La Sagrada Familia - Antonio Gaudi's famous cathedral. After some time in Barcelona, Anjel and Stuart will return home. Stuart will end his sabbatical time; however, as Anjel has never had a sabbatical, she will continue and split her time between Pennsylvania and their eventual retirement home in Delaware.
Mother Anjel's sabbatical will be approximately 16 weeks long, begin in May through August 2027.
Some sites Anjel & Stuart will visit
Meanwhile, back at All Saints
The Vestry and staff will be guiding the day to day operations and All Saints will have regular liturgical, sacramental, and pastoral support from supply clergy. In addition, parish enrichment programs will be scheduled during this time apart.
Fr. Joseph Pritchett of St. John's, Lancaster has been contacted to conduct a program on the Camino for you. Fr. Joe leads annual pilgrimages to the Camino for students at Franklin & Marshall College and has deep experience with these routes. He's delighted to come and be a part of the sabbatical enrichment.
The Vestry is also in conversation about re-engaging the RenewalWorks process for the parish while Anjel is away as part of our discernment about our future.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the sabbatical begin?
Anjel's sabbatical will begin May 17, 2027 - the day after Pentecost Sunday.
What if we have a pastoral emergency?
Supply clergy will be engaged to cover pastoral emergencies. Our telephone system will be programmed with a link to contact a priest in an emergency.
When will she return?
Anjel expects to return to the office the last week in August 2027, just prior to the launch of the program year.
I heard Anjel is leaving us right after sabbatical. Is this true?
No, it is not true. The diocesan policies and the policy of the Lilly Endowment do no allow for so-called "terminal" sabbaticals. Anjel is require to return for a minimum of one year.
Who will be leading worship?
We don't yet have a supply clergy person lined up to conduct worship. However, we will have regular coverage on both Sundays and Wednesdays. There are no major feasts scheduled for summer.
I heard that Anjel is going to retire. Is this true?
Eventually, yes. Anjel's husband is three years older than her. They are in discernment about retirement and are making some plans, but nothing is imminent. She has assured the Vestry she will give them and the parish plenty of notice when the time comes so that the transition will be as smooth as possible.