Welcome to Ministry for Maturing Adults! Men and women in the later years of life have many gifts to share. At this stage of our lives, we are better able to evaluate the past; to know and live more deeply in the faith; and to serve as examples and guides for younger generations. Through prayer, education and service, we advance on the road to spiritual fulfillment. Our experience, knowledge and wisdom enable us to be witnesses to the true Gospel value of our maturing years. the Blessings of Age, www.usccb.org/laity/blessings/english.shtml
Who are we?
Did you know that by the year 2030, 20 percent of the population will be over 65? As the fastest growing population group in the Church, we are the Boomers, Builders and Elders of our communities.
The BOOMERS are full of energy and willing to connect. We are 55 to 72 years young! We are active Catholics and productive church members. As BUILDERS, we are the foundation of our church. We are the council members, building advisors, with connections to the past and the future. Proudly, we are 73 to 84, full of experience and knowledge. The sage ELDERS are the source of many years of wisdom. The Church depends on our wisdom, derived from 85 to 105 years of living.
Maturing vs Aging
Certain words, such as "senior citizens" and "elderly," paint a picture of aging as a slippage into a diminished status – less energy, less mobility, less functionality. From a more positive perspective, maturing adults see their advancing years as a time for spiritual adventure. Maturing adults adopt a vision of aging that lifts them up, accents the positive purpose of later life, and connects them with God's abundant grace. Without spiritual purpose, maturing adults can slip into unhealthy behaviors and ageist attitudes that rob them of the joy, richness, and purpose of later life. Come join us as we celebrate the many blessings of these, the best years of our lives!
Contact Janis Bell, Coordinator, at 609-403-7194 or email jbell@dioceseoftrenton.org, to speak to your parish group about Maturing Adults.
"Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom." - Ps.111:10
Spirituality Education Days for Maturing Adults: Four Wednesdays in May
Be sure to mark your calendar for the Spirituality/Education Day nearest to you. Designed with you in mind, this special event includes inspiring and educational presentations, as well as the celebration of Holy Mass. The day also features fellowship and food, punctuated by light entertainment. Dates for next year's spirituality days wil be announced in early spring 2013. For more information contact Janis Bell at 609-403-7194.
Schedule for the Day:
- 9:00 AM Registration and Continental Breakfast
- 9:45 AM Spirituality Presentation (see dates below for presenter)
- 10:45 AM Educational Presentation by Doris Hudak, Author of A Passage, The story of the walk across Spain in the Path of Saint James along the Camino.
- 11:30 AM Celebration of Holy Mass
- 12:30 PM Sharing our delicious Boxed Lunches
- 1:30 PM Enjoyable Entertainment
The schedule differs as follows:
May 1, 2013 – Mercer County Spirituality/Education Day: Spirituality Presentation by Father Bill Lago: “My Vision of the Year of Faith”
May 8, 2013 – Burlington County Spirituality/Education Day: Spirituality Presentation by Msgr. Walter Nolan, “My Vision of the Year of Faith”
May 15, 2013 – Monmouth County Spirituality/Education Day: Spirituality Presentation by Msgr. Walter Nolan, “My Vision of the Year of Faith”
May 22, 2013 – Ocean County Spirituality/Education Day: Spirituality Presentation by Father Bill Lago, “My Vision of the Year of Faith”
Mercer County
May 1, 2013, 9:00AM – 2:30PM
St. Raphael/Holy Angels
3500 S. Broad St.
Hamilton Twsp., NJ 08610
If you would like to PRINT and MAIL your Registration form, you may download it HERE.
Burlington County
May 8, 2013 9:00AM -2:30PM
St. Isaac JoguesParish
3 Lord Place
Marlton, NJ 08053
If you would like to PRINT and MAIL your Registration form, you may download it HERE.
Monmouth County
May 15, 2013, 9:00AM – 2:30PM
St. Catherine Parish
108 Middletown Rd.
Holmdel, NJ 07733
If you would like to PRINT and MAIL your Registration form, you may download it HERE.
Ocean County
May 22, 2013, 9:00AM – 2:30PM
St. Pius X Parish
300 Lacy Rd.
Forked River, NJ 08731
If you would like to PRINT and MAIL your Registration form, you may download it HERE.
"For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy." Proverbs 2:10
Called to Lead
Parish Liaisons for Maturing Adult Ministry
The Ministry for Maturing Adults seeks a Parish Liaison from each Parish in the Diocese of Trenton. Our purpose is to reach out to meet the needs of this growing population as well as communicate to the parishes the services the Diocese offers. Our goal is to aid and assist parishes to encourage Spiritual Enrichment. If your parish does not presently have a Parish Liaison, please consider volunteering to your Pastor. Contact Janis Bell at 609-403-7194, or jbell@dioceseoftrenton.org.
Train the Trainer
Your experience and knowledge have equipped you to guide and nurture others. God has blessed you with abilities to use for Him. The programs of Dr. Richard Johnson, an accomplished Spiritual Gerontologist and Psychologist of the Johnson Institute are on CDs. They expand our spiritual enrichment invite us to share within our parishes. You are encouraged and supported to inspire others by selecting a course specifically geared to the interests of Maturing Adults. Training is offered in “The 12 Keys of Ageless Living;” “The Spirituality of Retirement;” or “Well of Body, Wise of Mind, Whole of Spirit.” Each course has a corresponding book for use in a study group, book club, lecture or power point course. As you prepare through home study you'll be supported by Deacon Bob Diehl and Janis Bell, both Spiritual Gerontologists certified by the Johnson Institute. For more information contact Janis Bell, Coordinator of Ministry for Maturing Adults, at 609-403-7194, or jbell@dioceseoftrenton.org.
What's it all about?
Brownies, buses and bingo are traditional components of senior citizen activities. Maturing adult ministry is about so much more: it's about finding a purpose that stirs the soul and engages us in peace and justice, care and compassion, and prayer and contemplation. Are you looking for an inspiring topic or ideas for activities for your parish club?
These presentations and others are available upon request:
- Maturing versus Aging: The Difference is..?– Presenter, Janis Bell
- Loving for a Lifetime – Presenter, Deacon Bob Diehl
- Planning the Last Day of this Life – Presenters, Msgr. Sam Sirianni, Director of the Office of Worship
To request a speaker or resources, contact John Kalinowski, Director of the Department of Pastoral Care, at 609-403-7157 or email jkalin@dioceseoftrenton.org or Janis Bell at 609-403-7194 or jbell@dioceseoftrenton.org.