A 93 year old man has been confirmed into the Christian faith at a care home in Oxfordshire, proving that “it’s never too late”.
Dennis Minns, a regular churchgoer described the moment as "deeply meaningful".
Rev Val Kearney, a curate in the Diocese of Oxford said she had been leading a weekly communion service at Sanctuary Care Home for the past three years and that what had begun as small act of pastoral care grew into something much more. When one of the elderly congregants said she didn’t want to receive Communion on her own because she believed it should be a ‘communion’ with others of faith, Rev Val created a new worship community at the home.
When Dennis, a former RAF Flight Lieutenant shared that he had not been confirmed and had never received Communion, Val said they talked it through and she assured him that “it’s never too late to be confirmed.”
Encouraged by his son David, himself a retired priest, and supported by a friend and the care home community, Dennis chose to take his step of faith.
The journey culminated in a special service led by the Bishop of Dorchester, Rt Rev Gavin Collins who confirmed Dennis and presided at Communion.
“The whole journey has been a joy,” Val reflected. “For me, and for our ministry team, and for the care home, as we have travelled with him.”
Julie Cooper, the care home manager said: “Dennis is a wonderful reminder that it’s never too late to do something that is deeply meaningful. His enthusiasm and courage have inspired everyone at the home.”