New Year’s resolutions
The Revd Julie Baker, Chaplaincy Manager
New Year’s resolutions can feel a little premature here in Australia as the start of the year coincides with holidays from school and work for many people and the new routines we are seeking to implement are easier when the rhythm of life is more predictable.
So, although it’s a bit late, I have been pondering what my New Year’s resolutions might look like for 2025. This time of year offers the opportunity to think about what’s next for us. The same can be said for a new school year or when something in life significantly changes such as a change in marital status, the birth of a child, starting a new job or retirement. When there is a chance to reflect, there is a chance to consider change.
Here at St Bart’s, our clients are working through the big questions of life as part of their recovery and planning for a future within and beyond our services. A sudden shift from homelessness to transitional housing is a time for taking stock of where a person has been, what contributed to them being there and what sort of future they would like to build for themselves going forward.
The same can be said for those who find themselves with us because of a mental health need, because their rental lease expired and there was nothing else available or because they need additional support and move into our aged care facility. Everyone here is working through something with the intention of changing, healing, growing and pursuing the future they choose.
St Bart’s lives by it’s strapline, We’re by your side. We offer services which support our clients to do the work of processing their trauma and assist them as they make plans for a future where everyone has a safe and secure place to call home.
 |
So, what are your resolutions for this year? Are you facing a time in your life where there is a chance to reflect and perhaps even do something new? Here at St Bart’s we are always looking for reflective, caring and patient people to join us in our part of outworking the Anglican Communion’s Third Mark of Mission – to respond to human need by loving service.
The Wellbeing Chaplaincy Service is particularly keen to hear from those who hold the Archbishop’s licence as a Lay Pastoral Minister who have a heart for pastoral care amongst those facing disadvantage.
If your New Year’s resolution includes taking on a new ministry, could St Bart’s be a place for you to live out your faith? If so, please contact us through the website www.stbarts.org.au and our amazing chaplains would love to welcome you as part of the team.