|
Office of Family Life/Respect Life: Ministry to the Aging
Purpose of Ministry to the Aging
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"
-John 3:1
To affirm and challenge older people, acknowledging both the blessings and losses of later life and recognizing that interdependence, not independence, is the true gospel value.
To form a fresh perspective, one that sees older persons as active participants in contributing to the Church’s life and mission in meeting the spiritual needs of its members.
To develop structures, especially in parishes, that encourage and facilitate the contributions of older people.
Ministry to the Aging Steering Committee
“Your Father knows what you need before
you ask him.”
-Matthew 6:86
Steering Committee members help to develop and implement a vision for Ministry to the Aging throughout the Diocese. Membership consists of professionals from agencies in the four counties, nurses and senior citizen representatives, along with the Coordinator of the Ministry to the Aging. The committee meets quarterly at the Diocesan Pastoral Center. The meeting dates are February 15, May 17, August 16 and November 15, 2009 at 1:30 p.m.
Parish Liaison Representatives
The Pastor appoints the parish liaison representatives for the Ministry to the Aging. Meetings are held in the spring and fall in different parishes of the diocese. We encourage each parish to have a representative. Reports, communications, legislative information, suggested programs and sharing parish programs are the topics covered at these meetings.
Spirituality/Education Days for Seniors
“These things I have spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
- John 15:11
Spirituality/education days are held in the four counties of the diocese. The program consists of a prayer service, spiritual talk, education program, Mass, luncheon and entertainment.
BURLINGTON
Corpus Christi, Willingboro
May 20, 2009
MERCER
St. Raphael-Holy Angels, Hamilton
May 13, 2009
MONMOUTH
St. Clement, Matawan
May 27, 2009
OCEAN
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Whiting
May 5, 2009
Twelve Keys to Spiritual Vitality - Powerful Lessons on Living Agelessly
“I have been young, and now I am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”
- Psalm 37:25
This short course, based on a book by Richard P. Johnson, Ph.D., focuses on spiritual vitality and the attitudes of agelessness, and how to make them work for you in your aging process. "Train the trainer" for the presentation of the program is arranged by request.
Senior Citizen Clubs
“Those whose faith has made them good in God's sight must live by faith, trusting Him in everything.”
- Hebrews 10:28a
If you wish to have a speaker at your meeting to provide talks or lead discussion on services available, spirituality programs and many other topics, contact us at 609.406.7400 ext. 5594.
Gennesaret
Gennesaret Retreat is a weekend retreat offered free of charge for those who live with serious illness or are unable to attend a retreat due to disability. The retreats are held twice a year at a barrier-free facility, the Vincentian Renewal Center in Princeton. The team members who conduct the retreat have both a spiritual and medical background.
Retreats will be held:
-
Oct. 17-19, 2008,
- May 15-17 and Oct. 16-18, 2009
For more information or to register, call Hilare Reinold 732.566.7237.
Contact Us:
Janis Bell
Coordinator: Ministry to the Aging
Phone: 609-406-7400 ext. 5594
E-mail: jbell@dioceseoftrenton.org
Office of Family Life/Respect Life
Diocesan Pastoral Center
PO Box 5147
701 Lawrenceville Road
Trenton, NJ 08638-0147
Phone: 609-406-7400
Fax: 609-406-7403
Email: family@dioceseoftrenton.org
Director: Linda Richardson
|
