Clergy Sabbatical Guidelines - Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)
Clergy Sabbatical Guidelines updated 2017
Purpose of Clergy Sabbatical “Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8 The clergy of the Episcopal Church are called to serve Jesus Christ in a wide variety of ways and means, and to be available to respond to all sorts and conditions of situations. It’s important for clergy to take care of themselves and their families as well, and to take weekly time away from their responsibilities. But the needs of the congregation often interrupt time away, and the “on call” nature of the work reminds us that the clergy benefit from a lengthier and more intentional time to regather and refocus – a sabbatical. A clergy sabbatical is a period of six to twelve weeks away from normal responsibilities, with the intent that the member of the clergy is renewed and reenergized to resume the work she or he is called to do. This is necessarily unique to each person, as each member of the clergy has different interests and needs, but there are some guidelines that are important. 1. Sabbatical leave is available to full time clergy with programmatic and/or pastoral care responsibilities. 2. Sabbatical leave is available after the seventh year of service. Untaken sabbatical leave is not considered unused leave time when the person leaves the parish. 3. Full compensation and benefits are paid to the clergy while he or she is on sabbatical. 4. The plan for the sabbatical should be done in conjunction with the vestry. 5. Sabbatical leave is not to be taken with six months of retirement, unless specifically arranged by the bishop’s office. Unused sabbatical leave time is not to be considered unused leave when the clergyperson retires. 6. The cost associated with sabbatical leave (e.g. supply clergy for worship services, pastoral care and administration) along with financial assistance for travel and study etc. is to be arranged with the vestry. 7. The detailed plans associated with the sabbatical leave shall be outlined and submitted to the vestry and to the bishop’s office. 8. The vestry is to complete a letter of support for the sabbatical and submit it to the bishop’s office. 9. It is recommended that the member of the clergy submit a proposal to the vestry nine months before the sabbatical is to begin. 10. It is strongly recommended that the vestry begin to set aside funds in the parish budget for a sabbatical leave no later than the third year of the clergyperson’s time at the parish. This is not a guideline, but it is important: it is hoped that the vestry of the parish will appreciate the particular nature of the work of the clergy and so recognize the necessity for the member of the clergy to have some time away, and that the vestry will help the members of the congregation understand and support the sabbatical leave.
Purpose of Clergy Sabbatical “Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8 The clergy of the Episcopal Church are called to serve Jesus Christ in a wide variety of ways and means, and to be available to respond to all sorts and conditions of situations. It’s important for clergy to take care of themselves and their families as well, and to take weekly time away from their responsibilities. But the needs of the congregation often interrupt time away, and the “on call” nature of the work reminds us that the clergy benefit from a lengthier and more intentional time to regather and refocus – a sabbatical. A clergy sabbatical is a period of six to twelve weeks away from normal responsibilities, with the intent that the member of the clergy is renewed and reenergized to resume the work she or he is called to do. This is necessarily unique to each person, as each member of the clergy has different interests and needs, but there are some guidelines that are important. 1. Sabbatical leave is available to full time clergy with programmatic and/or pastoral care responsibilities. 2. Sabbatical leave is available after the seventh year of service. Untaken sabbatical leave is not considered unused leave time when the person leaves the parish. 3. Full compensation and benefits are paid to the clergy while he or she is on sabbatical. 4. The plan for the sabbatical should be done in conjunction with the vestry. 5. Sabbatical leave is not to be taken with six months of retirement, unless specifically arranged by the bishop’s office. Unused sabbatical leave time is not to be considered unused leave when the clergyperson retires. 6. The cost associated with sabbatical leave (e.g. supply clergy for worship services, pastoral care and administration) along with financial assistance for travel and study etc. is to be arranged with the vestry. 7. The detailed plans associated with the sabbatical leave shall be outlined and submitted to the vestry and to the bishop’s office. 8. The vestry is to complete a letter of support for the sabbatical and submit it to the bishop’s office. 9. It is recommended that the member of the clergy submit a proposal to the vestry nine months before the sabbatical is to begin. 10. It is strongly recommended that the vestry begin to set aside funds in the parish budget for a sabbatical leave no later than the third year of the clergyperson’s time at the parish. This is not a guideline, but it is important: it is hoped that the vestry of the parish will appreciate the particular nature of the work of the clergy and so recognize the necessity for the member of the clergy to have some time away, and that the vestry will help the members of the congregation understand and support the sabbatical leave.
