Honouring the vocation of aging: 2025 Seniors Ministry Engagement Gathering

With 30% of parishioners in the Diocese of Calgary aged 65 and older, the recent Seniors Ministry Engagement Gathering brought together permanent deacons, lay leaders, and parishioners to reflect on how the Church can walk more intentionally with older adults in this season of life.

Participants considered the pastoral and spiritual needs of a growing aging population and reflected on Pope Francis’ words: “Old age is a vocation... a true mission from the Lord.” Through a prayerful process called Conversation in the Spirit, small groups discerned how parishes might recognize and support the unique gifts and calling of seniors.

Key insights included:

• The importance of lifelong faith formation for older adults;
• The need to move beyond social activities to meaningful spiritual engagement;
• A call to integrate ministry with seniors into the fabric of parish life.

The gathering concluded with next steps for envisioning parish responses and sharing helpful resources and program ideas that honour the dignity, wisdom, and vocation of our aging members.

As one participant shared, “This is not about doing more—this is about seeing more clearly the treasure we already have in our elders.”​​

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Parishes interested in exploring or expanding ministry with seniors are invited to contact the Pastoral Ministry Office at the Diocese of Calgary for support, resources, and guidance: 

• Huy Nguyen: [email protected]
• Deacon Carlos Perez: [email protected]

Photos courtesy of Office of Pastoral Ministry and Deacon Carlos Perez.