Seniors are 'Young at Heart' in this ministry

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HYDE PARK — When St. Thomas Aquinas parishioner Jamie Morley read in the U.S. Census report last year that about one in every seven Americans is over the age of 65 years old, he approached his pastor with the idea of creating a ministry geared toward seniors in the parish.

“Several years ago, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops drafted a report detailing the needs of senior parishioners,” Morley said. “The information is still relevant today. … The report outlines ways that parishes can support their senior congregants. This includes having activities tailored to developing fellowship among seniors.”

Because St. Thomas Aquinas is the primary Catholic parish in Cache Valley, the creation of a senior ministry makes sense, she added.

With the support of Father Rogelio Felix Rosas, pastor, the Young at Heart Ministry was born. Its mission is to encourage fellowship and provide social and spiritual support for parishioners over the age of 55 through activities and outreach to foster relationships.

The ministry also “encourages participation at events that promote fullness of life for seniors. It also enhances the seniors’ sense of self-worth by participating in activities that benefit the community,” Morley said, adding that the Young at Heart participants also “pray for and support the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of the St. Thomas Aquinas senior community.”

Over the past year, the ministry participants have been gathering every two weeks. In addition, every quarter they host guest speakers who present information  relevant to the community members, such as using technology and finding senior resources.

The ministry’s two moderators, Morley and Jacqueline Hernandez, both have completed diocesan training.

About 35 people have signed up for the Young at Heart ministry.

“We typically have eight to 15 participants at each event,” Morley said.

They also do outreach to six people who are homebound or in nursing facilities. “This number continues to grow as hospice chaplains learn that there is a Catholic senior ministry,” Morley said.

In this year’s first quarter the ministry gave three seniors rides, visited five homebound seniors, completed 14 nursing home visits, held three ministry lunches, a spring Bingo and a cooking/decorating event, and made baby gifts for women experiencing crisis pregnancies. Up next is a May 22 lunch; the activity will be  making cards for service members in honor of Memorial Day.

The Young at Heart Ministry is close to Morley’s heart.

“I have always had an affinity for seniors,” she said. “My grandfather, who had Alzheimer’s disease, was in a memory care unit. It was during that time when I realized the importance of engaging with seniors and giving them an advocate.”

Seniors have “so much experience and wisdom to share and, often, nobody to listen,” she said. “By God’s grace, I have the time, resources and experience necessary for this ministry.”

All seniors are invited to join the Young at Heart Ministry. For information about participating, volunteering or to request services, contact Jamie Morley, Jmorley@ecsresults.com or 505-463-0591 (text/call).

Upcoming events

May 22

Lunch followed by a project: making cards to be distributed to veterans in honor of Memorial Day

June 12

Blessing of the seniors at Mass, followed by lunch and a screening of “The Courage to Love,” a movie about the true story of Henriette Dalille, the first African-American saint

June 26

Lunch, followed by Independence Day Bingo