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Kathleen McCann and Pat Olsen

As we progress into the 21st Century

The rapidly increasing senior population and their expectations for quality of life—whether spiritual, physical, or emotional— significantly challenge us to develop innovative programs and services to meet the needs of our senior and not-yet-senior parishioners. Our Seniors Steering committee is actively engaged in exploring activities and services that encourage the continued participation of the older members of our parish community. With more “Baby Boomers” moving into the “Seniors” category, the expectations and input of our not-yet-senior parishioners are essential and welcome as we plan future programs.

Our Mission

• To raise awareness in the parish community of the changing spiritual needs of older adults.
• To develop activities and services that support and protect the quality of life and independence of our parish seniors.
• To provide opportunities for Spiritual Growth, Social Connections and Community Service
  

Spiritual Growth

As people age our spirituality takes on new dimensions. The Seniors Ministry at St. Paul’s tries to fill the needs of older Americans as they journey through changing life issues. In order to help meet the needs of seniors we conduct retreats and lectures that address such topics as Church History, Inter-faith and Ecumenical dialogue, and the challenges and blessings of aging.

Social Connections

We conduct a book club that meets on the first Friday of the month for stimulating and thoughtful discussion of current best sellers.

Our social group gathers on the first and third Mondays of the month to play bingo and enjoy social interaction.
Bus excursions to local places of interest within the Los Angeles Community have been the Getty Museum and Villa, Huntington Library, Gene Autry Museum, Central Library, Hsi Lai Buddhist Temple, King Fahad Mosque, Saint Sophia Cathedral, Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral, and the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Lebanon among others.

We also present lectures and programs that are informative and educational. Some past lectures are about health issues such as memory training, nutrition, fall prevention, intelligent use of drugs, stroke prevention, and Advanced Directives.

Programs have included lectures on Buddhism and Christianity, The Jewish High Holy Days, Medical Mission Doctors, Rembrandt's Religious Art, the Monastery of St. Catherine Icons, and Luau dancing.
All of the lectures are followed by a low cost luncheon.

Community Services

The ministry provides opportunities for Seniors to serve the community at large. Some of the places our seniors serve are St. Robert’s Center in Santa Monica, UCLA Medical Center, visitations to the homebound, and a Caring Network that reaches out to the part of the community that needs assistance. Also, Partners in Prayer is a telephone ministry that prays for those who are in need of prayer.

Seniors Resources

The Seniors Ministry maintains a file of Resources of Community Services for Older Adults. If you have any questions regarding issues such as care giving, housing, transportation, volunteering, etc. Contact the Seniors Ministry Coordinator at 424-832-5156 for more information.