Sarum College in Wiltshire are offering bed and breakfast stays at Cathedral Close, to help lay and ordained ministers to take a much-needed break.
Bursaries covering up to 100% of the total cost of a stay at the college are available to those who are currently experiencing burnout or fatigue, a pivotal life change, have been recently bereaved or are facing similar challenges in their lives.
Ministry is deeply rewarding, but it can also be physically, emotionally, and spiritually demanding. Many clergy - whether in training, serving or retired - spend so much of their time and energy serving others, that they are unable to prioritise their own health and wellbeing.
Enabling clergy to take vital time away from their everyday role to rest and recuperate has been a key priority of the national Churches in recent years, with the Church of England and the Church in Wales both voting to give clergy more time off at General Synod and the meeting of the Governing Body of the Church in Wales in 2024.
Clergy can only support others by first taking the time to support themselves; in the first six months of this year, Clergy Support Trust have provided £1.9m in funding to help clergy to take a retreat, sabbatical or holiday, across over 1,400 grants.
"Sarum College is delighted to be able to support hardworking ministers and ordinands through a new initiative with Clergy Support Trust, offering heavily subsidised retreat opportunities."
"Recognising the intense demands of contemporary parish life and training, this funding programme ensures that dedicated time away for spiritual reflection, rest, and personal renewal remains accessible to all ministers, regardless of their financial circumstances."
Louisa Mason
Chief Operating Officer, Sarum College
"The calling and joy of ministry comes hand-in-hand with emotional challenges. Exhaustion and burnout can pose a real risk to the wellbeing of clergy and their families, and so the Trust has been working hard to ensure that they can afford to take time away from their parishes."
"The generous bursaries offered by Sarum College will allow many who would've otherwise been unable to afford it, to relax, reflect and recharge in beautiful surroundings. This is a wonderful initiative, which we are delighted to support."
Sarah Davies
Director of Charitable Services, Clergy Support Trust
Staying at the college gives guests access to historic grounds, comfortable accommodation, space for study and reflection, peace and quiet in an idyllic location with tranquil surroundings. For those seeking extra spiritual support during their stay, Optional Spiritual Accompaniment is available on request for a small charge.
Sarum College are expecting a high level of interest, so if this kind of break sounds like the perfect fit for you at this moment in your life and ministry, we would encourage you to find out more about staying at the College and reach out to their team through the link below.