St. Mary Anne’s Senior Ministry reflects the parish’s commitment to engaging the elderly in prayer and worship and providing emotional support.
Guided by Scripture
Our efforts are grounded in Scripture, which commands the people to provide for aging widows in Deuteronomy 14:28-29. The Israelites also heard this command to respect and honor them in Leviticus 19:32. In the New Testament, a new standard was established: utter devotion to Jesus Christ meant following his example and cultivating a heart of care and respect for the vulnerable. For these important reasons, we established a vibrant Senior Ministry.
Our Senior Ministry activities
Once a month, clergy and a team of lay ministers on the Pastoral Care Team visit a nearby senior living apartment complex for worship and communion. While there, they offer residents friendship and a listening ear.
The team has hosted a Valentine Luncheon for the residents and also decorated for Christmas. In one instance, a group of parish men helped move a resident’s belongings to another location.
They also visit a local assisted living community and a nearby skilled nursing home monthly. At each location, they offer an abbreviated worship service, music, and Communion. Our Director of Music will occasionally surprise residents, too, with an impromptu violin performance.
Members of this team often visit shut-ins and will bring them comforting lap quilts from our Mission Quilt Ministry or Prayer Shawl Ministry.
Together, they work to embrace the elderly with worship, prayer, comfort, and kindness.