Father John L. Hein, S.J., director of Ignatius House, is taking a sabbatical to study for several months. While he is away, Ignatius House will be closed.

The Jesuit priest, a member of the Archdiocesan Religious Unity Commission, said in a statement: “I am taking a sabbatical for a few months to study and consult with informed theologians and other persons working in the field of retreats.

“I believe this is necessary to make the retreats of Ignatius House eminently suited to the renewal projected to the Second Vatican council. This means, of course, that the activities of Ignatius House will be suspended for the next few months.”

Father Hein said Father John H. Edwards, S. J., provincial of the New Orleans Province of the Society of Jesus, and Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan have concurred in the decision.

“Most emphatically this does not mean that the Jesuits of Ignatius House are ceasing their interest in an work for the people of Georgia. Rather it mean that we will be more intensely committed to the service of the Church in Georgia.”

Father Hein has been instrumental in establishing Christian dialogues and dialogues between Christians and Jews. He delivered the homily at last year’s service on a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. He has been retreat director at Ignatius House since 1961.

Archbishop Hallinan, commenting on the announcement, said, “Not every diocese has a vigorous center of spirituality, or a priest like Father Hein. Atlanta has been blessed for a number of years by his fine leadership in retreats and conferences.

“His series on the Documents of Vatican II gave our people an opportunity to prepare in depth for lay Congress and the Synod in 1966. His ecumenical work has been imaginative and zealous. We hope to see him back soon at this familiar spot by the Chattahoochee River.”