Sabbatical leave is considered so vital to clergy wellness that the Diocese of Texas requires that all Letters of Agreement between members of the clergy and their organizations include provision for periodic sabbatical time away. A sabbatical is defined 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.
The Clergy Manual provides that a sabbatical may be taken after six years of ministry in the Diocese of Texas, at least three of which at the organization where the member of the clergy is currently serving.
Members of the clergy are paid their full salary during a sabbatical. Financial support for sabbatical leave is available through the Bishop Quin Foundation Sabbatical Grant Program. The mission of The Bishop Quin Foundation is to help build the Church, a mission facilitated by the holistic care, growth, and development of excellent clergy through sabbatical time. Quin guidelines require seven years of ministry in the diocese, rather than six, at least three of which at the organization where the clergy member is currently serving.
Bishop Fisher oversees the sabbatical program, and all bishops of the Diocese of Texas encourage clergy to apply for Quin Sabbatical Grants.
Details regarding eligibility requirements for a Quin Sabbatical Grant and the application process are available here: Sabbatical Guidelines
For more information, contact Kathy Dunn, Executive Assistant to Bishop Fisher (903.579.6012).
