Senior Adult Ministry
Senior adult ministry is more than getting together for a meal or a card game. It’s an opportunity to share with one another the gifts God has given each of us. Our gifts of socialization, prayer, caring, are not to be kept to one’s self, but to be shared with everyone you meet. As the body diminishes with age we have an even more important calling.
You may be so active you don’t have time for one more thing or maybe your drained of grouping with others because you have been doing service work for years or maybe your starved for attention, being homebound, you have limited contact with the world. God may be calling you to a new aspect of life. He may be asking you, “What can you do for your neighbor?” Are we willing to let go and help others by being a part of a senior ministry?
If you are too busy, maybe you should prayerfully decide what to let go of so you can be present to others in different ways. If you are too drained, maybe you are called to receive a gift of presence from another or to try something new and fresh. If you are unable, is there something special you can do by offering prayers for others or allowing others to minister to you? Each of us has many gifts from God to be shared. Aging isn’t for winding down to death. Aging is the reason to live and show others how to live.
Yes, there are many things that seem intimidating and even scary to survive in this world, but God gave us the wisdom, spirit and grace to survive for Him.This world seems to find little value in being old. But look at the aged folks in the Bible. In Abraham and Sarah’s time, God called them into the serious responsibility of raising a child late in life. You have a calling too. God gave the gift of community to help and be helped by others. Join a senior group or start one and reach out to those who struggle with the body failing, the spirit dimming and the mind faltering. You may be their gift. If you wish to start a senior ministry in your area, please contact the Family Life Office for assistance.
Senior Resource Ministry
Senior Resource Ministry is a resource group for those involved in parish senior ministry. To learn more about this group, download Senior Network, a newsletter with stories about seniors and information on parish senior ministries. It is published four times a year.
- Senior Network Summer 2011
- Senior Network Spring 2011
- Senior Network Winter 2010
- Senior Network Fall 2010
- Senior Network Summer 2010
- Senior Network Spring 2010
- Senior Network Winter 2009
- Senior Network Fall 2009
- Senior Network Summer 2009
Senior Day and Mass
The annual Senior Day and Mass is celebrated each fall at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. It begins at noon with registration followed by a presentation on a topic relevant to seniors. Mass is then celebrated and normally includes the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. Free blood pressure checks and a light supper usually follow.
Marriage Anniversary Mass
The marriage anniversary Mass is celebrated annually in the diocese to honor couples who have been married 25 or 50 years or more. Join Bishop Anthony B. Taylor for Mass and a reception each fall.
Also see Catholic ensures adults continue to have independence, freedom.