Office of Aging Ministry honors seniors, fosters community and dignity (VIDEO)
April 8, 2025
A woman receives the sacrament of the anointing of the sick in a care home. (CNS photo)
HOUSTON — In a world that often overlooks the elderly, the Archdiocese’s Office of Aging Ministry ensures that seniors are not only cared for but also celebrated for their wisdom, contributions and unique gifts. The vision of the ministry is that all seniors are seen and heard, valued and loved, with a commitment to meeting their needs while providing opportunities for them to continue contributing to their communities.
Kristine Kerlin, director of the Office of Aging Ministry since fall 2024, said the ministry serves over half a million seniors in the Archdiocese and those who love and care for them. She has more than 15 years of experience in counseling and nonprofit work, along with a deep knowledge of and passion for supporting seniors through programs that honor their dignity and contributions and assisting their caregivers.
“Our seniors have tremendous gifts to share, and we want to meet their needs while providing opportunities for them to do so,” Kerlin said. “Their lives are filled with many chapters, and I love learning about their past experiences — and the chapters still to come.”
With guidance from Sister Maureen O’Connell, OP, director of the Secretariat for Social Concerns, Kerlin and her staff are laying down a foundation for the ministry, shaping its vision and planning for the future. A dedicated team of parish volunteers also plays a critical role in its success, assisting in organizing events, providing resources and supporting seniors and caregivers in their communities.
“Our senior population is growing exponentially, both in the U.S. and worldwide, and people are living longer,” Kerlin said. “These extra years are a gift, but we want to ensure they are meaningful by providing opportunities and programs that enrich the lives of seniors and their caregivers.”
Under Kerlin’s leadership, one of the Office of Aging Ministry’s newest initiatives is Saints University, which provides a space for faith, fellowship and fun through programs that enrich participants’ lives. Designed for maturing adults and their loved ones, this learning community embraces lifelong growth, recognizing that “nobody graduates from God” and all are called to holiness. Like most Office of Aging Ministry events, the program is offered across four communities — the northern, southwestern, central and Spanish-speaking communities — welcoming Catholic and non-Catholic seniors.
The ministry’s senior communities, formerly called “senates,” were once limited to select representatives from the parishes. They are now open to all adults 50 and older and their caregivers. This more inclusive approach encourages broader participation in ministry activities, ensuring all seniors feel welcome, regardless of parish affiliation.
As the Office of Aging Ministry expands its outreach, seniors across the Archdiocese are finding new ways to stay engaged and connected. Leticia Turner, a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Community, is a senior who has benefited from the ministry’s work as a participant and longtime volunteer. She became active in her parish’s Golden Age group, enjoying plays, musicals and concerts with like-minded friends who share interests.
Turner has also participated in workshops on important retirement issues organized by the Office of Aging, which have allowed her to meet seniors from other parishes, build meaningful friendships, and share new experiences. Beyond these connections, she has found joy in serving others who need support.
“I feel like I can give back to others and use some of my energy and caregiving abilities,” Turner said. “Like driving — since I love to drive, and some seniors are at the age now where they don’t want to navigate the streets or freeways. This allows me to help and share time with those who appreciate similar interests and activities as me.”
Turner encourages her peers to step outside their comfort zones, participate in parish activities and local events, and not let age hold them back. She suggests checking church bulletins, neighborhood newspapers and online resources, noting that many seniors are computer-literate. By actively participating, she believes seniors can build friendships and find joy in sharing their time and talents. Seeing many opportunities for engagement, she supports the Office of Aging’s efforts and hopes to assist in recruiting volunteers.
“Volunteering is a treasure,” Turner said. “I try to encourage other seniors in my parish and community to recognize the gifts they can give and consider opportunities to serve.”
As one of more than 60 ministries supported by the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), the Office of Aging Ministry relies on annual funding to make these programs possible. Kerlin said most services are offered at little or no cost to ensure accessibility for seniors on fixed incomes, and without DSF support, many initiatives wouldn’t be feasible.
“At the Office of Aging level, we have just such a treasure in our seniors — they are wise, very talented and have so much to offer,” Kerlin said. “Contributions to the DSF from people in the Archdiocese enable us to support and utilize the diverse talents and gifts within our community, and for that, we are deeply grateful.”
For Kerlin, working with seniors like Turner is more than just a job — it is a deeply spiritual experience.
“Being with seniors and listening to them, hearing them, seeing them — valuing them and loving them is being in the presence of God,” Kerlin said. “It puts us both in the center of God’s love and care, and the impact of that is immeasurable.”
To learn more about the Office of Aging Ministry, visit www.archgh.org/aging. To support DSF ministries, visit www.archgh.org/DSF. Every DSF gift directly funds ministries like the Office of Aging Ministry, ensuring they continue their vital work in service and education.