Sabbatical
This summer, Mark and the Charbonneau family will be on sabbatical from May 21 to August 14.
In 2022, The Vine applied for a grant through the Lilly Foundation to help fund a sabbatical proposal. With much gratitude, The Vine was awarded this grant, allowing Mark to study and journey in the steps of three peacemakers in the Christian tradition: Martin Luther King Jr, St. Patrick, and St. Francis of Assisi. The information on this website shares more about the plans for this sabbatical, who to contact during Mark’s absence, and a link to FAQs.
Sabbatical Schedule
May 21, Mark’s Sendoff Sunday
May 22-30, Rest in Austin, retreat at Laity Lodge, and preparation
May 31-June 4, Roadtrip with friends through MLK Jr Civil Rights South including Selma, the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, and Atlanta
June 9-27, Charbonneau family is in Ireland. They will spend their time seeing the island, experiencing Irish culture, exploring Celtic Christianity, and walking a section St. Patrick’s Way (a pilgrimage in Northern Ireland).
June 28-July 22, Charbonneau family is in Italy. They will travel to five cities- Lake Orta, Assisi, Florence, Abruzzo, and Rome. Mark will also take time to study and walk in the footsteps of St. Francis.
July 23-August 14, Charbonneau family is in Austin for a time of reflection, rest and play.
Learn alongside Mark
Though the primary goal of this sabbatical is rest and renewal, Mark also experiences renewal through study and intellectual deepening. The theme for this sabbatical is to follow in the footsteps of three peacemakers: Martin Luther King Jr, St. Patrick, and St. Francis.
Mark will not only study these individuals, but will also seek to meet with God uniquely in prayer. As he is in the locations of these leaders, he will take daily prayer walks as a spiritual formation practice for the sabbatical.
The following are some of the readings and media Mark is going to explore.
Martin Luther King Jr.
The Radical King. Dr, King, introduction by Cornell West.
A collection of sermons and essays by Dr. King
St. Patrick & Celtic Christianity
Poems and essays from Irish poet Pádraig Ó Tuama.
Celtic Way of Prayer by Ester de Waal
St. Francis
Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron
Reluctant Saint: The Life of Francis of Assisi by Donald Spoto
We believe this is not only a healthy experience for Mark and his family, but also provides an opportunity for the church to step up and be the Body of Christ for one another. This summer, we will hear from many voices of those in our community in our sermons, support one another through VineCare, and be led by our staff and Leadership Team.
The Vine’s Lead Team