Equipped for ‘retirement’
Anna is interviewed by Rev. Jill Williams at the 2024 graduation ceremony.
Anna spent her working life as a casual tutor in Anatomy at Sydney University while serving alongside her husband James in various parishes and roles across the Sydney Diocese. She has three adult children and eight grandchildren. When she turned 60, she decided to prepare for her retirement.
She is using her 'retirement' to serve the Lord in her roles as a Court Chaplain at Parramatta Local Court and a supportive care volunteer in Palliative Care in Westmead Hospital. In 2024 she graduated from Mary Andrews College with a Diploma of Ministry. Former interim Principal, Rev. Jill Williams interviewed Anna at her graduation ceremony.
Jill – What motivated you at this stage of your life to start studying?
Anna – The year I commenced study I turned sixty...and that for me was a 'what am I going to do with the next decade?' 'What am I going to do in retirement?' And ‘I should prepare for that’. So I decided to prepare by studying!
Jill – There are a lot of places you could study, so what drew you to studying at Mary Andrews College?
Anna – Mary Andrews College has a reputation for specialising in pastoral care, focusing on equipping women... And I looked up the website and I thought 'Oh, there's a lot of other subjects I like the look of too!’
The other thing about Mary Andrews is, it's so flexible. I had a few life events and needed to take some time off. I liked that I could do one subject a semester, for me that was helpful to be thinking about what I was studying and applying it as I went.
I liked the fact that the assignments are assessments and not exams. I liked to research and go deeper and integrate that into my life as I went along.
Jill – How have you seen yourself growing through your studies?
Anna – I've certainly grown in the knowledge of God and understanding people.
I benefited from having a longer time to process the material, I've learnt how to apply knowledge better. I've grown in skills in pastoral care and evangelism.
And I think I've grown in patience to listen to people, and I've grown in courage to speak about my faith.
Jill – What have you enjoyed about your studies with Mary Andrews College?
Anna – I've enjoyed learning with other women and I've enjoyed learning with women of all ages. I liked class discussions and I've made some new friends.
Jill – How have your studies have equipped you for your ongoing journey?
Anna – My role as a court chaplain is to provide non-judgemental care and support to people going through the court system, be they offenders or victims and their families.
And my other role is as a supportive care volunteer in Palliative Care in Westmead Hospital. That is practical and emotional support and, if they request it, spiritual support.
Studying at Mary Andrews has equipped me, it's given me the confidence to launch out into these roles, especially in pastoral care and evangelism, and for sure I've got a lot to learn in both roles but God has already shown me that he can use me in people's lives. College has encouraged me to pray constantly in these roles, so I can speak the truth in love in these spaces and hopefully show people to the Lord.
Learn more about the Diploma courses at Mary Andrews College: