The SAT Sabbatical Mission of Spiritual Renewal and Personal Enrichment - Three Life-Giving Elements

Sabbath

A Restful Experience

SAT honors the Hebrew understanding of the sabbatical year and focuses on spiritual renewal and personal enrichment. In ancient Israel, farmers allowed fields to lie fallow for a full year. Enriched by this season of rest, the land is renewed. So it is for SAT participants. Rest is an essential element of their experience at SAT

Those who choose SAT — Catholics and persons of other faith traditions, lay persons, religious, and priests — come from around the world and bring a wealth of experience. Women and men come seeking time away from day-to-day responsibilities and the demands of active ministry. Here on five wooded acres amid gardens, courtyards, and secluded walks, they rest, relax, and deepen their relationship with God.

Renewal

A Stimulating Presenter

Theological and spiritual renewal are central to the SAT Sabbatical. Self-contained and flexible modules, or short-courses, are designed to assist individuals to integrate theology, spirituality, human development, and ministry with their lived experience. Upon completion of the SAT sabbatical, participants receive a Certificate of Completion and a transcript of their earned Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Special features of the SAT Sabbatical Program include:

• Fifteen to twenty modules each semester
• Freedom to take as many or as few modules as desired
• No assignments, papers, or exams
• Varied, timely, relevant topics focusing on theological and spiritual renewal and personal enrichment
• Flexible program specifically designed for persons in mid-life and beyond

Transformation

A Group Prayer

"God does marvelous things!" The 50 plus years of SAT experience attest to that.

Spiritual direction, liturgies, integration groups, days of prayer, centering prayer, reflection mornings, retreat times, and body praise are some of the opportunities that facilitate spiritual renewal and receptivity to the work of the Spirit. Individuals are encouraged to choose what is life-giving for them without pressure or obligation. Within the context of such experiences and this time of holy leisure, participants realize a transformation in their way of being, seeing, and choosing to live.