MINISTRY TO ELDERLY: Diocese to release two new videos

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
August 26, 2004

Two new videos responding to the challenge of ministering to the needs of growing numbers of elders in parish communities are now available for use by pastors, parish groups and individuals.

Production on the first video, "In Their Own Voices: Ministry to the Aging in the 21st Century," began over a year ago. The video was made in response to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' statement, "Blessings of Age."

"The message of the bishops' letter provided the foundation for this video which we believe is a beginning tool for parishes and faith communities who strive to enhance their elder ministry programs or who wish to introduce new services," said Marilyn Murphy, the social concerns facilitator for the Diocese of Sioux City.

According to Murphy, the bishops' statement talked about the responsibilities of parishes to become involved in ministry to elders because of the growing numbers and the special needs that elders have - spiritual and social needs. The statement also asked how parishes could use the gifts and talents of the elders that have been with the parishes for a long time.

In the video, "In Their Own Voices," Catholic women offer perspectives on parish ministry to elders with suggestions for increasing awareness of their needs.

"The growing number of older people particularly in our rural diocese is just extraordinary," said Murphy. "The fact that all of the parishes are probably doing something with ministry to elders but not in the way that they are doing it with youth ministry. The resources, the knowledge and the background just haven't been there."

The second video, "Elder Ministry: Are You Ready for the Demographic Shift?" was made possible through a diocesan event. Mary Eileen Andreasen, coordinator of Aging and Disabilities Ministry for the Archdiocese of Omaha, presented a workshop on elder ministry at the Diocesan Ministries Conference last October.

"The workshop provided insights, ideas and resources which will enable both rural and urban parishes to respond to the needs of their elder parish members," said Murphy. "Mary Eileen very graciously gave permission to videotape her presentation. Excerpts from this once in a lifetime experience are included in 'In Their Own Voices.' In addition the insights and resources offered in the workshop prompted the production of a complete version which is ideal for those who wish for additional information and inspiration."

Both videos were made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Commission on Women, the Social Concerns/Rural Life Department of Catholic Charities and G.R. Lindblade and Co. Both videos follow a pattern established over the past several years which produced videos dealing with such issues as domestic violence, child sexual abuse in family settings, prison reform, women in ministry, rural renewal and Catholic social teaching.

"We think that creating a video is a marvelous way to educate and create an awareness of what the bishops are saying, an awareness of the situation that we know exists out there and gives ideas and practical suggestions of how parishes can start dealing with this," said Murphy.

The 50-minute VHS videos can be ordered from G.R. Lindblade, PO Box 1342, Sioux City, IA 51102, telephone (712) 252-4346 or fax (712) 255-5329. The cost of the videos is $10 including shipping and handling.