Society of Saint Anna the Prophet (SSAP)

The SSAP is a vowed religious community of elder women in the Episcopal Church USA. Their mission is Godly aging and ministry with the old and young, particularly those who are not able to participate in a parish. The Society has formed six congregations of elders in senior living communities, celebrating Holy Eucharist and offering pastoral care.

In addition to the corporate ministries of the Society, individual ministries within Episcopal parishes and in the workplace fulfil the sisters’ call. Several of the Annas are caregiving grandmothers. Some are retired and focus on a more contemplative life. A few are themselves now living in care.

The SSAP is a dispersed community, and sisters are single, widowed, married, and partnered. Their ages range from 56 to 91. Embracing vows of simplicity, creativity, and balance, the Annas are committed to their own Godly aging and the challenge of being a prophetic presence as elders in the Church and in the world. Each Anna creates a personal regula which structures her day-to-day spiritual disciplines. Leadership of the Society is vested in a council of six sisters. Episcopalian women over fifty may apply for a provisional year of discernment.