CHARLOTTE — “I am with you always” is the theme of the Church’s first World Day of Grandparents and Elderly July 25. Catholic Charities’ Elder Ministry encourages everyone to celebrate.
Pope Francis said he created the day because “grandparents are often forgotten, and we forget this wealth of preserving roots and passing on” what the elderly have received.
Adding this celebration comes at a time marked by the pandemic and the suffering it has brought to older generations. Many of the elderly are dying alone, and families have been unable to attend funeral Masses.
The World Day is an opportunity to reaffirm that the Church can never remain distant from those who carry a cross. The theme chosen by Pope Francis expresses clearly that, during the pandemic and in the better times that we hope will follow, we as members of the Church need to support and uplift the elderly.
All generations can celebrate the day by expressing gratitude and love for the elderly among us, praying for them and not letting them feel forgotten. People are encouraged to visit their grandparents and the elderly to mark the occasion. The elderly can obtain a plenary indulgence by participating in a Mass offered that day.
Elder Ministry reaches out to engage and celebrate with the elderly all year long. They collaborate with private, state and community-based organizations to promote opportunities for advocacy and education while helping raise awareness of aging issues.
In May, Elder Ministry hosted a webinar series entitled “Options for Paying for Long-Term Care,” which included information about VA benefits, Medicaid/Medicare and long-term care insurance.
During three Masses last month at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Charlotte, Elder Ministry, along with the Department of Justice, worked to raise awareness of elders who are abused and victimized.
Elder Ministry also collaborated with Guilford County Department of Social Services’ Adult Protective Services on a webinar, “Elder Abuse Awareness and Prevention,” on June 15 in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
The World Day for Grandparents and Elderly will be celebrated each year on the fourth Sunday of July to coincide with the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ grandparents. The artwork above illustrates the special day.
— Kimberly Bender, online reporter
More online
At www.ccdoc.org/en/elder-ministry: Find upcoming Elder Ministry events and resources