Back in October 2023, the Revd Sally Rees, then our church lead in Wales and an experienced trainer and an Anna Chaplain, was invited by St Padarn’s College in Cardiff to teach the first four-day residential training course, exploring ministry to older people and Anna Chaplaincy. All six dioceses of the Church in Wales were represented and the course was heavily oversubscribed: it was a wonderful weekend.
And this year was no different! St Padarn’s were delighted with the response to the first residential and invited applications again from all those involved in public ministry across the Church in Wales earlier this year. So it was that an enthusiastic, diverse group of participants gathered from across Wales at St Padarn’s in early June. Sally once again led the course, with input from ministry lead Debbie Ducille and local Anna Chaplains Mavis Martin and Nell Cawley, who provided compelling reflections on their ministry and even included a Messy Vintage session!
The course was inspiring, challenging and helpful in equal measure, according to feedback received. The cohort generously stepped in to participate, lead worship and support one another in different ways too, as the course chaplain was unable to attend at short notice.
A clergy participant reflected:
‘Every minister should take this course as part of their training and understanding/preparation for church life. It’s a matter of justice, that all members of the community are seen and served, particularly those who are often overlooked – the oldest.’
Earlier this year, BRF Ministries were delighted to work collaboratively with the diocese of Bangor in producing the Anna Chaplaincy leaflet and information pack in Welsh. For further information on these resources, please email annachaplaincy@brf.org.uk and watch the blog for further information later this year.
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