Diaconal Ministries Resource Manual
25
Senior Citizen Ministries
Mulroy Center Ministry
T
he Mulroy Center is a day center for the
elderly, and they provide educational pro-
grams, discussion groups, social, and physical
activities for them. The center is an advocate
for seniors and coordinates their support net-
works. The seniors have companionship and a
comfortable place to spend their day.
A deacon walks with them on this journey
showing Jesus' and the Church's concern for
them by spending time with them. If they
have troubles in their family, have a question
about God or the faith, the deacon provides a
listening ear. These can be group discussions
or one-on-one depending on the situation.
The deacon also leads Communion services
and a scripture service with the distribution
of ashes on Ash Wednesday. During special
feasts, the seniors ask for a presentation about
the faith or famous saint. The deacon socializ-
es with the seniors by playing dominos, poker
or calling bingo. This community is full of
surprises and the deacon needs to be a good
listener and ready for anything!
Retirement Home Ministry
D
eacons' ministry includes visiting the
homebound and residents of retirement
facilities to bring them the Eucharist, to give
them comfort, and to provide them with spiri-
tual guidance as they live out their later years.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought to the
foref ront the spiritual needs of the residents
in these facilities and the need to ensure
deacons have access in order to provide that
comfort and spiritual guidance. A committee
of deacons creates ways to effectively minister
during the visit restrictions. The committee
has expanded this pastoral outreach to also
include the families of residents. The commit-
tee will continue to meet post COVID-19, to
provide ideas & resources to Parish Ministries
and to Catholic Schools, so that the interac-
tions with residents will be inspiring, faith-
filled opportunities.
i
Deacon Jim Macklin
jim@ jimmackin.com
Deacon Tim Heaton
heatont48@gmail.com
i
Deacon Richard Hamilton
rhamilton@stmarylittleton.org
Deacon August Cordova
DeaconAugust@saintjohns.net
Keep watch over yourselves
and over the whole flock of
which the Holy Spirit has
appointed you overseers, in
which you tend the church of
God that he acquired with his
own blood.
Acts 20:28
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