Sabbatical at
SAT's Mission is to Mature Ministers
| "Re-creation,
holy leisure, is the mainstay of the contemplative soul and the
theology of Sabbath is its cornerstone."
Joan Chittister, OSB
 |
The Sabbatical at SAT
(School of Applied Theology)
mission, in part, is to facilitate the appreciation of one's own inner
resources, authority, and wisdom. Insights are provided into more
holistic ways of living and understanding ourselves, our relationships, our
church and our God.
The three essential components of the SAT
Sabbatical are:
Sabbath
SAT honors the Hebrew understanding of the sabbatical year. In
ancient Israel, farmers allowed fields to lie fallow for a full year.
Enriched by this season of rest, the land is renewed.
Those who choose SAT ―
lay persons, religious and priests ― bring a
wealth of experience. Women and men come seeking time away from
ordinary activities. They arrive weary, sometimes confused, always
hopeful! Here on five wooded acres amid gardens, courtyards and
secluded walks they relax and deepen their relationship with God.
Participants come to know themselves more deeply in a supportive environment
which encourages reflection, growth and dialogue.
Renewal
Self-contained and flexible modules 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).
The unique "modular" style of course work
brings experts in theology, spirituality, scripture and human development to
SAT. Participants are not in classes with graduate students seeking
degrees. Special features of the SAT program include:
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Fifteen to twenty modules each
semester
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Freedom to take as many or as few
modules as desired
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No written assignments
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Varied, timely, relevant topics
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Flexible and specifically designed
for persons in mid-life and beyond
Applied Theology describes the
focus, charism, contribution and gift of the SAT program and process.
Participants are encouraged to take the learning and the experiences offered
and make them their own, mindful of their life's pervious journey.
This makes a difference in the way one walks into the future. Over
2,000 SAT participants now minister in more than 30 countries. To
learn more about the program, instructors, or our modular style, continue to
explore this website.
Transformation
SAT has journeyed with women and men from all over the world for more than
40 years. We can testify that "God does marvelous things!" As
SAT participants relax into their sabbatical experience, they become more
aware of rest and reflection as an integral part of living.
Spiritual direction, Eucharistic
liturgies, integration groups, days of prayer, centering prayer, reflection
mornings and body praise are some of the opportunities offered that
facilitate a person's receptivity to the work of the Spirit. In
January there is a directed retreat at the Jesuit Retreat House.
Within the context of such experiences and this time of "holy leisure" one
realizes a shift in one's way of being, seeing and choosing to live.
Yes, those who choose SAT for
sabbatical know what it means to relax into God and to allow God to bring
New Life!
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