Mary Chandler Bolin│Liaison to Pastoral Care
Mary Chandler Bolin is a “cradle” Episcopalian who attended the Good Shepherd Day School, sang in the choir, and was active in parish and diocesan youth programs as an adolescent. She continues to staff the annual senior high school youth conference at the Domain and serves as a core member of the Diocesan Commission on Racial Reconciliation. She serves the parish as a lector/intercessor, verger, Eucharistic minister and Eucharistic visitor, in addition to vestry work as liaison for pastoral care. Balance in life also comes from walking a backyard labyrinth, gardening, photography, dance, yoga, travel, and as a 25-year member of The Lexington Singers (and past tours with Good Shepherd’s choir).
Her 35-year career as psychologist included 24 years as director of a large collegiate mental health agency, and leadership in international organizations for suicide prevention training, for agency accreditation, and for directors in college counseling centers. She continues to provide consulting services and will start a new private practice for those who have spiritual concerns as part of grief, loss or other psychological processes. In fall 2022, she trained for hospital chaplaincy and now serves part-time at two locations. Being with patients, significant others and hospital staff during times of high stress, transition and crisis is a way to live into the ministry of presence and sowing seeds for healing (in whatever form that may be).
The experience of discerned vestry membership allows for scripture study, spiritual growth, new relationships, and supporting the many ministries of Good Shepherd. It also allows for continued contributions related to leadership development, creative visioning, balancing needs and resources, and practicing “love is all.”
