Octogenarians honored as ‘foundation upon which this parish stands’

Compiled from reports

Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Turnersville recently celebrated parishioners who are 80 and older.

Upon their arrival at Mass, each octogenarian was greeted by a member of the parish’s Faith In Action team, presented with a flower and personally escorted to a seat in the pew.

Father Yvans Jazon, parish pastor, told those gathered, “We know that as the years pass, there may be things that are more difficult to do than they once were. Perhaps you cannot come to church as often as you used to. Perhaps you could not participate in parish activities in the same way you did 20 or 30 years ago. Perhaps your strength is not what it once was. But please never think that because you cannot do everything you used to, you are less important to this community. You are part of the foundation upon which this parish stands.”

After Mass, the honored guests, accompanied by spouses and caregivers, assembled in the Parish Center for lunch, music, and an opportunity to share stories and memories. One parishioner was heard saying to a friend, “This is such an honor. The room looks like a ballroom. It’s like a wedding. I’ve never felt so appreciated.”

Father Jazon told the octogenarians, “For many years, you have prayed here. You have worshiped here. You have supported this church. You have volunteered, sacrificed, encouraged others, raised your children and grandchildren in the faith, and helped build the community that we enjoy today.  Now it is our turn to say thank you. … To all of you whom we honor today, I want you to hear something very clearly from your parish family: We love you, we appreciate you, and we thank God for you.”