Golden Years

Couples in their golden years who’ve embraced their vocational calling are true witnesses to the beauty and sanctity of lifelong marriage. The sacramental nature of marriage is so evident to all who encounter them. It’s the sum total of their experiences, all their joys and struggles over the years that makes them such a profound sign of God’s presence in the world. 

In the later years of marriage, the marital relationship will need to adjust to such changes as retirement, financial challenges, health issues, losing independence, and end-of-life issues. The spouses may need to let go of past disappointments, forgive each other and promise again. They’ll need to maintain an effective communication system that allows each of them to express their deepest feelings, joys and concerns. They may need to build a deeper friendship as they spend more time together.

Being active in their parish community will help them transition to the golden years, but will also enable them to share their gifts and talents, their wisdom and experience in service to others. Such couples can be especially helpful to other married couples who may be experiencing the same kind of difficulties they were able to overcome, so serving in parish marriage ministry team or on a local parish Pre-Cana team would be a win-win for their own marriage and their parish.

In 2021, Pope Francis established the celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and Elderly on the fourth Sunday of July, near the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus (July 26). The theme for the 2023 celebration selected by the pope is “His mercy is from age to age” (Lk 1:50).

The U.S. bishops have approved the transfer of the celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in the U.S. to the first weekend after Labor Day in September to coincide with National Grandparents (and the Elderly) Day in the United States as many local communities, schools, and parishes have celebrated for some time (USCCB Office of Laity, Marriage and Family).

Feast of Saints Ann and Joachim - Mass for Grandparents and the Elderly (and parents and grandchildren), Wednesday, July 26, 2023,12:15 pm. 

CLICK HERE for the flyer and to register to attend the Mass and luncheon.