Welcome tothe Cathedral ofSt. Peterthe Apostle Catholic Church

Coming in November …

SPIRITUAL MATURITY SEMINAR
NOVEMBER 7th – 8th, 2011

Click here for details and to register

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The Senior Adult Ministry (S.A.M.) program is open to all parishioners 50 years or older.  S.A.M. gathers several times a year for fellowship, meals, fun and games, and spiritual guidance.  In addition to group activities, Laura Tarbutton, Senior Adult Ministry Director, Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist for the homebound/ill and help those with special transportation needs when they have doctor’s appointments or just need some special attention. St. Peter encourages those “younger” seniors to help the elders by interaction at our events or with other needs.

So the next time you see an invitation in the bulletin for a Senior Adult Event, come join SAM…they really have loads of fun!

History Behind the Program …

In 1977, the ministry of Pastoral Care for Senior Adult Parishioners was created by Sister Claudia Murphy at the Cathedral parish of St. Peter the Apostle.  Later, called Senior Adult Ministry, this office has met the physical, spiritual and social needs of our older parishioners.

Sister Claudia, defined the ministry as:

(a) Personal visitation of elderly living in their own homes and also those who live in an institutional setting/and or nursing home.
(b) Counseling these parishioners during stressful experience of grief, guilt, disappointments and illness
(c) Assisting our elderly parishioners with transportation to secure medical assistance and other special needs.
(d) Arranging social interaction experiences for those living alone
(e) Arranging weekly/monthly visitations and communion for those who request it and who are unable to attend mass due to illness or age related issues
(f) Planning meals for all parishioners to meet and get to know one another.
(g) Assisting, by request, in helping with pre-planned funeral arrangements
(h) Assisting family members (caregivers) by giving them adequate time and support during a long-term illness
(i) Organizing special days of retreat and the Sacrament of the Sick
(j) Organizing and training volunteers to help with this ministry.

Laura Tarbutton assumed the position after Sister Claudia’s retirement and has completed her studies in Senior Adult Ministry with the Johnson Institute. As the “Baby Boomers” join the ranks, the number of Senior Adults in the parish grows each year.

The focus of the ministry has shifted as we try to train and prepare the younger parishioners for retirement with programs such as “Retirement as a Spiritual Journey” and “Caregivers are People Too”.

This ministry is supported by your donations made in memory of a loved one, grants and certain anonymous benefactors.   The “Sister Claudia Murphy Trust Fund” at the Catholic Foundation ensures the financial support of Senior Adult Ministry at the Cathedral.

For more information, please contact Laura Tarbutton at 601-969-3125 orlauratarbutton@comcast.net.