St Albans Anna Chaplaincy coordinates an inter-generational celebration

debbiethrower0
2 days ago
2 min read

Children from year 1 of St Alban & St Stephen Primary school celebrated the life of St Francis with residents of The Orchard Nursing Care Home on June 17. Although 2026 marks the 800^th anniversary of the Saint’s death, as the children told his story, it was clear his message of care for the earth and all creation still resonates today.

St Albans Anna Chaplaincy lead, Maggie Dodd, had been asked by the national Anna Chaplaincy network to run a pilot project with Caritas Diocese of Westminster, which focused on collaboration between care homes, churches and schools.

Working together with the two Roman Catholic churches in St Albans, the creative celebration took place in June, working with a local care home and one of the local Catholic Primary Schools.

Fran and Cian, pastoral and youth workers for Caritas Westminster, Bishop Paul McAleenan, auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, Debbie Ducille, Anna Chaplaincy, Maggie Dodd Anna Chaplaincy coordinator in St Albans, and Stephen Curran, Head of Community Development, Caritas Westminster.

In glorious sunshine, the children and residents joined together in the garden of The Orchard to pray, praise and sing. The celebration was attended by the national Anna Chaplaincy lead, Debbie Ducille, members of the Caritas leadership team, Irish Chaplaincy and Bishop Paul McAleenan, trustee of the Charles Plater Trust which has supported Anna Chaplaincy nationally. Bishop Paul had been very impressed with the children’s assembly – particularly with the concept of St Francis being an Eco Warrior!

The children presented bird pictures that they had decorated to the residents as a memento of their visit. Previously some of the residents had taken part in two craft sessions creating leaves and flowers which formed part of the ‘St Francis Celebration Tree’, along with birds made by the children.

The children were truly inspired by the prayer of St Francis, bringing their light and joy to the residents of The Orchard - and the residents were delighted to be part of such a warm-hearted and memorable occasion.