Make A Difference (M.A.D.) Mission

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

As Elizabeth mentioned during this year’s Annual Meeting (February 3, 2008), she is planning a sabbatical in the next two years. This sabbatical will be focused on mission work towards needy families and especially children.

To assist Elizabeth is the discernment process of what her sabbatical should be, a team was formed in March’2008 to pray, study, explore and provide insight & recommendations for the sabbatical. The “discernment” committee was re-named the Make A Difference (M.A.D.) Mission Team to reflect the impact of Elizabeth’s sabbatical for St. Paul’s and herself to “make a difference” for Christ.

The team has begun meeting and will provide reports periodically via emails, Sunday’s service bulletin and St. Paul’s monthly newsletter.

Below are some “frequently asked questions” (FAQs) that you might be interested in knowing the answers:

• What is a clergy sabbatical? It is a time of renewal that typically focuses on an interest of the clergy. It is a working project may include study, reflection as well as rest & relaxation (R & R).
  
  
• Why is Elizabeth taking a sabbatical? In her contract, Elizabeth is allowed a month sabbatical for each year of service to be used after her 3rd year of service (and usually taken after the 5th year). This is Elizabeth’s 6th year with St. Paul’s allowing her up to 6 months for a sabbatical.
  
  
• When would Elizabeth’s sabbatical occur and for how long? The initial timeframe being evaluated would be in mid-2009 or 2010 (and is dependent on where Elizabeth decides to go). The renewal is expected to last 4-6 months and will include: a mission trip (3 months), a renewal – R & R (1 month preparation and 1 month reflection) and professional development (1-4 weeks).
  
  
• What kind of sabbatical is being considered? Elizabeth would like to work with families, children and education in a needy area.
  
• Where would Elizabeth’s sabbatical be? The initial areas being considered include:
      • A working partnership with an Inner City Congregation in Newark
      • St. Francis Anglican School, Belize City, Belize
      • Christ the King Episcopal Anglican Church, City of God, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
      • The Diocese of Panama
  
  
• How can St. Paul’s support Elizabeth’s sabbatical? There will be several opportunities for the parish to support Elizabeth in her sabbatical. Primarily through prayer (and notes). There may be Outreach opportunities for St. Paul’s once Elizabeth has begun working on site (financial as well as visiting the site).
  
  
• During Elizabeth’s absence, who will support St. Paul’s liturgical needs? During Elizabeth’s absence, a supply priest will be hired for Sunday services. In addition, Elizabeth is working to hire a deacon and seminarian that would provide continuity during the sabbatical.
  
  
• How will the sabbatical and clergy support be funded? Elizabeth has submitted a grant request for the proposed deacon. Also, she is submitting a Trinity grant request for the planned sabbatical expenses. It is expected that the host area will provide financial assistance as available.
  
  
• Who is on the Make A Difference (M.A.D.) Mission Team? Martha Bizwanger, Daryle Ciciola, Joanne Foster, Randy Johnson, Elizabeth Kaeton, Chris Knoeller, Jim Mollo, Tom Osucha (chairperson), Burt Rea, Steve San Filippo, Chris Van Wyk, Dot Willis and Rosemary Wright.
  
  
• What other resources are assisting in discerning the sabbatical? A diocesan consultant will assist Elizabeth and the M.A.D. Mission team with the whole process.

If you have any questions or would like to help please contact any member of the Make A Difference (M.A.D.) Mission team.

Thank you and God bless!