|
Office of Family Life: Ministry for Maturing Adults
Purpose of Ministry for Maturing Adults (Aging)
The focus of this diocesan ministry is to establish and enhance spiritual enrichment for maturing adults through prayer, education and service..
- To affirm and challenge mature people, acknowledging their experience, knowledge and wisdom and recognizing that interdependence within our generation and between generations is a true Gospel value.
- To form a perspective that views maturing persons as active participants in contributing to the Church’s life and mission in meeting the spiritual needs of its members.
- To develop ministries in parishes that encourage and facilitate the contributions of mature adults as well as their personal spiritual enrichment.
Ministry to the Aging Steering Committee
“So live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God.”
-Colossians 1:10
Steering committee members help to develop and implement a vision of ministry for maturing adults in our diocese. People from all four counties of the diocese, with background and experience in dealing with seniors, are invited to serve on this committee and assist the Coordinator. The committee meets quarterly at the Diocesan Pastoral Center.
Parish Liaison Representatives
“He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly.”
-Proverbs 2:7
Pastors are invited to appoint parish liaison representatives for the Ministry for Maturing Adults (Aging). Parish liaisons exchange ideas and experiences regarding maturing adults. The liaisons serve as advisors to the Office of Family Life, as well as to ensure that attention is given to the needs of maturing adults in the parish. They meet in September, March and June.
Spirituality/Education Days for Maturing Adults
“Then you will understand what is right, just and fair and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy”
- Proverbs 2: 9-10
Spirituality/Education Days are held annually in the four counties of the diocese. Maturing adults celebrate life with enriching presentations on spirituality and education, attend Mass, and enjoy a luncheon and entertainment.
Mercer County - Download the flyer/registration form here (214k .pdf)
St. Anthony of Padua, Hightstown
May 5, 2010
Ocean County - Download the flyer/registration form here (214k .pdf)
St. Barnabas, Bayville
May 12, 2010
Burlington County - Download the flyer/registration form here (214k .pdf)
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Riverside
May 19, 2010
Monmouth County - Download the flyer/registration form here (214k .pdf)
Church of Nativity, Fair Haven
May 26, 2010
“Train the Trainer” Initiative
Parish leaders committed to expanding spiritual enrichment for maturing adults may earn certification through the use of Johnson Institute materials with the “Train the Trainer” program. Each home study course completed under the guidance of Deacon Bob Diehl or Father Frank Sacks, C.M., both Certified Spiritual Gerontologists, will accomplish certification in that course.
The courses we presently offer are The Twelve Keys to Ageless Living, Wellness of Body, Mind and Spirit, and the Spirituality of Retirement. CDs, Audio Tapes, and DVDs are available on loan to assist leaders to provide individual or small group learning experience. In turn, certified facilitators can guide fellow parishioners in a book club, study group or lecture group format.
Contact Janis Bell, Coordinator, for more information: 609-406-7400, ext.5594.
Parish Club Activities for Maturing Adults
If you wish to schedule speakers for meetings at your parish, please contact the Coordinator of Ministry for Maturing Adults (Aging) for suggestions. Discussion leaders, as well as spiritual enrichment speakers, are available. Contact Janis Bell, 609-406-7400, ext.5594.
Gennesaret
Gennesaret Retreat is a weekend program (in partnership with the Diocesan Office of Pastoral Care) which offers persons living with serious illness an opportunity for respite, spiritual enrichment, Sacraments and on-site medical staff in a beautiful retreat setting. Offered fee of charge, space is limited.
October 23-25, 2009 - Xavier Retreat Center
(On the campus of the College of St. Elizabeth) Convent Station, NJ. For further information, contact Hilare Reinold at 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
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
|
