A Season of Renewal
By Melanie Sisinni
02/10/2026
When Father John Jacquel set out for a four-month sabbatical in San Antonio, Texas he did so with a genuine desire to renew and enrich his ministry. After more than 40 years as a priest and three years back as pastor of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, he welcomed the chance to slow down, study, and reflect on the work that still lies ahead.
“I knew that I was just needing a little time away,” he said. “It’s funny that I waited 42 years, but I thought this was what I needed for the next seven years before I retire.”
He found the Ministry to Ministers program at San Antonio’s Oblate School of Theology, a sabbatical model refined over more than 40 years. The program brings together priests and religious from around the world for a season of prayer, study, community and restoration. Fourteen participants joined Father Jacquel. Only two were born in the United States. He was the only diocesan priest.
Daily life at the Oblate School followed a gentle rhythm. Mass was celebrated each day. The campus offered multiple chapels including one with a daylong exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Father Jacquel settled quickly into a pattern of silent prayer.
“I prayed every morning in the chapel for a good hour,” he said. “Sometimes another time during the day, too.”
A steady rotation of presenters offered sessions on prayer styles, creation and cosmology, physical well-being and other topics. He was especially grateful for the instruction of longtime spiritual writer and oblate Father Ron Rolheiser. “What a great thing to be there for this man who’s produced so many great spiritual books,” he said.
As the retreat drew to a close, he found himself reflecting on the challenges waiting for him and the ongoing process of uniting parishes. At times, he wondered how he would manage the responsibilities ahead. Grace came in the quiet.
“I became more aware of God accompanying me in the difficult times in past years,” said Father Jacquel. “Given Mary’s ability to shoulder her load, I knew I would be given what would be sufficient to handle mine.”
He also returned with a renewed sense of pastoral purpose. He spoke candidly about the ministries he hopes to rebuild. Before the pandemic, the parish offered more adult formation, and he hopes to revive and expand that effort, especially as the parish continues to lean more on the gifts of laypeople.
His sabbatical, he said, made him ready for that work. Rested, grounded and grateful, he returned to St. Bernard with renewed energy and a deeper awareness of how God has been guiding him all along.
“The spirit’s really working,” he said with a smile. “I think this was exactly what I needed.”
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