1. Senior Bible Study

"A Time For .....Scripture-based Life Review" by Daniel Mulhall and Karen J. Rowe. (Ligouri Press, 2000)
This series comes with a leader's guide ($7.95) and participant manual ($2.25). It is a 13 session program designed to encourage older adults to reflect upon personal experience and scripture. It aims to  enhance spiritual growth and well-being, and share a lifetime of experiences that reveal God's healing presence. It can be ordered from Ligouri Press at 1-800-325-9521.To review this series before ordering, please contact Mary Eileen at 551-2255 or 888-449-5309.

2. Holy Name Reminiscence Project

Holy Name Parish in Omaha, NE has instituted a reminiscence project in which junior high school students interview elders in the parish and then write individual biographies and scan old photographs to produce a booklet celebrating the life experiences of the older adults they have come to know. Each participating elder receives a copy of the biographies during a special ceremony where they are honored for their contributions to the reminiscence project and for a lifetime of service to the parish. For more information, please call Margaret Hoarty, Holy Name parish nurse at 402-455-4010.

3. "Medication Gift Certificates"

Medications costs are a serious concern for older adults. Here's how to help. Raffle off an item at the parish (e.g.. homemade quilt, lawn care for a summer by the youth group) and use the raffle money to buy gift certificates to a local pharmacy for medications for low-income elders. Allow the gift certificates to be distributed through the parish elder minister or the pastor based on need or age.

4. "Growing Together"

Start a parish garden tended by the youth group and older adults. Learn the "ins and outs" of vegetable gardening together. Use the produce as gifts for homebound elders or a local food pantry.

5. "Taste Buddies"

Older women in the parish have a wealth of knowledge to share in the kitchen. Encourage them to teach school-aged children how to cook. Planning menus and sharing the  joy of baking and preparing food in the parish kitchen is a marvelous intergenerational activity. Afterwards, share the treats or the meal together. A portion of the prepared food could be distributed to homebound elders.

6. "Common Threads"

Elder groups are often involved in quilting  and crafts, and use the proceeds from their handiwork to support the parish. These creative talents and its coincidental socialization benefit the participants as well as the parish. Many of these sewing skills are becoming lost arts. Encourage elder sewing/craft groups to teach younger members their skills and pass on their willingness to come together, nurture friendships and share their creativity in service to the parish.

7. Need money for a project?

If you need money for a project, don't forget to ask the Knights of Columbus, parish council, ladies guild or other parish or civic groups. The funding might come with less "strings attached" from a local organization rather than a grant. Funding might be easier and quicker to get for a local elder project where benefactors can see the results in their own community.

Do you have  "Good Ideas for Parish Elder Ministry?"

Contact:

Mary Eileen Andreasen
Coordinator for Aging and for Disabilities
Archdiocese of Omaha
3218 N 60th Street
Omaha, NE 68104-3494
(402) 551-2255
(toll-free) 888-449-5309
(fax) 402-551-3050
meandreasen@archomaha.org