Ministry with Maturing Adults

“Even in old age they will still produce fruit and be vital and green.” (Psalm 92:14)

This is a ministry of holistic faith development for men and women in the second half of life (50+).

A Vision of Growth: Maturing adults continue to grow into fullness of Christian Life.

A Mission of Support: The Ministry with Maturing Adults seeks to support the life-long faith development of men and women throughout all phases of the pre-retirement and retirement years.

“Support” means compassionate presence, respectful assistance and prayer for one another in a relationship of mutual care and concern.

Goals

Community: a faith community of supportive relationships

Outreach: participation in the ministries of the parish and in outreach activities on behalf of the wider community

Education: programmes of faith development and social awareness as well as specific opportunities for spiritual growth.

Sister Mary Rose Marrin, CSJ is the founder of this ministry in the Archdiocese of Toronto. She has created a vision for parish ministry with Maturing Adults based on the work and writings of Richard P. Johnson, Ph.D.

The Ministry with Maturing Adults (MMA) was born at Good Shepherd Parish in September 2018. The group meets once or twice a month to understand this stage of life from a spiritual and practical perspective. Guest speakers have presented topics like: the Challenge of Forgiveness; Dealing with Loss; Growth in Wisdom; Personal Prayer; Visio Divina; We Walk by Faith; Care Giving. Participants learn and share in a friendly atmosphere their life experiences and concerns.

Covid’s unexpected arrival moved the MMA sessions to the Zoom mode, recognizing the need to continue to meet and pray as a community. The Life Story Writing Program, and even Zumba dance and stretch routines, have happened on Zoom. The topics addressed recently were Encountering Christ in the Sick and Dying, and Spirituality and Change. The blessings this ministry generates outweigh the concerns of aging.

To register for any session, please email or call the Church office 905-881-1534.