(T)he teaching and language of the Bible present old age as a “favourable time” for bringing life to its fulfillment and, in God’s plan for each person, as a time when everything comes together and enables us better to grasp life’s meaning and to attain “wisdom of heart.”
-Pope John Paul II
Caring for loved ones as they advance in age can present a wide variety of challenges. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange has several programs that are designed to provide assistance that restores dignity and independence to elders and ease the burden of care on families.
CARING FOR THE WHOLE PERSON Loved, Wanted, and Worthy Throughout Life’s Journey
Caring for the Whole Person Initiative
The Caring for the Whole Person Initiative is a collaborative project of the California Catholic Conference and the Alliance of Catholic Health Care. This initiative has a two-fold purpose:
- Strengthen and improve the availability of Caring for the Whole Person and palliative care in Catholic health systems and their hospitals;
- Develop and implement Caring for the Whole Person programs in dioceses and parishes.
Visit wholeperson.care to access resources from this statewide initiative including information on Advance Directives, Hospice v. Palliative Care, Prayers, and more. Available in English and Spanish.
If you are interested in starting a Caring for the Whole Person ministry at your parish, please contact: [email protected]
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND
These Eucharistic Minsters take Communion, Sunday bulletins, and the encouragement of community to the elderly, sick and housebound. Ministers visit the local nursing homes as well. To request for Communion to be brought to you or a family member who is sick or housebound, please contact your parish office.
VISITATION MINISTRIES
The following parishes offer visitor ministries to senior and housebound parishioners. They offer listening ears, understanding hearts, and the presence and friendship of the parish community. More information is linked below by location or contact the respective parish office for more information.
- Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano Friendly Visitors (San Juan Capistrano)
- Santiago de Compostela (Lake Forest)
- Helping chronically sick and caregivers to share, support, and pray for each other. Contact: Merly Gorospe (949) 584-2798 [email protected] or Edith Rosales (949) 350-3824 [email protected]
- A parish initiative to bring Christ’s Presence and Hope to those who are coping with chronic illnesses and end stage conditions. We listen, support, encourage and pray with them, with their families and caregivers. Friendly home visit can also be requested by calling the parish office. Contact us – [email protected]
- San Juan Capistrano
- Contact: 949-234-1391 [email protected]
- St. Irenaeus Care Facilities Ministry (Cypress)
- Contact: 714-826-0760 [email protected]
- St. Martin de Porres
- Contact: Mary Coulter homevisitsmdpyl.org
PARISH SENIOR MINISTRIES
- Seniors of Santiago
- Senior members of Santiago Community who gather for fellowship and support. Typical meeting is a luncheon where there is an exchange through and ideas on how to mature in a secular world with God as the beacon. Eileen Reinoehl (949) 521-0540 [email protected]
- St. Angela Merici, Brea
- Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living Facilities- Phil Vasquez (714)390-1208
- Home & Residential Care Homes- Dinora Cardenas (714)529-1821
- Spanish Speaking- Lorena Hernandez (714)529-1821
- St. Angela Merici, Brea
- Singles After 50 – Our ministry aims to give support and provide a social life for singles after 50. Contact: Ray Schumaker at (714) 264-2021
- Senior Forum at St. Joseph Parish, Placentia
- Social gathering of seniors in the community the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Contact the parish office for more information: (714)528-1487
- Senior Singles Club, St. Nicholas Parish, Laguna Woods
- Monthly fellowship for outings, gatherings, and shared meals with seniors of all peoples and faith backgrounds.
- Contact the Parish Office (949)837-1090 or visit https://st-nicholaschurch.org/senior-singles for more information.
CAREGIVING
Caregiver support group at St. Timothy Parish, Laguna Niguel
for those caring for a loved one with any type of illness, beginning October 16
Meetings take place the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 9:30-11am
Family Caregiver Resource Center
Sponsored by St. Jude Medical Center, the Family Caregiver Resource Center helps Orange County families who are coping with the physical, emotional, and financial responsibilities of caregiving.
130 W Bastanchury Rd
Fullerton, CA 92835
714-446-5030
http://www.caregiveroc.org/
Magnificare Caregiver Staffing Solutions
Magnificare LLC is a values-driven home care organization with a mission and philosophy in mind to always be family-oriented. We believe in the true meaning of the word “care”. We care about building relationships with our clients and their families. We care about nurturing respect between our clients and their caregivers. We ensure that freedom of choice, individuality, and dignity remain firmly in the hands of those we care for. We understand that being able to stay in your own home can make a huge difference to your mental and physical well-being. We believe that you are the expert in knowing what is best for your lifestyle and will work closely with you and your family members to provide reliable, tailored care enabling you to live the best life that you can. Ryan Mendoza (949)300-6740 [email protected]
For home visits and meal delivery and care coordination services along with other local seniors resources, call (714)220-0224
To locate housing, food, healthcare, mental health and other resource throughout Orange County
Saint Francis Home
Saint Francis Home is a private, 501(c)3 non-profit retirement residence for the elderly in a quiet and peaceful residential area of western Santa Ana, California. Run by the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, this Catholic assisted living home provides elderly care for both Catholic and non-Catholic residents.
1718 W. 6th Street Santa Ana, CA 92703
(714) 542-0381 [email protected] Office Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
http://www.st-francis-home.org/
Senior Care Referral Specialists
For free assistance finding independent living communities, in-home care services, assisted living communities, residential board & care homes, dementia/Alzheimers Care, and other community resources, contact Sharon Holmes, Eldercare Consultant, at 714-955-4781
BOOKS
“Peace in the Storm: Mediations on Chronic Illness & Pain” by: Maureen Pratt
(available in Christ Cathedral Book Store or online) https://www.maureenpratt.com/
“The Peace with Dementia Rosary: Education, Intentions, Community”
*contact [email protected] to order a copy
For more information on Catholic Aging: A Ministry for Aging and Cognitive Impairment visit: https://dementiarosary.com/
- Visitation Ministries
Family Caregiver Resource Center
Sponsored by St. Jude Medical Center, the Family Caregiver Resource Center helps Orange County families who are coping with the physical, emotional, and financial responsibilities of caregiving. Support Groups and free resources available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and interpreter services can help with other languages as well.
(800)543-8312 or (714)446-5030
Support services, caregiving resources, education, and interfaith services. https://www.alzoc.org/
Our mission is to support and empower caregivers through the gift of faith.
OC Navigator (Available in all Languages)
2-1-1 Orange County https://www.211oc.org/
We link Orange County’s most vulnerable with the health and human service resources they need. We have been connecting residents in need to critical social services in Orange County such as housing, job placement, food, and health insurance. We connect thousands of individuals and families to needed community-based programs, including where to find a community clinic, dental care, immunizations, and prescription assistance, food, homeless shelters, elder and childcare, legal services and other resources offered by local nonprofits and government agencies.