By Lois Rogers Correspondent

Mercy and wellness, a sprinkling of sociability and a touch of Verdi made for a successful second annual diocesan-wide Maturing Adult Spirituality and Education Day.

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Held July 14 in St. Dominic Parish, Brick, more than 400 older adults from around Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties shared a day full of spiritual renewal, practical insight, fellowship and entertainment.

Deanna Sass, director of the Department of Pastoral Care, sponsor of the event, said the number reflected a 25 percent increase from last year, which was the first time the event was presented diocesan-wide instead of county-by-county.

The highlight of the busy agenda, many of those attending said, was a presentation by Redemptorist Father James A. Wallace, rector and director of San Alfonso Retreat House, Long Branch, whose topic, “The Call To Elderhood in the Year of Mercy,” offered a compelling argument for focusing not on material goods, but spiritual sensibilities in one’s later years.

Sass said the evaluation sheets collected at the end of the day indicated that Father Wallace’s presentation hit the mark. “They were so touched by his talk, so happy to hear that God still has a purpose for them. It reaffirmed that they are not done yet.”

Drawing from Scripture, Father Wallace, a noted homilist, urged those in the packed social hall to reflect on how they wanted to spend the rest of their lives. He encouraged them to share the “gifts of those who have lived long enough,” as they present themselves as “people who celebrate life with humor, harvest what they have sown” and serve as a “source of blessings” to those around them.

Father Wallace is the 2009 recipient of the Georgetown Center for Liturgy Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Liturgical Life of the Church and a longtime professor of homiletics at Washington Theological Union.

In this Year of Mercy, he urged listeners to think of themselves as “wisdom leaders, conservationists and stewards, viewing all life as interconnected,” as they become mentors for younger people around them as well as their peers.

He recommended leaning on the example of Jesus as they take up the venerable yoke the Lord has given them – the yoke of being loving people.

“It is easy and the burden is light,” he said. “You’ll be able to bear it. Find rest with him. Spend time with him.”

“Do what Jesus said,” he advised with a smile. “’Stop, take it easy and be with me.’ Spend some time praying in whatever way you are comfortable … when you are in that moment with him, stop everything you are doing. Take 15 or 20 minutes to be with him.”

In an interview following the presentation, Father Wallace talked about the importance for seniors to be active in the Church and in the community.

“I think our education never ends in terms of growth in terms of Christian life,” he said, adding that seniors have a great contribution to make especially in these times of “chaos and division.” Seniors, he said, need to speak where they are in the hope that someone will listen.

“I think you witness where you are, whether you are working with other people, in your families, among your friends, with love, rather than hate,” said Father Wallace. He said that is easier to do thanks to digital media.

Families may be geographically distant, he said, “but one of the wonderful things is how Skype is keeping the bonds of communication strong. Sending pictures, talking on the phone -- technology is working for us.”

 Those attending the event said they found uplifting and would look forward to coming again next year.

As a couple who particularly enjoy being around younger people in their parish community, Dennis and Joan Davan, St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, said they were inspired by Father Wallace’s view that seniors should reach out to all generations.

The couple attends Mass daily but said they especially appreciate the “family style” atmosphere of weekend Mass, which is attended by people of all ages. “It’s important on our end to share with younger people, and we get life and spirit from the younger ones. These feelings can be contagious,” Dennis Davan said.

The couple said they would like to attend the Spirituality Day next year. “You can’t just sit home and look at four walls,” Joan Davan said. “It’s great to have events like this to get out to.”

Participants also enjoyed the vocal accomplishments of Italian Tenor Moreno Fruzzetti whose wide range included arias from Verdi, American pop tunes and Italian folk Songs. Registered nurse Sandy Mullarkey, who is also a pastoral associate in St. Anselm Parish, led a session on senior health and wellness.

Jean Klements, a member of St. Peter Parish, Point Pleasant Beach, said at least 10 members of the parish Circle of Love Prayer Group attended and would also likely return again next year.

Like the Davans’, the group enjoyed all aspects of the program, including a session by a Veterans Homecare NYJ representative who discussed an opportunity for veterans to receive care in their own homes.

The day closed with Mass at which Vincentian Father Martin McGeough, diocesan coordinator of Jail and Prison Ministry, was the principal celebrant.