TLDR: After six years of ministry at Saint Dunstan’s, I will take a sabbatical from April 20 to August 5, 2026. Please read below for details.
Background
On March 18, 2026, I will celebrate six years as Rector of Saint Dunstan’s. About a month later, I’ll begin a twelve-week sabbatical, followed by two weeks of continuing education. Sabbaticals are a Diocesan provision for clergy who have served at least six years in a parish or diocesan institution. This is part of every priest’s Letter of Agreement, which states:
“The Rector will accrue two (2) weeks of cumulative sabbatical time each year. A sabbatical can be taken after the completion of six (6) years of ordained ministry in the Diocese of Texas. The sabbatical will be with full pay and allowances and may be taken in conjunction with the Rector’s annual vacation and continuing education time.”
Why Sabbaticals Matter
It’s not always easy for parishes to understand why clergy take sabbaticals, who pays for them, or how long they should be. The diocesan website defines them as:
“At least three months away from a clergy member’s primary ministry for rest, refreshment, recreation, travel, reading, study, hobbies, and the renewal of personal relationships.” (Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
Sabbaticals are considered vital to clergy wellness, and I can personally attest to that. Time away not only renews the priest, but it also benefits the entire congregation. When a priest returns rested and restored, the church receives renewed energy, creativity, and focus.
My First Sabbatical: 2017
In 2017, after eight demanding years of ministry in Louisiana, my family and I spent three months in Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of parishioners from Grace Church, Saint Francisville, and my wife’s support, we served two small congregations in Killorglin and Kintalah, County Kerry.
On weekends, I preached, taught, and offered pastoral care. In return, the local churches provided housing and some transportation. During the week, we traveled to Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, England, and throughout Ireland itself.
It was an amazing time of renewal. I hadn’t realized how tired I was until we arrived in County Kerry. It took nearly two weeks before I felt at ease again, free from the constant expectations of parish life. That break restored my joy in ministry and reminded me that the people I serve deserve a priest who is fully present and spiritually alive.
Sabbatical 2026: Plan and Purpose
This upcoming sabbatical, reviewed by my planning committee (Senior and Junior Wardens, both Associate Rectors, and my Executive Assistant), is designed for rest, study, and spiritual growth. It will also allow me the opportunity to take a valuable course with N.T. Wright and to begin to map out sermons for the Fall of 2026.
Objective
To rejuvenate and replenish through study, travel, and quiet reflection from April 20 to July 19, 2026 (13 weeks, including one week of mission in the Dominican Republic), followed by two weeks of Continuing Education from July 20 to August 3. Chris and some of our children plan to visit at different times, as their schedules allow.
Schedule Overview
- April 20 – May 3: Visit our children in New York, Huntsville, and New Orleans.
- May 4 – July 19: Stay in Medellín, Colombia, at one of my brother’s properties, where I will read literature and theology in Spanish. Co-teach a course with a childhood friend at a local Roman Catholic church. Give at least two guest lectures at a local university (and possibly more if invited). And travel within Colombia for cultural and spiritual enrichment.
- July 20 – August 3: Continuing education studies in Cartagena, Colombia, where I will participate in a course on 1 Corinthians by N. T. Wright. I will also Join a Lectionary Bible Study focusing on the Fall Sunday readings.
- August 5: Return home.
Funding
Estimated cost: $13,000–$15,000. Funding will come from several sources:
- Diocesan Sabbatical Grant: Up to $7,500 (if awarded).
- Family Assistance: Free or low-cost housing in Medellín from my brother and some limited in-country support.
- Professional Expense Account: Up to $3,000 allocated for travel, lodging, and education in Cartagena.
- Personal Gifts: Occasionally, parishioners have voluntarily contributed to past sabbatical expenses, though no such assistance is expected or solicited.
Sunday Coverage
Both Fr. Menjivar and Fr. Ferguson will cover all pastoral and liturgical duties during my absence, with additional support from our supply clergy budget in the following way:
- Of the 13 Sundays of the sabbatical, only June 7 will require supply clergy because both associate rectors will be with me on the Dominican Republic medical mission.
- On that day, the Spanish Service will read Morning Prayer, led by our Seminarian Jaime Muñoz, and a supply priest will celebrate and preach all English Services.
Emergency Contingencies
In case of a serious emergency, I reserve the right to return early, either partially or completely. Possible reasons include:
- The sudden death of a Vestry member.
- The death of a Church Warden (in which case I would celebrate).
- The death of a clergy person covering during the sabbatical.
- A diocesan crisis requiring the Bishop to recall clergy (rare, but possible).
Any costs related to an early return will be covered by the church. Unused sabbatical time may be taken later.
Closing Thoughts
If you have questions about this plan, please feel free to contact me directly. I will share more updates closer to my departure.
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and trust as I prepare for this time of renewal. My hope is that this sabbatical will not only refresh my spirit but also renew the ministry we share together at Saint Dunstan’s.
Blessings in Christ, Fr. Roman+
