Mary Dolman has become a chaplain to the golf club in Saltford near Keynsham and is thought to be one of the first chaplains to be appointed to a golf club in the diocese. Mary says her role came about following a number of requests to take the funerals of club members and scatter the ashes of other members who had passed away.
Mary says, “I wanted to offer pastoral care and support to all members and staff in times of distress, on or off the golf course. By just being there I feel I can make a difference to people. My pastoral care is offered, with permission, to all, regardless of position, beliefs and lifestyle.
"My Reader, Chaplaincy and Safeguarding trainings over the years, plus my golfing ability, equip me with the skills required to be a confident Chaplain at my club. I plan to work with the local Church and local organisations to benefit members.”
Mary’s chaplaincy has been welcomed by the Chairman of Saltford Golf Club, who said, “'Mary will be an invaluable member as our Chaplain.”
Bath and Wells Chaplaincy Development Adviser, Mike Haslam, “Chaplaincy is about living out our everyday faith where we are and meeting people where they are and offering spiritual and pastoral care to anyone. Mary’s golf club chaplaincy is a wonderful expression of both of these vocations. She has discerned where God is at work and, through chaplaincy, she's joining in.”
If you are wondering about a call to a local chaplaincy ministry, please email Mike Haslam.