Dear People of the Diocese of Chicago,

News media have recently carried a number of stories about clergy of all

backgrounds leaving active ministry or taking early retirement. The data show that

church workers – clergy and lay employees – and their families are exhausted,

anxious, and stressed. I salute those who are accessing mental health services in

record numbers, but not every location offers handy access to needed services. And waiting lists are often daunting, as providers cope with heavy caseloads. The

concern about Bishop-elect Paula’s health and progress has also been a unique

additional burden in our diocesan life.

I am deeply concerned for our clergy and lay employees. I am concerned for the

entire human community in their suffering in this pandemic, but clergy and lay

employees are the special responsibility of a Bishop. I take that responsibility

seriously. I am asking our diocesan community to come together in loving support

of our clergy – both deacons and priests — and church workers through what I am

calling the “Mini-Sabbatical” program.

This program begins as each congregation/ministry setting identifies a work week in the first quarter of 2022 when meetings, office hours and non-essential activities

are cancelled. Of course, pastoral emergencies will be attended to. The Mini-

Sabbatical week is chosen entirely at the discretion of each ministry setting. If

it is not possible to find a week in the first quarter, strive to find a week within the

second quarter.

The Mini-Sabbatical does not count against vacation time, sick time, or continuing

education time. Pay and benefits continue. Other dioceses and other religious

bodies are doing this kind of thing. It is a strong diocese indeed which chooses to

actively support its clergy and lay employees through a plan like this. I have

discussed this program with our deans, our diocesan staff, and our Standing

Committee, all of whom have been favorable. Our deans will be following up in their regions to offer help and support.

Although it is not my intention to require cancellation of Sunday services, I

encourage you to consider doing so, and you will have my full support if you choose this option. This might be a moment to introduce your people to the superb virtual worship services of our National Cathedral (cathedral.org) as an alternative. This might also be an opportunity for any congregation(s) which will offer Sunday

worship to offer hospitality to the deanery so that deanery bonding is enhanced.

This is a voluntary program; I am asking, not requiring. But my ask is heartfelt,

motivated by my deep concern for the well-being of our clergy and lay employees. I am confident that our love for them will move us to implement this plan. Please

reply to this email to let me know when your Mini-Sabbatical will take place, so we

can make special prayer intention for you and your congregation as you take this

small break before Holy Week and Easter. Please know that I will also take my own advice and observe a Mini-Sabbatical, and will let you all know when that will happen; we are also determining how to extend this to diocesan staff.

I welcome questions about this plan. Many congregations have special

circumstances which call for creativity in applying this plan. Don’t hesitate to be in

touch. Thank you for your consideration. Blessings to you all as the New Year

begins.

With my love and prayers,

+Chilton