Dearest all.
I am at a point in my life where a few of my peers and friends are at a stage in their respective professions and fields of work, where the possibility of taking a sabbatical has been an opportunity for them. Indeed the thought of doing this was never something that I would be able to do, or more to the point, be in a position where the community I serve could ever afford (both financially and practically). As such I never ever thought that this would be an option for me – but then again, I also never thought that I would be in a situation where I would be stretched beyond what my time and abilities can afford.
The growth of St. Nicholas and the Mission in Winkler (not to mention the growth in the Deanery and Archdiocese) has been so rapid that I have become more reactive (putting out fires) rather than proactive (ensuring that fires won’t start) in regard to directing parish life – the latter is not a healthy situation for any community, let alone for a parish family. Alas this has been not only a source of some consternation, and alienation, but also context for unneeded stress.
Two years ago in my 2024 Rector’s report, I noted the difference between adjustment and adaptation. Although similar in meaning, there is a huge distinction between adjustment and adaptation. An adjustment (or to adjust) is a modification of an approach or application; yet without affecting or altering its very context or intention. There is a kind of security with an adjustment, as there are less variables to worry about. Adaptation (or to adapt) on the other hand, is something greater than the modification of an approach or application. Rather it is an intentional change of its very context and intention, necessitated by the desire to survive. The challenge that can be debilitating is the fact that adaptation provides much less security and offers many more variables that no one has control over.
I wrote “There is only so much time and space for adjustment, before it becomes an exhausting and/or disheartening endeavor. Sometimes an adjustment isn’t enough to navigate a particular challenge or approach – especially if one’s well being and future is dependent upon it. In these cases adaptation (and not adjustment) is what is needed. This is what I believe is that the Lord is calling our parish to do.” In hindsight, I would now say that “this is what I believe the Lord is calling me to do.”
Since that report, and in light of some recent challenges, I have come to accept that no amount of adjustment will reconcile the pastoral challenges that have become unnecessary stressors for myself and the both communities. Indeed, the necessity of adapting to this growth (which doesn’t look like it will end – glory to God!) is our only way forward. Yet directing a community to Adapt at meet this growth is nothing I can do (any more than I can herd cats). However, by demonstrating my willingness to personally work and understand what adaptation means, the possibility for our community to adapt has a much greater possibility.
Truthfully, I have tried to adapt, yet this is like trying to change a tire on a moving car; as such the only way that any honest effort can be made for me to learn to adapt is to “stop the car”. This is in essence what has been offered to me by the Archbishop and parish council of St. Nicholas in the form of a six month sabbatical (from September 1st to February 22nd).
Indeed this is an opportunity that will afford me the time to step back and consider and apply what adaptation is, from a personal perspective. Conversely I also think that this is an opportunity for the parish councils and communities as a whole, to also consider what adaptation is in a very practical and tangible ways, as I will not be around for six months.
It is a common enough trope in many stories, that when the father goes away for work or war, the family in general (and eldest son in particular), rise to the occasion and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all involved. In these stories, the father is not replaced, or forgotten about, but rather the family is strengthened and supported internally. I can’t think of a better example of adaptation! To be sure, this will take a lot of work, and even more humility and patience (both on part of both communities – and myself – after all, being a parish priest is all I have done). If the only thing that is realized in these six months, is that Christ is our one priest, the one who is “offered and is offered… who accepts and distributes” (prayer of the Great Entrance) then all will be fine. It is my firm hope that the life of our communities will by no means suffer in my absence, but rather grow and flourish through the work of Fr. Stephen, Serhii, the deacons, the councils and faithful of St. Nicholas and the Mission; and be as rested and rejuvenated as I hope to be upon my return.
In this all, our communities, and myself, are being asked by the Lord to “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” (Lk. 5:4). If we are faithful to His guiding love, and are able to work beyond our own limitations, we will be blessed by the miraculous and unimaginable bounties of having a “great catch”.
May the Lord bless and strengthen us all as we adapt to better serve God and neighbour.
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