Wednesday, 1 October, marked the United Nations' International Day of Older People. Fittingly, this was also the day when the Diocese’s first group of ‘Anna Chaplains’ - who focus on supporting older people - were commissioned and celebrated in Bristol Cathedral.
The Chaplains take their name from the widow, Anna, who appears with Simeon in Luke's gospel and is a wonderful role model of a faithful older person.
Committed volunteers and church staff across the Diocese already serve older people with great joy, and the launch of this programme offers a way to notice people's vocations in this specific area, commissioning them in their work and putting them in a network for training and encouragement. The role of an Anna Chaplain includes offering spiritual support to older people living in care homes or sheltered accommodation, along with their relatives and the staff who care for them. They also offer spiritual guidance to older people living in the wider community, particularly those facing challenges living independently. Practically, this means that the chaplains often act as advocates for the needs of older people in the Church and in the wider community.
During Choral Evensong, four individuals, Ms Debra Chaffey, Mrs Jen Cave-Ayland, Mrs Helen Willcox and The Revd Dawn Beresford were commissioned by The Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Acting Bishop of Bristol and Bishop of Swindon, to serve as Anna Chaplains. During the commissioning, Bishop Neil prayed that God would empower those being commissioned, praying: “May their hands be ready to do your work. May their eyes be open to recognise those in need. May their ears hear soft-spoken words of pain and sorrow. May their voice speak of healing and peace. May their feet walk the extra mile with those who falter”.
Leanne Parkes is the Diocese’s Dementia and Older Persons Mental Health Advisor and has been the pioneer behind the launch of Anna Chaplaincy in the area. Reflecting on her time journeying with the group, she said: “It’s been great getting to know the Chaplains during the last year. They all have a calling to serve older people in their churches and communities, and I look forward to working with them in the future.”
This commissioniong marks a significant and joyful milestone in the Diocese’s journey to expand Anna Chaplaincy and deepen its ministry among older people. As we continue to grow this vital work, there will be further opportunities for individuals to receive training and be commissioned as Anna Chaplains. We look forward to growing a network dedicated to supporting and enriching the lives of older people across our communities.
If you are interested in becoming an Anna Chaplain, please email Leanne Leanne.Parkes@bristoldiocese.org