The joys and challenges of the priesthood are lifelong, lasting from formation through retirement. Ordained or religious life makes high demands of each person.  Diocesan and religious priests, brothers, sisters, and seminarians find themselves suffering from a staggering workload, overwrought schedules, solitary lifestyles, emotional isolation, financial constraints, and social distrust. Pastoral encounters have become ever more complex as the faithful grapple with personal crises, relational chaos, and grave social ills.

It is not surprising that diocesan and religious priests, brothers, sisters, and seminarians suffer from burnout, depression or anxiety, addiction, or other mental health and behavior issues. Early intervention can reduce the risk of crisis.  Indeed, many men and women do not need the controlled setting of a medical facility. What they do need is respite in a Catholic setting in the company of knowledgeable and experienced people who are versed in recovery and spiritual healing, renewal, and refocusing.

Indeed, many men and women do not need the controlled setting of a medical facility. What they do need is respite in a Catholic setting in the company of knowledgeable and experienced people who are vested in recovery and spiritual healing, renewal, and refocusing. 

Sabbaticals serve different purposes. Some people need rest from physical and mental exhaustion. Others need time in a sober community to develop skills for lifelong wellness. A growing number of men seek further formation for current or future assignments in pastoral care where trauma-informed and addiction-recovery expertise will be required.

St. Edmund’s Retreat offers short- and long-term sabbaticals for men in our Catholic Community and on these sacred grounds, within the rhythm of the liturgical year and the liturgy of the hours serving as a foundation of order, reflection, and peace.  Sabbaticals serve different purposes. Some need rest from physical and mental exhaustion. Others need time in a sober community to develop skills for lifelong wellness. A growing number of men seek further formation for current or future assignments where trauma-informed and addiction-recovery pastoral care is in dire need.

Seminarians
Seminarians are welcome to come and, with the support of our multi-faceted team to focus on personal issues before ordination so that they may enter priestly life as healthy, balanced, and contented men.

Women
Women are welcome, too. Limited space, unfortunately, restricts St. Edmund’s Retreat from offering residential sabbaticals to religious and consecrated women, but customized programs in renewal or formation are available as retreats for individuals and groups.

All participants in our sabbatical programs have access to:

• Formation in Trauma Ministries
• Sabbaticals for Healing, Renewal, and Refocusing
• Catholic Therapy That Respects Vocations
• Recovery Support for Substance and Process Addiction

Those on sabbatical have access to psychotherapeutic resources from qualified third parties, including individual and group sessions tailored to recovery and the treatment of psychological trauma. A team of consulting licensed professionals offer pastoral counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR treatment, as well as other modalities, to assist residents in their spiritual and psychological healing.

Interested in learning more? Submit an inquiry using this confidential form or call the Main Office at 860.536.0565 and ask to speak to Fr. Tom.