St. Anne’s Episcopal Church’s Fall Adult Forum: Church and State takes a look at military chaplaincy at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, at the church’s Parish Hall, 199 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, Md.
The Rt. Rev. Ann Ritonia, bishop suffragan for the Armed Forces & Federal Ministries of the Episcopal Church, will speak at the forum. Her topic is “Theology of Military Chaplaincy: Spiritual Care & Leadereship in War and Peace.”
Ritonia has a musical and military background. She studied music at the New England Conservatory of Music, playing the euphonium, and later attended the Armed Forces School of Music. She graduated from the U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidates School and served 17 years in the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve, holding a variety of leadership positions and attaining the rank of major before her retirement.
Before her episcopal appointment, Ritonia served in parishes in Virginia, Connecticut and Maryland. She was also chaplain to the Marine Corps League and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system.
In her new role as bishop suffragan, she oversees and supports more than 100 Episcopal chaplains.
The public is invited to attend this forum, and the next forum which will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Parish Hall. On Nov. 8, J. Ernest Green, St. Anne’s music director, and Larry Molinaro, the church’s associate music director, will talk about “Sacred Music in Church & State.”