St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church has received a grant of $50,000 to enable its priest, the Rev. Kevin Dellaria, to participate in the 2022 National Clergy Renewal Program. St. Francis is one of 168 congregations across the United States selected to participate in this competitive grant program, which is funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. and administered by Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. Established by the Endowment in 2000, the program’s grants allow Christian congregations to support their pastors with the gift of extended time away from their ministerial duties and responsibilities.
Priests whose congregations are awarded the grants use their time away from the demands of daily ministry to engage in reflection and renewal. The approach respects the “Sabbath time” concept, offering ministers a carefully considered respite that may include travel, study, rest, prayer and immersive arts and cultural experiences.
Since the National Clergy Renewal Program’s inception, more than 3,350 congregations have participated in the program, including the 168 congregations receiving grants in 2022.
