FOUR new Anna Chaplains were commissioned during the morning Eucharist service at Portsmouth Cathedral on Sunday 22nd June.

The cathedral provided its characteristic warm welcome to Eucharist on an already-warm summer Sunday, offering an insight into the diversity and inclusivity that is its hallmark.

During the service Rosemary Fairfax (pictured above, far right) was able to see her vision of Anna Chaplaincy at the cathedral become a reality with four Anna Chaplains commissioned. Rosemary was herself commissioned as an Anna Chaplain in mid-2023 and has since been ministering to older people in community with the support of Anna Friends. The growing needs of the community, however, have sparked a vision to expand the Anna Chaplaincy ministry at the cathedral.

Jude Badham, Marian Pottinger, Sue Jezard and John Hill (also pictured above, with Anna Chaplain Coordinator Emma Sneddon) all felt a calling to this ministry and now, after training within the Diocese, have been commissioned to minister alongside Rosemary, bringing their own unique vision, gifts, and passions to serving and helping to older members of the community.

The commissioning service was a joyous occasion for both those commissioned and those supporting them. Also at the Eucharist service new choristers were added to the choir, and another two moved on after serving faithfully at the cathedral. These two also brought a powerful sermon focused on the inclusivity of females in ministry, something that the cathedral intentionally encourages.

The service was a beautiful example of celebrating multi-generations and diversity and inclusivity in ministry.

If you would like to know more about Anna Chaplaincy please contact the diocesan Anna Chaplain Coordinator, or visit portsmouth.anglican.org/anna.