CIESIELSKI: The Office of Aging - How it serves the Archdiocese

January 1, 0001

Each of these scenarios is a sampling of aging issues in which the Office of Aging is called upon to address within the Archdiocese.

The Office of Aging takes its ministerial lead from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ pastoral document “Blessings of Age: A Pastoral Message on Growing Older Within the Faith Community.” It offers a fresh perspective for the Church to recognize the vitality, wisdom and giftedness of older adults to the faith community and not solely focusing on older people as recipients of care.

With the increasing population of older adults in the United States, parishes have new opportunities to glean the wealth of their life experiences. The Office of Aging works to support the leadership of older adults within the three Archdiocesan Senior Senates as well as within local parish senior groups.

This includes recognizing seniors for their longstanding contributions of community service at annual Senate Recognition Days and providing spiritual support for all seniors at the annual Day of Prayer. The office also provides parish seniors with current educational resources to help sustain and enhance their quality of life.

The Office of Aging recognizes the growing challenge of providing adequate caregiving for older adults. It partners with community organizations to support parish staff who are called to address families in need of caregiving services, respite care and education. This includes educational outreach efforts in partnership with the Veterans Affairs Administration to assist older veterans and surviving spouses in securing military benefits to help them age at home.
The Office of Aging works closely with one of its Catholic partners, Catholic Charities Senior Services, which provides families with direct service care to respond to challenges facing older adults.

Finally, the Office of Aging provides regional educational seminars in collaboration with parishes, other Archdiocesan offices, and community agencies to help families make informed choices for remaining in their own homes, caregiving, or with end-of-life care planning.

For those who cannot attend these events, persons can access speaker recordings and resources on its website under Presentations. 

Real scenarios presented to the Office of Aging

Parish Pastoral Support
• A pastor who has observed a long-time parishioner’s declining health and personal neglect and wondering what can he do.
• A parish staff person considering retirement doesn’t understand the Social Security or Medicare enrollment process.

Caregiving/Aging-in-Place
• A long-distance call from someone in another state looking for resources to manage his aging loved one’s care in the Houston area.
• Long-time parishioners no longer attending church services because of dementia/Alzheimer’s or other disabilities; their families are providing full-time caregiving.
• Aging family members trying to decide if they should remain in their own home or move to a senior living community.

Service, Spiritual Growth and Communal Fraternity
• 50+ year-old Catholics inquiring how they can use their talents and experience in service as well as grow spiritually and form communal friendships

End-of-Life Care Planning
• Persons concerned about their loved ones’ end-of-life care and how to access resources which support their spiritual and temporal needs.
• Family members wondering who to call when a loved one is dying in the hospital.

Mark Ciesielski is an associate director in the Office of Aging Ministry.