Sabbatical
  • formeruser
    Posts: 22
    Has anyone taken a sabbatical recently or have any suggestions for a possible itinerary? My pastor and I have been negotiating this for some time - now I need to present a clear concept/itinerary/destination for approval. The length of time would be short - perhaps six to ten weeks. I am interested in something worthwhile but not overly academic. The only real requirement specified is that the time away must have real value for my work as DM in the parish - a reasonable request. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
  • chonakchonak
    Posts: 9,216
    Summer study at the Liturgical Institute? Oops, that's academic.
  • formeruser
    Posts: 22
    LOL..well...I did think of most of the obvious choices...when I said "not overly academic" I meant that I am not looking to study the latest performance practices of Baroque music - I am quite happy with my ornamentation.
  • Jenny Donelson
    Posts: 257
    How about private lessons in conducting, organ, chant, or singing with a rigorous practice schedule? Or the colloquium or chant intensive for part of the time? Something else that is thoroughly refreshing and educating is spending a week in London or a similar place, simply attending liturgies and concerts of sacred music.
  • CharlesW
    Posts: 11,978
    As a person who hasn't had a Sunday off in 5 years, I can only wish you every success.
  • matthewjmatthewj
    Posts: 2,700

    I recently took a week off between finishing one job and beginning a new one. Since the new one was on the other side of the country, I used the week to travel, see sights, hear sounds, etc... A fantastic dinner in St. Louis, fantastic chant at the Clear Creek Monastery, fantastic driving in Texas, Sunday Choral Mass at the Cathedral of Phoenix. It was quite refreshing... Maybe you could do something like that on a grander scale.
  • Adam Schwend
    Posts: 203
    Solesmes use to do a program where you could go and live with the monks and study with them....but I'm not sure how long it is/was or if they're still doing it...but it might be worth checking out.
  • formeruser
    Posts: 22
    Thanks for all the excellent suggestions. CharlesW, believe me, I understand. This year is my 46th round of The Nativity Cycle.... 10th in my current position. I have been blessed, as they say here!
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