Senior Adult Community
“Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.” Psalm 92:14
Did you know that by the year 2030, 20 percent of the U.S. population will be over 65? As the fastest growing population group in the Church, our seniors are vital wellsprings of knowledge, enthusiastic ministry leaders, and dependable and devoted participants in parish offerings. They remember a time when the local church was at the center of family life -- spiritually, socially, and even socioeconomically. They are eager to foster connections in a safe and welcoming environment. Having suffered loss, experienced upheavals, and survived tragedies, they understand the value of a strong faith foundation and loving support.
Our parish has approximately 40 ministries that would welcome your talents! If you're retired or work from home and have a flexible schedule, consider volunteering to be an adult altar server for funeral Masses. If you would like to share your knowledge of our Catholic faith with the next generation, consider serving with our RCIA program or becoming a catechist for our youth faith formation program. If you are more comfortable behind the scenes, we could use bakers for our Bakers by the Dozen ministry, offertory counters to tally the weekend Mass donations, people to care for the altar linens or the holy water fonts. If you love to knit or crochet, our Prayer Shaw Ministry would be a great fit. If you have mobility issues or would like to volunteer from the comfort of your home, our Ministry of Consolation and our Love Your Neighbor Ministry would appreciate you sending greeting cards as part of their outreach. Check out our Get Involved page for a list of ministries or contact Kate McGrath, our Pastoral Associate, for more information.
And if you are in a season of life when you could use some pastoral care, our Pastoral Visitation Ministry visits the elderly, sick, and homebound to bring the Eucharist, perform the Anointing of the Sick, and just check in on our neighbors. Please contact Kate McGrath via email or at 781-598-4313 x224.
U.S Catholic article on Four Ways to Age with Grace: https://uscatholic.org/articles/202111/4-ways-to-age-with-grace/
U.S. Catholic article on the Six Spiritual Tasks of Aging: https://uscatholic.org/articles/200907/six-spiritual-tasks-of-aging/
Prayer to Saint Anthony
O loving St. Anthony, patron saint of the elderly, I ask your special prayers for all elderly people.
Pray, beloved saint, that they are grateful for the years they have lived, content with their place in life, have hearts and minds that are full of happy memories and thankful thoughts, that they are blessed with good health, and that they are examples of Christian living for all they love and meet.
Please pray that if they are tested with illness, suffering, loneliness, or the death of loved ones that they are blessed with God's peace and comfort, strength and courage.
And when their time comes to enter into eternal life, I pray you welcome them into Heaven where along with you they might praise God forever and ever. Amen.
Make Connections
After the 9am Mass on Wednesdays at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, join us downstairs in the church hall for coffee, donuts, and fellowship. All are welcome!
The OLA Social Group was founded to give parishioners over the age of 55 an opportunity to share faith, fun, and friendship. For more information, go to our Social Groups and Gatherings page or contact Regina LaVasseur, OLA Social Group President, at 978-532-0839.
For any female bowlers, the OLA Ladies Bowling League is a great way to meet new friends and get a little exercise. Call Fran Reardon at 781-599-1197.
Community Senior Centers
Lynnfield Senior Center: 525 Salem Street, Lynnfield; 781-598-1078
Saugus Senior Center: 466 Central Street, Saugus; 781-231-4178
Greater Lynn Senior Services (GLYSS): 781-599-0110
Torigian Senior Center: 75R Central Street, Peabody; 978-531-2254
Wakefield Senior Center: 30 Converse Street, Wakefield; 781-245-3312
Middleton Senior Center: 38 Maple Street, Middleton; 978-777-4067
North Shore Deaf Senior Center: 154 Water Street, Danvers; 978-910-0162
Resources
Catholic Charities Senior and Caregiver Support Services