Maturing Adult Ministry
Toolkit #3
Developing MAM in the Parish
Scope
Parishes are invited to develop structures which encourage and facilitate the contributions of their older parishioners, respond to their needs and provide opportunities for spiritual growth.
MAM is also intended to continue to call for the gifts of the mature adults for the benefit of the parish community.
Current parish programs in place would be expanded to meet these needs and provide the opportunities.
Pastoral responses are needed in the following areas:
Spiritual/sacramental
Pastoral care/service
Emotional/psychological
Community/social
Your parish may already address some or all of these areas. This office would be interested in learning of any experience in this area with the idea of sharing best practices.
Process
5 frameworks are proposed for the planning of activities in answer to the pastoral responses mentioned:
Spirituality activities and offerings
Faith formation and education programs
Service projects
social activities
intergenerational activities
Spiritual/sacramental needs could be met though various activities including, but not limited to:
Liturgy
Sacraments of Healing
prayer groups
scripture study
retreats
days of reflection; monthly or seasonal
small, faith-based communities
spiritual direction
book clubs
faith sharing
Pastoral Care/service: Our older parishioners often have a wealth of experience, spiritual resources, skills and time which enable them to be providers of, not just recipients of pastoral care. Parish leaders of MAM will be instrumental in linking them with the wider parish community.
Prayer ministry
ministries of consolation
outreach to those in nursing homes, hospitals and assisted living
parish/regional schools
faith formation programs
Above are general suggestions of areas of service; individual parishes may identify needs specific to the local parish.
Emotional/psychological concerns at this stage of life often revolve around loss. Parishes, alone or in concert with others, can offer seminars and workshops focusing on key life issues, e.g.,
anxiety
depression
stress
isolation
unemployment
financial planning
loss
aging
wellness
healthcare laws & insurance
end of life issues
Community/social needs opens up the other 3 areas. The local faith community can be a fertile ground where life-giving friendships blossom. It is natural to seek out relationships with peers; however, in the parish, a family of families, everyone can benefit from intergenerational connectivity. Parish leaders can provide both intergenerational and peer-group activities which will foster relationships.
Contact Information:
Mary Lou Hughes
Associate Director
Office of Lifelong Faith Formation
Faith & Family Life
(856) 583-6132
Marylou.hughes@camdendiocese.org