"... no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins." ~ Mark 2:22
Dear friends,
Greetings from the Renewal Program at the Jesuit School of Theology (JST-SCU)! We hope this message finds you and your loved ones in health and well being, especially during these challenging times. What global upheaval we have experienced since I sent my message, in late February! Although it may seem out of step to speak of Sabbath, sabbatical, and holy leisure in such difficult times as these, in some ways it is especially fitting to consider rest and renewal now, as much of the world is put on pause. Granted, for some people an imposed sabbatical or time for slowing down is a welcome interruption. For others, especially for those who have been systematically slowed down through oppression, who are separated from their loved ones,, or who are isolated for any number of reasons, this pandemic can be a time of intense suffering, anxiety, frustration, and grief.
Wherever we find one another, may we remember that the commandment of Sabbath rest is also a gift, including during this time of “forced sabbatical,” as it invites us into a more trusting relationship with the loving Source of all provisions. How, during such challenging times, may we deepen our relationships with one another, especially with those most in need, human and other-kind, as well as with the Divine? How may we recreate and celebrate new life? If “all is gift,” for what are we most grateful during these times? How may we continue to renew, in body, mind, and spirit? May JST-SCU offer you or someone you know fresh wineskins for such new wine through our first fully online Renewal Program. We will also be offering opportunities for our sabbatical friends and alumni to reconnect. Please let us know if you would like to receive more information.
Even before the pandemic, and with five decades of serving thousands of students seeking sabbatical, JST was becoming increasingly aware of the changing demographic and need of all people, from diverse walks of life, for renewal. Quoting Thomas Merton:
There is in us an instinct for newness, for renewal, for a liberation of creative power. We seek to awaken in ourselves a force which really changes our lives from within. And yet the same instinct tells us that this change is a recovery of that which is deepest, most original, most personal in ourselves. To be born again is not to become somebody else, but to become ourselves.
To be able to offer such renewal, through a quality, holistic sabbatical program, to those who could not come in person – whether due to lack of resources, inability to find a replacement, different abilities, or health challenges – we had already begun exploring the viability of what we were calling “future models,” not to replace but to be offered as an alternative, alongside our tried-and-true traditional sabbatical model. Then, as you know, in response to the exigencies of the coronavirus, we had to quickly shift the spring Renewal Program to online, midway into the spring semester. Although it was not seamless, it was a success and will be far better this fall, given time to plan and refine.
Quoting a recent participant, who was able to experience the Renewal Program both before and after the pandemic: “My two semesters at JST have been a mind blowing and an aha!-story, based on the interaction of the professors, students, fellow cohorts and our dear Carrie. Only a very large heart such as developed at JST these months can carry the wisdom, skills, new horizons and connectedness acquired.” ~Jacqueline “Jackie” Anujulu, MSHR, Nigeria
I am including photos from before and after Covid-19 to give you a sense of the high-touch, dynamic of the JST community, whether we are in person or online.
Through a gift from a generous benefactor and the support of JST-SCU, we are offering a tuition discount of 25% – making the cost $5,250 – for applicants who apply to the online Renewal Program, to begin in Fall 2020, with the possibility of additional scholarship funding.
The online Renewal Program includes:
- A curated, online sabbatical experience, of weekly workshops, discussion forums, community-building, and opportunities for prayer, especially designed for renewal.
- Up to six units of one-to-three unit JST/GTU courses, for audit or for credit, for professional and ministerial development and theological updating (course offerings for fall are still populating; for course offerings and descriptions, see https://www.gtu.edu/academics/course-schedule).
- An online opening and closing retreat.
- Ongoing Spiritual Direction with one of our vetted directors (every two to three weeks, throughout the semester).
- Access to a treasure trove of resources through the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) and Santa Clara University (SCU) libraries.
- Welcome and participation in the larger JST-SCU and GTU community offerings.
Our hope is that this time of sabbatical can also be a time for physical renewal as well, as you or someone you know enjoys time for leisure, exercise and movement, mindful eating, and healthful food choices.
We understand well that part of the sabbatical experience is being away. While we cannot cover this cost, we do hope that participants will consider staying at a retreat center that may be open or with a community, nearer to where they live – if not for the entire semester, then during our online retreats. Perhaps you or someone you know can arrange to make this sabbatical journey with one or two others in your area. Regardless, we can help Renewal students set aside a sacred space for your sabbatical, even if it means where you are currently residing. Wherever you may be, may you simply be — apart from the busyness and bustle and demands of your work and ministries, to cultivate what Michael Casey describes as “the virtue of inefficiency.” However, in order to fully participate in the program offerings and classes, participants will need a computer with a microphone and webcam, and high-speed internet access.
Please apply as soon as possible,if you plan to attend the online Renewal Program this fall. The application deadline is August 1, and scholarships are limited.
Just as fields lay fallow to revitalize the soil and yield more fruitful crops, may you be renewed in mind, body, and spirit. We look forward to providing you with such rest and abundance. Even if you cannot join us for this online program, we hope you will reach out to let us know if you would like to reunite with other sabbatical alumni. Most important, please let us know how you and your loved ones are doing and be assured of our continued prayers for you.
If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email me. I can also meet via Zoom if you prefer to connect via video.
In communion,
Carrie
