Why Have a Ministry To, With, For, and By Senior Adults?
Our society is aging. Nevertheless, society still values youth over age, doing over being, individualism over the common good, and independence over interdependence. Stereotypes about aging persist, despite the growing numbers of healthy, active seniors in our parishes and communities. Significantly, three in four persons aged 65-74 and two in three of those 75 and over say their health is good to excellent. While individual seniors vary in their abilities, health, and emotional outlook, the perception of aging as a period of unrelenting decline and withdrawal from society is simply untrue.
The current situation is unprecedented. The sheer number of older people as well as their vitality, their longevity, and their own desire to give something back to society and the Church impel us to develop new pastoral responses. Former responses that saw older people solely as the recipients of care are not adequate. – USCCB (see full text USCCB Blessings of Age Pastoral Message on Growing Older Within the Faith Community)
Senior Adult Ministry is rooted in our call to love and serve one another, following the example set by our Lord Jesus Christ. John 15:12-13. We are therefore, tasked with honoring the dignity and value of every individual, regardless of their age or circumstance. Our senior adult brothers and sisters have dedicated their lives to building and nurturing our faith communities, and now it is our privilege to extend ministry to them in a way that responds faithfully both to their gifts and to their needs.
An effective senior ministry helps fuel a sense of purpose by providing educational, formational, and relational experiences, service outreach, and an awareness of where seniors fit in the Body of Christ. Senior adults are already contributing their time (Prayer), Talent (Participation), and Treasure (Generosity) to make the parish more vibrant. It is fitting that the parish collaborate with and accompany senior adults to live these stages of life more fully.
Seniors make a significant financial contribution to the church. They have a strong need and desire for meaningful relationships as they continue to seek God’s purpose.
“Because there is no retirement age from the work of proclaiming the Gospel and handing down traditions to your grandchildren. You just need to set out and undertake something new,” -Pope Francis
As much as we need to bring senior adults together for support, we also need to find ways to offer intergenerational experiences (intentionally gathering senior adults with one or more other age groups) that will be of immense benefit to senior adults and to the parish community.
Most older adults desire to do something significant with their lives as they age such as serving others. All human beings including senior adults seek meaningful human connection and the parish offers the perfect opportunity for this. Senior Adults are those adults that are retired, working, married, widowed, single, mobile, physical limitations, church members, or in the community.
Upcoming Event
Qualities of an Effective Senior Adult Ministry
- Faith – all activities are centered around faith development directly or indirectly
- Inclusion– find ways to include interfaith couples, seniors that don’t drive, etc.
- Purpose– make an impact with an intentional purpose
- Relational – offer regular opportunities for senior adults to build relationships with their peers and intergenerationally
- Service – senior adult life experience offers a great many ways that they can mentor others, be present with others, serve in a capacity that matches their gifts/talents
- Encouragement– ministry with senior adults should provide encouragement and joy
- Leadership – senior adult ministry involves parish senior adults in leadership roles to ensure that the ministry is responsive to the needs, gifts/talents and interests of all senior adults
- Parish support – the pastor or pastor designate liaisons with the senior adult ministry leadership regularly to assure that they have what they need to carry out the ministry and to provide accountability to the mission of senior adult ministry
Prayer for Aging Disciples
Gracious God,
You have walked with me through every season of life—
In youth, in growth, in trials, and in joy.
Now, as I enter the later chapters of my journey,
Let me continue to follow You with a disciple’s heart.
Renew in me the fire of Your Spirit,
That I may still teach, still serve, still love.
Let my wisdom be a gift to the young,
My patience a balm to the weary,
And my faith a light to those who seek You.
Though my body may slow,
Let my soul rise in praise.
Though my roles may change,
Let my purpose remain rooted in Christ.
May I never retire from Your mission,
But find new ways to proclaim Your mercy,
To intercede in prayer,
To bless with kindness,
And to live as a witness to Your enduring love.
Amen.
Community-Wide Resources for Senior Adults
A. Social Security
- socialsecurity.gov
- 800-772-1213 – 8am–7pm Monday through Friday
- References to use a. Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheet That Will Answer All Your Questions about Social Security b. Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts c. [email protected]
B. Supplemental Social Security Income
- ssa.gov
- 800-772-1213 – 8am–7pm Monday through Friday
C. Medicare
- medicare.gov
- 1-800-633-4227 24 hours a day 7 days a week
- Help with drug costs
- medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs
- Texas Medicare Help line (A) 800-252-9240 (B)www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicare
D. Veterans Administration
- va.gov
- Main number: 800-698-2411
- Benefits hotline: 800-827-1000
- GI Bill hotline: 888-442-4551
- Call Center for Homeless Vets: 877-424-3838
E. Plano Senior Center for Adults 50+, all of Collin County
- Sam Johnson Senior Center a. Phone: 972-941-7155
- Wellness Center Phone: 972-953-7669 Wellnesscenteronline.org
F. Senior Source Dallas Area theseniorsource.org
ADDRESS: 3910 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75219 HOURS: Monday–Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm CALL: 469-707-8656 EMAIL: [email protected]
G. Senior Services Plano https://www.plano.gov/1811/Senior-Services-in-Planohttps://www.plano.gov/1661/Senior-Resources https://www.plano.gov/1812/Community-Resources-for-Seniors
H. Local Resources for Seniors in Collin County Health & Wellness
Meals on Wheels Collin County | 972-562-6996
It is more than meals! The organizational goal of Meals on Wheels is to assist area seniors in remaining independent in their homes, to promote socialization, and to prevent premature institutionalization.
Seniors Blue Book | 972-382-9900
This online database provides access to resources for aging well including community resources and services, senior housing, and feature articles exploring a variety of senior care topics.
The Senior Source | 214-823-5700
Since 1961, The Senior Source has served greater Dallas as the go-to nonprofit for aging services that assist and connect older adults to resources, opportunities, and independence.
The Texas Ramp Project | 214-675-1230
The Texas Ramp Project creates and supports a network that builds wheelchair ramps for people with disabilities who are economically disadvantaged.
Wellness Center for Older Adults | 972-953-7669
For over 35 years, the Wellness Center for Older Adults has been addressing the needs and concerns for our older adult population in Collin County. The Wellness Center offers health services, counseling programs, social services, and event opportunities.
Activities
Allen Senior Center | 214-509-4820
Frisco Senior Center | 972-292-6550
McKinney Senior Center | 972-547-7491
Sam Johnson Recreation Center | 972-941-7155 Community & Government
Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Dallas Chapter 214-827-0062
This chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association serves those living in our communities with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. The Alzheimer’s Association provides education and support for people living with Alzheimer’s, their families, and dementia care providers.
Area on Aging – North Central Texas | 1-800-272-3921
The North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging serves adults age 60 and older and their family caregivers. This organization strives to create and maintain a network of health and social services that provide information, education, and direct services that help families make informed decisions.
Collin County Committee on Aging | 972-562-6996
The Collin County Committee on Aging provides information for seniors, caregivers, health care professionals, and advocates.
Collin County Health Care Services | 972-548-5500
Collin County Health Care Services provides quality, preventative Public Health Services to county residents. This includes immunizations, prescription assistance, and steps for preparing for natural disasters.
Collin County Veteran Services | 972-881-3060
Provides assistance, guidance, and representation in the application process of Veterans Affairs and state benefits. This includes advocating for the veteran and their dependents.
DART Rides | 214-828-6717
DART Rides is a transportation assistance program for registered residents of qualified cities or ZIP codes who are age 65 or over OR have a certified disability. Enrollment is required.
McKinney Senior Services Alliance | 972-542-0163
The Senior Services Alliance is a network of Chamber business professionals focused on being a resource to educate and serve the senior community and their families. Whether the need is immediate or planning for the future, the Senior Services Alliance directly contributes to the Point of Need on the continuum of care and adds to the quality of life and promotes aging in place.
Texas Aging and Disability Resource Center
The Texas Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) are visible, trusted places where the elderly and those with disabilities can go to get information and one-on-one counseling on the full range of long-term services and support available in Texas.
Patron Saints for Senior Adults
PATRON SAINT – the protecting or guiding saint of a person or place.
St. Jeanne Jugan is the beloved Patron Saint of the Elderly and Destitute. FEAST DAY – AUGUST 30
St. Jeanne Jugan, friend of the poor, the elderly, and the destitute, and companion of the persecuted, pray for us!
“With the eye of faith, we must see Jesus in our old people—for they are God’s mouthpiece.” —St. Jeanne Jugan
St. Catherine Labouré is the patron saint of the elderly, infirmed people and the Miraculous Medal. FEAST DAY – NOVEMBER 28.
St. Anthony – to protect the vulnerable. The popular saint, born in Portugal but serving in Padua, commonly helps locate lost objects, but he’s also a patron of the elderly, as he spent much of his time devoted to the more vulnerable members of society. FEAST DAY – JUNE 13
Prayer to St. Anthony (for elderly)
O loving St. Anthony, patron saint of the elderly, I ask your special prayers for (name person) and all elderly people. Pray, beloved saint, that they are grateful for the years they have lived, content with their place in life, have hearts and minds that are full of happy memories and thankful thoughts, that they are blessed with good health, and that they are examples of Christian living for all they love and meet.
Saints Anne and Joachim – As the grandparents of Jesus, Saints Anne and Joachim are also considered the patron saints of grandparents. FEAST DAY – JULY 26
St. Padre Pio – for reassurance and faith. Known for his profound faith, the Italian friar suffered from many health issues in his life. Through his pain, he also had to contend with the public response to his ability to bi-locate and his stigmata. It wasn’t an easy road but he found peace and comfort in his prayer life. He is the perfect saint to intercede for those who may need reassurance.
Patron saint, saint to whose protection and intercession a person, a society, a church, or a place is dedicated. The choice is often made on the basis of some real or presumed relationship with the persons or places involved.
Patron saints are not only advocates for churches, but also they can be the heavenly protector of a nation, profession, class, clan, occupation, family, or even a person. In addition to Roman Catholicism, patron saints also may be recognized in Eastern Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Lutheranism, and Anglicanism.
When Catholics pray to saints, we are asking for their prayers and intercession on our behalf. Just as you might ask a friend or family member to pray for you during a difficult time, Catholics believe that saints can intercede on their behalf with God due to their closeness to Him.
Intercessors, Not Mediators
Some Christians argue that patron saints detract from the emphasis on Christ as our Savior. Why approach a mere man or woman with our petitions when we can approach Christ directly? But that confuses Christ’s role as mediator between God and man with the role of intercessor.
Scripture urges us to pray for one another; and, as Christians, we believe that those who have died still live, and therefore are capable of offering prayers as we do.
In fact, the holy lives lived by the saints are themselves testimony to the saving power of Christ, without Whom the saints could not have risen above their fallen nature.
The History of Patron Saints
The practice of adopting patron saints goes back to the building of the first public churches in the Roman Empire, most of which were built over the graves of martyrs.
The churches were then given the name of the martyr, and the martyr was expected to act as an intercessor for the Christians who worshiped there.
Soon, Christians began to dedicate churches to other holy men and women—saints—who were not martyrs. Today, we still place some relic of a saint inside the altar of each church, and we dedicate that church to a patron. That’s what it means to say that your church is St. Mary’s or St. Peter’s or St. Paul’s.
How Patron Saints Are Chosen
Thus, the patron saints of churches, and more broadly of regions and countries, have generally been chosen because of some connection of that saint to that place—he had preached the Gospel there; he had died there; some or all of his relics had been transferred there.
As Christianity spread to areas with few martyrs or canonized saints, it became common to dedicate a church to a saint whose relics were placed in it or who was especially venerated by the founders of the church. Thus, in the United States, immigrants often chose as patrons the saints that had been venerated in their native lands.
Grandparent Ministry
Check out these articles and resource links to assist parishes in their ministry to grandparents:
- Studies Show Kids Need Grandparents More Than We Realize
- Pope Francis Cites Need to Achieve ‘Broad Educational Compact’ (and the importance of grandparents in that)
- Grandparents Discipling Grandchildren
- Grandparents and the Faith Formation “Tent”
- 4 Unique Things We Do for Our Grandkids
- Grandly.org – Grandly equips grandparents to pass on their faith to their grandchildren. We do this by sharing bi-monthly posts that draw on youth work principles and insights shared by other grandparents. We also help grandparents connect by holding seminars and discussion groups on strategic grandparenting. Our aim is to provide vision, methods, and personal support to grandparents, helping them to fulfill their God-given role.
Scripture Verses Especially
for Senior Adults
• Psalm 71:17-18 “Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.”
• Psalm 73:26 “Though my flesh and my heart fail, God is the rock of my heart, my portion forever.”
• Isaiah 46:4 “Even to your old age I am he, even when you turn gray I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save”
• Job 12:12 “Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old,” which may remind us of the value of speaking with older adults”
• 1 Kings 12:6 Tells us that Solomon sought the expertise of older men who helped him make important decisions about the kingdom of Israel
• Proverbs 20:29 “The glory of youths is their strength, but the beauty of the aged is their grey hair.”
• Job 12:12 “So with old age is wisdom, and with length of days understanding.”
• Psalms 92:12-15 “The righteous flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, showing that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.”
• Proverbs 16:31 “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”