From the Rector…
Years ago, I had the honor and delight of escorting a group of youth to Taizé, France. Life in Taizé is ordered around communal prayer three times a day—morning, noon, and evening. The prayers are sung, rooted in Scripture, and each service holds a generous silence. A week of living that rhythm—prayer, silence, community—changes a person. I remember coming home and telling Steve I was quitting my job and would one day return. More than twenty years later, I hope to do just that as part of my sabbatical in the summer of 2027.
Last week, I wrote about the importance of sabbatical as a sacred season of rest, renewal, and reorientation—what our tradition might call a kind of extended Sabbath. I also shared my intention to apply for a Clergy Renewal Program grant through the Lilly Endowment. This week, I invite you to dream with me about what that sabbatical might look like and to hold both my application and the committee’s discernment in your prayers. The submission deadline is March 18, with awards announced in August—a long wait in hopeful anticipation.
If awarded the grant, I plan to begin with a silent retreat in Taizé, grounding myself in contemplative prayer and the steady cadence of daily office. From there, I will meet my sister, Kelly, and together we will walk the French Way of the Camino de Santiago. Over 34 days, we will journey on foot to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, joining countless pilgrims who, since the ninth century, have traveled to the shrine of Saint James.
Pilgrimage is deeply woven into our Christian story. Like the liturgical year, it forms us over time—step by step—through prayer, humility, and trust. The Camino offers space to listen more closely for God’s voice, to walk in companionship, and to rediscover the heart of ministry as a response to grace rather than effort alone.
Walking the Camino with my sister is itself a gift. Life has taken us in different directions, and this pilgrimage offers a sacred opportunity to reconnect, to share stories, and, no doubt, to laugh along the way. She has long been a source of joy and encouragement in my life.
At the end of the Camino, we will meet our spouses, Steve and Adam, and travel to Portugal for a few days of rest along the southern coast. Afterward, Kelly and Adam will return home, while Steve and I will spend time in the Douro Valley. This region is known for its port wine—the same we use at Communion on Sundays—and for its Maria Lactans iconography, tender images of Mary nurturing the Christ child, reminding us of God’s sustaining presence.
The final portion of my sabbatical will be spent stateside, between home and Orange Beach. This time will be intentionally restful—playing with the dogs, enjoying time with Steve, and simply being near the water.
I will conclude as I began, with a silent retreat at the Order of the Holy Cross in West Park, New York. Their Benedictine rhythm of prayer will offer space to reflect on this journey and to prepare to return to ministry at Ascension with renewed joy and a deepened sense of calling.
I am grateful for your prayers and encouragement. You have been more than kind in your well wishes and in the joy you have expressed about this opportunity. Thank you for being such a generous and grace-filled community—that is one of the things I love most about our church family.
Light and Life,
Candice+