Society of Saint Anna the Prophet
Who are we?
We are a dispersed community of Episcopal women over 50 years old who are living the Christian life within vows of simplicity, creativity, and balance. We are lay and ordained. We are single, married, partnered, divorced, and widowed. Some of us are retired, some work part-time, and some are working actively in full-time positions.
What is our mission?
The mission of the Society is prophetic. We are called to be like blessed Anna in the temple, prophets of Christ, perceiving and proclaiming to the church and to the world God’s transforming presence and power in old and young.
What are our ministries?
While the ministries of individual members take many forms, the Society as a group has a focus on ministry with elders and with the very young. Currently, we serve three congregations of elders living in care with whom we celebrate the Holy Eucharist each week and for whom we provide pastoral care.
What is our relationship with the Episcopal Church?
The Society came into being in the Diocese of Atlanta in 2005, and the Bishop of Atlanta serves as our Bishop Visitor. We are still in the process of writing our Rule. When the Rule is complete, we will be applying for recognition from the national church as a religious community.
What is our vision?
We hope to develop more creative ministries with elders living in care. The Society will focus on ministry to and with them, providing sacramental and pastoral ministries and forming them into communities of faith. We want to shift the locus of “being church” from the parish left behind to the places where elders now live. We also hope to develop ministries of care, support and advocacy with young children living in poverty.
What is our membership now?
We have fifteen vowed sisters, two novices, and eight provisionals in discernment.
Our ages range from 50 to 81.
What is the process for becoming a member?
The process includes an application, discernment for a minimum of one year as a provisional, a minimum of one year as a novice, and participation in the life of the Society. Vows are taken annually, at the Feast of the Presentation. After five years, life vows may be taken.
What if someone lives outside the Diocese of Atlanta and Provincial IV?
Our constitution provides for the inclusion of extra-provincial members and also for the development of new provincial groups.
For more information, contact:
