APC Clergy Sabbatical Program begins with Leadership 100 Startup Funds

With the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros and the Holy Eparchial Synod and through the generosity of Leadership 100, the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council (APC) Clergy Sabbatical Program will soon take applicants for the first funded grants for Clergy Sabbaticals. The mission of the APC Clergy Sabbatical Program is to make Clergy Sabbaticals possible by providing information, funding, and fill-in clergy to serve during the Sabbaticals of active clergy.

Clergy Sabbaticals are a long-established tradition and a time for pastors to take an intentional break and experience a change of pace and location, discover new perspectives, gain fresh vision, rest, and return energized. The priest and the parish and Metropolis benefit by the return of a rested leader ready to re-engage in parish life and growth. 

“This program, carefully developed over the last two years by an APC team, blessed by the Holy Eparchial Synod, and now initial funding through a generous Grant of Leadership 100, will provide guidance, resources, and financial support for the priest and parish for a 12-week Sabbatical with a start date in 2026”, stated Rev. Fr. Jerry Hall, Program Administrator. It responds to the need to provide accessibility for the clergy sabbatical by removing barriers and providing, if needed, clergy to serve for the priest on sabbatical and an appropriate stipend. 

Developed under the auspices of the APC, the Clergy Sabbatical Team is led by Rev. Fr. Jerry Hall, and members Rev. Fr. Bill Bartz, Rev. Fr. John Touloumes, Rev. Fr. James Retelas and Rev. Fr. Mark Leondis. They help fulfill the vision approved by our Synod, “Clergy transformed with refreshed spirits, renewed energy and rededicated ministries.”

Details about the program and qualifications and instructions for application will be provided in the near future.  For more information about this program you may contact Fr. Jerry Hall, program administrator at: APCSabbaticalInfo@gmail.com

Click here to download pertinent information regarding the APC Clergy Sabbatical Program