The theme I've chosen for my sabbatical is: So New Life Can Begin! This theme reflects my hopes and dreams. After a very tumultuous three years of recovery, repairs and rebuilding following hurricane Katrina, I am looking forward to a time of recovery, repairs and rebuilding in my personal, spiritual and ministerial life. The goals of my sabbatical are: (1) To study, reflect on and acquire skills and attitudes for future opportunities for collaboration with other mission-driven, faith-based organizations. (2) To study and reflect on current developments in the Church and the World. (3) To relax. (4) To move into a new and different setting to experience personal and spiritual renewal.
The first stop on my journey will be Europe. I plan to spend time visiting Vincentian confreres in Rome before traveling by train to Switzerland and Germany---just for the fun of it. I will also visit Vincentian confreres in Istanbul before arriving in Izmir, Turkey to begin a two-week historical and biblical program offered by Catholic Theological Union (CTU) entitled: In the footsteps of St. Paul. The program will conclude in Greece.
