Aday of inspiration, information, entertainment, food and fellowship awaits all diocesan seniors, age 55 and over, as the Senior Spirituality and So Much More Day returns July 24.
Hosted in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, 61 Georgia Rd., Freehold, the day begins with registration at 9:15 a.m., and will include Mass, 50s music by doo-wop group “Rock N Rhythm” and featured speaker, Paulist Father Thomas Ryan. The event will conclude at 3 p.m. Participants are encouraged to show their patriotic spirit by dressing in red, white and blue.
The Senior Spirituality Day has a long history in the Diocese of Trenton, according to Deanna Sass, director of the diocesan Department of Pastoral Care, which is sponsoring the day.
“The main reason we host this each year is to honor our Catholic seniors, to have a day just for them to say ‘thank you’ for the many ways [they] have made our Diocese a great place to grow in the faith,” she explained.
Sass noted how seniors have contributed to diocesan parishes and schools for decades, helping to shape the community of faithful. “Through their great spirit of volunteerism throughout their lives, so many people have been blessed by these good folks,” she said.
Highlights of the day, Sass pointed out, will include two inspiring talks by Father Ryan, Mass and lunch by Dolce and Clemente. “It’s a great day filled with fun, fellowship, new friends, and food for body, mind and spirit,” she said.
A nationally renowned author of “Remember to Live! Embracing the Second Half of Life,” Father Ryan was ordained in 1975, and served in campus ministry at several universities prior to directing the Montreal-Canadian Centre for Ecumenism for 14 years. He developed and remains director of the Paulist Office for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, and leads several other retreats worldwide.
Space is limited, and registration is required by July 1. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Register online at dioceseoftrenton.org/ministries-with-seniors. Registration fee is $20, which includes coffee and snacks, a boxed lunch and drinks.
Mail-in registration should include check payable to “Diocese of Trenton,” and include participant name with title, address, phone, email, parish and city. Mail to: Diocese of Trenton, Department of Pastoral Care, 701 Lawrenceville Road, Trenton, NJ 08648.