This is the story of St Albans Anna Chaplaincy. Local coordinator Maggie Dodd shares the importance of the work of the community-based ecumenical chaplaincy.
Anna Chaplaincy Lead, Maggie Dodd is one of three Anna Chaplains in the city of St Albans, visiting and supporting older people, whether in residential and nursing homes, sheltered housing, retirement complexes or other private homes.
Here Maggie shares the work of St Albans Anna Chaplaincy.
Anna Chaplaincy seeks to accompany older people at this age and stage of their lives. It is an ecumenical, community-based chaplaincy promoting the spiritual welfare of older people and is a person-centred and non-judgemental ministry for people of strong, little or no faith. Anna Chaplains are part of a national network, and as part of this network they share training, resources, guidance on best practice and offer one another support and advice.
As Anna Chaplains, Maggie, Ruth, and Peter act as advocates within their community, championing the contribution older people make to society. Part of their ministry enables cross-generational encounters in their churches and in the wider community for the benefit of people of all ages.
Some of those who become Anna Chaplains, or Anna Friends, are themselves post-retirement and discover new meaning and impetus through drawing alongside others in this way. The chaplaincy is intended to complement and run alongside, rather than replicating or replacing, ministry already being done by churches.
Interested in exploring Anna Chaplaincy in St Albans Diocese:
Contact Maggie Dodd and check out Anna Chaplaincy nationally.