Ann’s Choice opens new chapel on campus

By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Experts agree that one of the most important pieces of successful aging is nurturing the spiritual aspect of one’s life. No matter your faith or religious beliefs, it’s crucial to have a respectful place to be able to worship freely and in peace.

With those goals in mind, Ann’s Choice dedicated its new chapel this past month. The spiritual sanctuary will be open to residents, families, and friends of all faiths and be able to host a wide variety of different religious ceremonies.

One size fits all
“We are excited to have a new home for all of our faith groups here at Ann’s Choice,” says Pastoral Ministries Manager Rich Haddon.

Pastoral Ministries held the music-filled dedication ceremony for the Ann’s Choice chapel on June 7. A choir and professional harpist provided the background music to the special faith-filled event.

The community’s interfaith counsel and members of each of the faith councils at Ann’s Choice planned the ceremony, which included clergy and residents from the local Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant faiths, among others.

Al Bradley, a member of the Ann’s Choice interfaith council, says the chapel does a good job at serving all of the faiths and will help supplement the religious practices of many Ann’s Choice residents and also allow those that might not wish to travel to a church or synagogue, a way to remain active in their faith.

A ‘spiritual environment’
“It’s about understanding, communication, and respect,” Bradley says. “No matter your faith, everyone respects each other and gets along. It’s a great way that everyone can come together and worship at Ann’s Choice in their own way.”