Dear friends,
It’s good to be home! Thank you for your prayers and support as Jacqui and I have been away on sabbatical leave.
I knew that the sabbatical would be a mix of vacation/renewal for us and care for family. That has been the case but the balance has had to be more towards family care than we would have hoped. Both of my parents have deteriorated during our time away and very quickly I needed to get Mum into care and Dad into hospital. We had a stressful few weeks and both are now in a care facility, Mum in a specialist dementia unit. Although it was a tough time, I’m glad we were able to be there. There were good times too – in New Zealand on vacation, in Canterbury for Holy Week, and in San Diego for the Dean’s conference.
I want to thank my colleagues, clergy and lay and volunteers, who did such a wonderful job of leading while I was away. Now we get back to our life together in prayer and service and mission.
Blessings!
Dean Stephen Hance
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The Dean’s Sabbatical 2026
Dean Stephen will be away on sabbatical from January 25 to May 4, 2026, inclusive (including his winter break and the North American Deans Conference). Leadership at St. James Cathedral is vested in the Corporation (the Dean and two senior wardens). In practice, this responsibility is shared with the Executive, which includes the other wardens, the Vicar/Sub Dean, and the Executive Director. During the Dean’s sabbatical, these arrangements will continue. In the event of an urgent decision being needed, the Corporation will consist of the two senior wardens and the Sub Dean, substituting for the Dean. Additionally, the Sub Dean will chair meetings of the Executive, business meetings of the Cathedral Council, and staff meetings. He will convene the weekly meetings of the clergy team.
Over recent months, St. James Cathedral has begun a number of new ministries, and it will be important to give full attention to these to ensure they succeed, as well as investing in the day-to-day life of our community. It is not proposed that any new initiatives be launched during the Dean’s sabbatical.
Who to ask about…
- Liturgy and rotas: the Vicar (but see below)
- 9am liturgy: the Canon Missioner
- 9am volunteers: the Curate
- Pastoral care: the Vicar and/or Curate
- Financial management: Executive Director and/or Chair of Finance Committee
- Financial decisions: the Corporation or Exec
- Building issues: the Property Manager and/or Property Committee
- HR and staff issues: Executive Director
- Scripture Circle: the Curate
- Lay Pastoral Visitors: the Curate
- Families ministry: the Canon Missioner and/or Children, Youth and Families Minister
- Operations: the Executive Director
- Events: the Executive Director (until such time as an Events Manager is appointed).
- Music: the Director of Music
- Children’s Community Choir: the Director of the CCC
- Executive, Cathedral Council, and Ministry Council: the Vicar
- Collaboration with the Diocese: Vicar and/or Executive Director
- Cathedral Communications: the Communications Specialist