Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Seniors: Get Involved in Parish, Community
Published: July 20, 2015
In their 1999 pastoral message, "Blessings of Age: A Pastoral Message on Growing Older Within the Faith Community," the U.S. bishops invited older persons, their families and their faith communities to develop new initiatives that encourage participation of older persons in society and in the Church. Recognizing the social, economic and spiritual implications of this rapidly growing age group, the bishops encouraged a fresh perspective that embraces the gift of aging.
Since then, many parishes have developed ministries specifically for older persons. "Senior ministry is more than getting together for a meal or a card game," explained Elizabeth Reha, diocesan family life director. "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," she added.
Reha encouraged seniors to get involved in their parishes and communities. "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," she urged.
"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," she said. "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."
Reha invited seniors to "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." To find out if there is a senior ministry in your area, visit the Parish Directory. Click on the parish website listed for a parish to get more information about all the programs offered, or see the following resources for seniors:
