New program for senior adults developed, implemented
‘Prime Time for Seniors’ offers opportunity for spiritual growth

Senior Adult Program: Liz Dudas, center, meets with members of St. Christopher mission in Claxton, Ga., to discuss the Prime Time for Seniors program.

[Tennessee] Oftentimes senior adults don’t have many opportunities to take part in programs that offer time for contemplation and spiritual growth, especially in small mission communities like those staffed by Glenmary priests, brothers and coworkers.

With this in mind, Glenmary’s consultant for ministry development, Liz Dudas, developed “Prime Time for Seniors.”

“This program gives senior adults the opportunity to come together, reflect on their life experience and discover how God’s grace has been active in their lives in truly amazing ways,” Liz says.

The program, which Liz has implemented in the Glenmary missions in Claxton, Ga., and Pontotoc and Aberdeen, Miss., has been well received.

“This program has been wonderful and life-changing,” according to Sister Janet Fischer, pastoral associate of St. Christopher mission in Claxton.

“It’s a chance to get together and share,” Sister Janet says. “It’s helped us realize that there’s a lot of important life left for us to live at a high level.”

Liz recently attended a ministry conference and discovered that “there are not many programs out there that address this group of Catholics and their unique needs and time in life,” Liz says.

“This is an opportunity for senior adults to grow spiritually as they grow in wisdom, age and grace,” she continues.

While Prime Time is currently being used only in Glenmary missions, it can be adapted for use in other parishes.

As she developed the program, Liz says, her guiding principle was clear: “As a people of faith, we believe that all of our life is holy, that every experience reveals something to us of how God is with us.

“We just need to set aside the time to discover—or in some cases, rediscover—some of those experiences and tap into the wisdom gained, and the lessons learned over a lifetime.”

The morning program is held regularly at the three Glenmary missions and includes discussion, reflection and prayer.