World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
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World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
Pope Francis has established the 4th Sunday of July (July 25th this year) as a day to celebrate grandparents and the elderly. This is especially important this year when the elderly have been so isolated, but Pope Francis reminds us that the elderly have been a more and more isolated portion of our population for years. This celebration seeks to begin to heal and reverse that trend by encouraging us to recognize the value of each older person in our lives, to see them in the context of a family (whether or not they are grandparents), and to recognize the critical (but often unacknowledged) roles they play in family and social life.
The Church is granting plenary indulgences on the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly this year. A plenary indulgence is a remission of the lingering effects of our sins that have already been forgiven through the sacrament of Reconciliation by applying the merits of the Saints through our communion with them as members of the Body of Christ.- The elderly can obtain an indulgence by participating in Mass on this day or, if they cannot leave their homes for a serious reason, by “attending” via television, radio, or internet.
- Anyone who performs a work of mercy by visiting an elderly person who is alone can also obtain the indulgence. If (and only if) meeting in-person is forbidden by health authorities, then a virtual meeting would also suffice to obtain the indulgence.
- Visit your own grandparents, neighbors, or elderly friends, especially if they are alone. And consider taking a card, flowers, or a gift and/or telling them how special or appreciated they are. You can also pray with them or let them know that you are praying for them by lighting a candle or saying a rosary for them. You can also ask if they need anything, like help shopping for groceries or doing yardwork or chores.
- Kids can color cards for our homebound parishioners at Coffee and Donuts on July 11th. We will have extras for them to take home to color for their grandparents as well.
- Join a group of parishioners in a visit to a local assisted living or nursing home the afternoon of Sunday, July 25. If you’d like to participate, please contact Matt Flynn at mattflynn@stclarechurch.org or 632-3562.
