Parish leaders gather to brainstorm ideas for seniors’ ministry

More than two dozen people gathered to learn how a ministry for seniors can help older parishioners grow spiritually as well as assist them with resources and companionship.

“Part of today is to convey a model for you to personalize in your own parish,” said Jennifer Ruggiero, diocesan Secretary of the Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life. She said additional discussions would be held in a few months.

The March 1 discussion, held in the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, focused on three categories of seniors: middle (50-70), senior (70-80), and elderly (80+). Attendees were asked to answer three questions: 1. What are the needs and interests of each group? 2. What are the life transitions around which a parish can build a seniors’ ministry? 3. What are the needs and interests of caregivers?

Participants said seniors needed companionship to address alienation, and some did not know how to fill their time. They also said many seniors need help with financial planning and fraud prevention, navigating government assistance programs, travel, and finding resources.

Ruggiero shared her personal experiences with being a caregiver for numerous relatives over the past 10 years, painting a vivid picture of the need for support. She said many in assisted living – especially those over 80 – are nevertheless alone, with no visitors or relatives, deprived of the caring human expressions of eye contact and touch. Yet this is the fasting-growing segment of the population. These concerns lead to such issues as knowing how to involve others as well as knowing when and how to say no.

Ruggiero also played two videos. The first featured the work of gerontologist Matthew Estrade, founder of Catholic Aging, who has built an educational platform at www.DementiaRosary.com. The second video showed the Senior Adult Ministry in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Both of these videos served as brainstorming material for attendees.

Participants said a seniors’ ministry can focus on the major experience of loss, as well as the need for a caregiver and the challenges of moving to a new location. They also said younger grandparents raising grandchildren is an issue. For those in the 70 to 80 age bracket, challenges include health issues, transportation problems, and loss of independence. One attendee, a financial planner, mentioned that many people are financially illiterate and need counseling. Another raised concerns about health and wellness and nutritional illiteracy as an additional need.

Maria Hunter, director of the Office of Parish Social Ministry of Catholic Charities, helped to organize the meeting.  She asked: “How can we benefit from the treasure of our seniors?” Some ideas were on a handout, “Ideas for Parish Adult Ministry,” with numerous suggestions such as altar flowers delivered to the homebound and nursing home residents; game days for older adults; home maintenance and minor repairs taught by skilled older adults; intergenerational retreats combining older adults and youth; and regular phone calls to each other.

Another handout suggested a sample mission statement and “Six Steps to Start Church Senior Citizen Ministry.” The six steps include: Identify needs and interests of seniors; gather a team of leaders; determine the structure and format; plan and promote events and activities; consider offering practical support; and foster intergenerational connections. But most importantly, begin with getting the support of the pastor.