Sabbaticals
The Diocese has a programme of Sabbaticals for clergy: Sabbatical study leave is available to stipendiary clergy who have been in their current post longer than three years and who have not had a sabbatical in the last seven years. Sabbaticals need to be booked well in advance (at least two years) as this gives opportunity for planning and arranging cover where needed.
To take a Sabbatical, firstly obtain permission from your Suffragan Bishop and complete the Sabbatical Application form (which can be downloaded from the link below). Once permission has been given, contact the Ministry team to discover if grant-supported places are available (these are limited to 12 each year). Be aware that ministers in receipt of stipend support from sector posts may not be entitled to in-service sabbaticals for that part of their appointment. More information is in the Sabbatical Information document (which can be downloaded from the link below).
Sabbaticals plans should be discussed with Simon Chesters, Director of Ministry and your rural dean and agreed with your PCCs. The Sabbatical fund is able to offer grants of up to £300 for up to twelve clergy each year.
Downloads
If you would like to know more, please email ministry@chester.anglican.org
Discretionary Fund
There is a limited discretionary fund available for clergy. The fund is administered by the Ministry team and applications are considered by a panel that meets termly. The application deadlines and panel meeting dates for 2025 are:
| Application Deadline | Panel Meeting Date |
| Friday, 31 January | Tuesday, 4 February |
| Wednesday, 30 April | Thursday, 8 May |
| Tuesday, 30 September | Monday, 6 October |
This fund is principally for those engaging in a course of structured training or study with fees / costs above those that could be covered by the standard CMD grant. There are two application points in the year and if there are multiple applications made they will be considered under the following criteria:
potential gain for the diocese
potential gain for the parish
potential gain for the individual
potential gain for the wider Church.
If you are interested in applying for a grant from this fund, please do so using this application form