RCA Recommendation:
We recommend that a review of the established guidelines for a sabbatical be revisited.
RESPONSE: In March of 2001, the sisters in our Administration accepted a regional recommendation to “consider the possibility of sabbaticals.” The Administration recognized the need for a group to develop a plan using different models and a more specific definition of the word “sabbatical.” The recommendation was directed to the Consecrated Life Standing Committee in view of the Chapter exhortation to “live more fully our consecrated lives,” and an ad hoc committee was formed to explore the concept.
Their work determined that:
- The IHM Sabbath Renewal is a time
- to come apart and to integrate.
- to stir into flame and to live more fully.
- to enhance and to deepen.
- to search for and to share.
- to offer the treasures received to enrich the impoverished whom we serve.
- to empty the heart, that God might fill it.
We commend the ad hoc committee for its work in helping us define “sabbatical” for us. We also recognize that it is time to evaluate the program and update our “IHM Sabbath Renewal” materials. An announcement of the completed project will be made.