A balmy summer evening in August saw the commissioning of five Anna Chaplains from across the diocese of Portsmouth at Holy Rood church, Crofton. Having discerned a heart for ministry to older people in their communities, each had gone through the recruitment and training process before being welcomed to the nationwide network of Anna Chaplains in the UK.
With friends and family in support, a beautiful service was held with the Revd Richard England leading. The Revd Dr Coleen Jackson exhorted those present to recognise how vital Anna Chaplaincy is in today’s society. Sung worship was sensitively led by Kathryn England. The reading was given by Emma Sneddon, diocesan Anna Chaplaincy coordinator. Marian Muskett of BRF Ministries welcomed the new Chaplains and thanked those who came in support for recognising the gifting of each being commissioned and encouraging them to strive for the spiritual flourishing of older people in their communities. BRF Ministries is the charitable organisation which oversees Anna Chaplaincy across the UK.
The newly commissioned chaplains go into their communities with the full support of their parish and the diocese. When unable to join worship on a Sunday due perhaps to mobility or living with dementia, Anna Chaplains enable those advanced in years to explore and express their faith within their own home setting. The chaplains may also find themselves alongside those of little or no faith, enabling them to explore faith in later life perhaps for the first time. Anna Chaplains come from a variety of backgrounds and may be lay or ordained.
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