SABBATICAL

Alex's Sabbatical Information

May 12, 2026 - August 12, 2026

In the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, clergy are eligible for a sabbatical after seven years of full-time service, a practice that supports lifelong, healthy ministry.

We are grateful that Alex will be taking a sabbatical from May 12, 2026 to Aug 12, 2026, a period of planned rest, renewal, and spiritual refreshment.

Why Sabbaticals Matter

Sabbaticals are a longstanding tradition in the Episcopal Church. They allow clergy to step away from daily responsibilities to:

Rest deeply with family
Reconnect spiritually with family
Engage in study, travel, or creative work
Return to ministry renewed and strengthened

The Episcopal Diocese of Texas supports this practice through a sabbatical stipend and by encouraging congregations to plan well for continuity and shared leadership.

What Happens While the Rector Is Away?

Congregational life continues:

Our Associate Rector, Pedro, and supply priests will preside on Sundays and support sacramental needs.
Pastoral care will be coordinated through clergy, staff, and lay leaders.
Our congregational leadership will continue the daily ministry of the church.

Will Alex Be Available?

No. A sabbatical is a true period of time away. The Bishop asks that, except in the most serious emergencies, handled through the Senior Warden, Alex will not be contacted or involved in congregational matters.

I still have questions.

See below for our Sabbatical FAQ, contact Shyam Kumar, Senior Warden, or the church office.

Sabbatical FAQs

How often are rectors expected to take a sabbatical in the Diocese of Texas?

In the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, clergy are eligible for a sabbatical after seven years of full-time service in a parish. This is a diocesan norm that supports long-term pastoral health, leadership stability, and congregational vitality.

Who pays for the sabbatical?

The Episcopal Diocese of Texas provides a sabbatical stipend to assist with expenses.

The congregation is responsible for:

Regular clergy compensation during the sabbatical
Budgeting for supply clergy coverage
Any additional congregational-based sabbatical costs

This shared responsibility ensures neither the rector nor the congregation carries the burden alone.

Is the rector still considered “on the job” during a sabbatical?

Yes. A sabbatical is paid time away for renewal, not leave without pay. Salary, housing, pension, insurance, and all benefits continue uninterrupted per the Episcopal Diocese of Texas policy.

How long is a sabbatical in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas?

Most sabbaticals in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas are three months, though some rectors extend to four months using vacation time, depending on tenure, vestry approval, and diocesan consultation.

Why does the Episcopal Diocese of Texas require and support sabbaticals?

The Episcopal Diocese of Texas views sabbaticals as essential for:

Preventing clergy burnout
Encouraging spiritual, intellectual, and emotional renewal
Strengthening leadership capacity
Enriching the congregation with new ideas and restored energy

Sabbaticals bless both rector and congregation, offering a season of mutual renewal.