ATCO – Days after the death of her husband of 53 years, Carmela Covone experienced what she saw as a message from God.
In her parish bulletin, next to the announcement of Dominick Covone’s death, was an ad looking for an assistant director of the parish’s senior ministry. A few months later, she found herself taking on the position.
“It’s been a great gift,” she said of the Golden Slippers ministry at Saint Simon Stock Parish, Berlin, which meets three times a week. “I’m supported in my grief, while helping others in their own struggles.”
Covone was one of the 20 senior ministry leaders and volunteers of the Diocese of Camden who attended a Mass and breakfast March 16 at Christ the Redeemer Parish. The morning gathering was sponsored by VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services Diocese of Camden in order to acknowledge the directors, staff and volunteers of the Diocese’s four parish senior day centers for supporting the health and well-being of senior faithful.
Each of the four senior ministries – which also included the Young at Heart Club from Christ the Redeemer; the Renaissance Center of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Gibbsboro; and the Prime Timers, from Church of the Incarnation, Mantua – were represented.
“It’s so important for us to gather here, share ideas and celebrate one another,” said Christine Willard, VITALity’s manager of parish-based senior programs, adding that through their own ministries, “these leaders support the mind, body and spirit of every senior in the Diocese.”
“The programs they build give seniors purpose, community, and make them feel seen,” she said.
These older generations of the faithful, Willard said, “are so invaluable to our Diocese, through the wisdom and gifts they bring. They help sustain our Church.”
Flo Curley is director of the Prime Timers, which meets every Tuesday and Thursday, and includes popular programs such as “Scrambled Eggs and Scripture.”
“The ministry has improved my life, and I’ve seen it improve other seniors’ quality of life, too,” she said. For example, many members attend Mass together and socialize outside the parish.
Jennifer Smith, director of Golden Slippers, agreed. “The seniors make our parish more vibrant. Their energy is contagious, and they bring their history and life experiences with them. They’re engaged [and] interested in sharing what they know,” she said, noting that one group member recalled stories of her time as a dancer on the American Bandstand television show.
“We’re a family for them, a home away from home,” Smith said.
From The Renaissance Center, director Tese Hemschoot has heard many tell her, “You’ve saved my life.” “They look forward to having a place to go,” she said.
The thank you gathering was among many celebrations being held this year for VITALity’s 10-year anniversary.
“We wanted not only to express gratitude to for those in senior ministry, but let them see one another and learn from one another,” said Nicole Keefer, VITALity’s executive director. “VITALity wouldn’t have vitality without our senior ministries.”
For more information on VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services’ senior ministry programs, visit vitality.camdendiocese.org/senior-ministry.
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