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Office of Family Life/Respect Life: Ministry to the Aging

Our Purpose

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.

• Michelangelo was designing churches at 88.
• Albert Schweitzer was operating in the hospital at 89.
• Elizabeth Arden was still managing her cosmetic industry at 85.
• Mother Teresa was still caring for the poor until her death at 87.
• Noah was 600 years old when the flood waters came on the earth.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”

Steering Committee members plan, process, help and provide assistance to the older adults where needed. 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 dates are November 13, 2007 and February 19, May 20, August 19 and November 19, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.

“Thine health shall spring forth speedily.”

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.

“What should we do that we might work the works of God?”

This program welcomes volunteers whose wish it is to serve our parish community through varied skills, gifts and experiences. It is rooted in the mission of the Church to build the Kingdom of God and to continue Christ's work of healing. Likewise, the program recognizes God's desire that we achieve abundant life, while reaffirming and supporting the journey to wholeness. The goal is to respond to those in our parishes who are in need of healing.

Meetings

BURLINGTON
Lourdes Medical Center, Willingboro
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Nov. 16, 2007
Jan. 25, Mar. 14, May 16, July 25, Sept. 26, and Nov. 21, 2008

MERCER
St. James, Pennington
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.*
Other dates - 7:00 pm
Dec. 3*, 2007
Mar. 10, Jun 9*, Sept. 8, and Dec. 1*, 2008

MONMOUTH
St. Joseph. Keyport - Jeremiah House
9:00 to 10:30 a.m.*
Other dates - 7:00 pm

St. Catharine Spring Lake
Nov. 13, 2007
Mar. 4*, Jun. 10, Sept. 2*, and Nov. 18, 2008

OCEAN
Church of the Epiphany, Brick
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 19, 2007
Jan. 26, 2008 (Meeting will be held immediately following the Spirituality Day for Faith Community Nurses / Health Ministries.)
April 11, July 10, and Oct. 10, 2008

Program Dates:

Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007
Lourdes Medical Center, Willingboro
10:00 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008
Church of the Epiphany, Brick
9:00 a.m.

The annual Diocesan Healthcare Masses will be celebrated: Saturday Oct. 20, 2007 and Saturday Oct. 18, 2008. This event is co-sponsored by the Office of Family Life/Respect Life, the Office of Pastoral Care, and the Office of Worship. For more information, please call 609-406-7400, ext. 5573.

Parish Nursing Arts Certificate programs cover the topics of: Role and Functions of Parish Nursing, Communication and Teaching, Spirituality and Standards, and Implementation of a Program. They are held at Lourdes Medical Center, Willingboro. For more information, call Constance Giampaolo at 609-835-2900 ext. 4203.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

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.

2008 DATES

MONMOUTH
St. Robert Bellarmine, Freehold
May 7, 2008

OCEAN
St. Maximilian Kolbe, Toms River
May 14, 2008

MERCER
Our Lady of Good Counsel, West Trenton
May 21, 2008

BURLINGTON
Holy Name, Delran
May 28, 2008

“I have been young, and now I am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”

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.

“Those whose faith has made them good in God's sight must live by faith, trusting Him in everything.”

If you wish to have a speaker at your meeting to provide talks or to lead discussion on services available, spirituality programs and many other topics, contact us at 609-406-7400 ext. 5594, or email srobb@dioceseoftrenton.org.

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:

• October 19-21, 2007
• May 16 to 18, and Oct. 17 to 19, 2008

For more information or to register, call Hilare Reinold (732) 566-7237

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