Gathering's 'Gold Rush' of shared highlights from the past year

debbiethrower0
Oct 19
4 min read

Erica Roberts (standing centre-left) speaking with Maureen O'Neill, former director of the charity Faith in Older People

The 2025 Anna Chaplaincy Gathering in Hertfordshire began with a session to catch up on what's been happening in our individual ministries. Pursuing the 'Gold' theme, we were looking for the 'golden moments' as well as the challenges the past twelve months have brought.

Here's a taste of some of the conversations we had round our tables:

Challenge-wise, there were Anglican Anna Chaplains finding it tough to be in a 'vacancy' while a new minister is sought in their parish(es). That can bring difficulties in line-management. We were reminded that it is a Parochial Church Council, PCC's, obligation to continue what a previous incumbent had been doing. Some Anna Chaplains felt less well-supported and affirmed than when their former minister (also their line manager) had been in post.

For several Anna Chaplains either a recent family bereavement or the death of someone they had been supporting pastorally had elicited a profound time of reflection. 'I knew when keeping my mother company - keeping vigil- as she died, that this would make me a better Anna Chaplain,' said one.

Several others spoke of the 'privilege' of accompanying the dying; seeing it as one of the most fulfilling aspects of their ministry. One told of 'the opportunity that God had put in front of me' to 'walk alongside' an individual. She explained how a holding cross and a pebble had been significant objects for the dying person as they gained greater peace of mind towards the end of their life.

Indeed, 'privilege' was an oft-repeated word as network members described their calling. There were references to the VE Day and VJ Day commemorations which some chaplains had facilitated and the precious memories they'd evoked.

Anna Chaplain in Downham Market Elizabeth Bryson (left) contributes to VE Day commemorations in Norfolk

One person, comparatively new to care home ministry, had begun giving one resident Home Communion. But when the recipient said she would prefer to receive the sacrament among others it wasn't long before four more residents spoke up and said they, too, would very much appreciate joining in the short service. Now they all meet regularly for worship and communion together.

By contrast, some of what chaplains offer is for a season only, and once when one chaplain found herself 'no longer needed' in the same way in one residential setting, the move became the spur for her to set up a new group in the community especially for older people- they are now known as 'The Elderberries' and the group is thriving in Ely, Cambridgeshire.

Debbie Ducille, Anna Chaplaincy's BRF Ministry Lead, commented that one 'shouldn't despair' when one door closes. As a quote in the Anna Chaplaincy Handbook, from former Archbishop Rowan Williamson, says: 'Go where the soil has already been turned.' There is a good theological precedent for shaking the dust from one's sandals and moving on; being led to where he has already done some, not so obvious, preparatory work... and joining in!

We were very fortunate to have with us at the Gathering, Maureen O'Neill OBE, former director of Scotland's Faith in Older People. Maureen has not only taken the Anna Chaplaincy training course herself but has led the Spiritual Care Series.

Summing up the conversations in the round-table discussion she facilitated, Maureen said how fascinating it was 'to hear the interesting journeys people had taken to become Anna Chaplains', with individuals' gifts being so relevant to their new roles. Many had said how much they 'love' what they now do, speaking of the 'buzz and energy they get from doing this.'

Newly-retired from leading a team of Southampton Anna Chaplains and founding the city's Caraway charity for older people, especially those with dementia, Canon Erica Roberts said the golden nuggets gleaned from Anna Chaplains in this discussion had been about 'connections' with people as well as 'personal growth.' Debbie Ducille agreed that our ministries involve 'the gift of time and prayerful attention', 'and , goodness, don't we get a gift back? she said.

Many were the examples of people who felt they were growing in faith and their own spirituality as they served others. Working ecumenically across different denominations and, indeed, with some who have no church background whatsoever was another golden thread of this ministry for many participants.

This led us into a short period of 'Examen'; using some of the principles of Ignatian Spirituality to explore how God's presence is with us throughout our days. Freelance Anna Chaplaincy trainer and Anna Chaplaincy co-ordinator in the North-East. Katherine Froggatt, helped us to ponder the following questions in relation to searching for 'nuggets' in our experiences of chaplaincy: