Catholic Outlook Magazine Ordinary Time Winter Edition 2022

“I was part of a Vinnies group in Emu Plains and we
had a friendship group there, which started going to
Edinglassie to visit and I noticed there were some
elderly people there who had no visitors, or very
infrequent visitors,” she says.
“So, I thought it would be great to have some
kids come down of an afternoon and play games,
do craft activities and just hang out with the
elderly residents.”
“It’s great. It creates this wonderful intergenerational
connection,” she says.
Kate says the elderly residents also benefit from
the visits.
“It helps them build on their sense of self-worth. For
residents who don’t receive many visitors, they know
that at least once a week, the kids come and visit.
They feel they are still beneficial to society and can
still contribute by passing on some of the lessons
they’ve learnt in their life,” she says.
“Their whole face lights up for that hour they
spend together.”
During the pandemic, Ruth says the children have
been keeping in contact with the Edinglassie
residents by writing letters and cards and sending
cookies and hampers.
In January 2021, Pope Francis announced the
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, to be
celebrated each year on the fourth Sunday of July,
coinciding with the feasts of the Blessed Virgin
Mary’s parents and Jesus’ grandparents, Saints
Joachim and Anne.
The theme for this year’s World Day for Grandparents
and the Elderly is: “In old age they will still bear fruit”
(Psalms 92:15).
“I have chosen this theme for the Second World
Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, to be held
on 24 July 2022, to promote dialogue among the
generations, especially between grandparents and
grandchildren,” the Pope said.
Paul Lowe, grandfather to six-year-old Kathryn who
attends the Ambrose service at OLOW, says this
inter-generational dialogue is a product of spending
time together.
“I’ve got seven grandchildren from age 14 down,
and I spend time with all of them,” he says. “Over
the years, I’ve picked them up from school or looked
after them at home when their parents work.
Ruth Apelu.
Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
“Kate and her mother, my daughter, live with us, so
we spend a lot of time together.
“It’s good for all of us. I lost my wife over eight years
ago, and thanks to the love my wife fostered, we
have a very strong family and we enjoy spending
time together.
“When we’re together they get to know a bit of what
my lifestyle is like at 73 and I learn from them too.
They’ve got plenty of energy and enthusiasm which
is good to be a part of. They know I don’t mollycoddle
them, but sometimes of course I do spoil
them, like all grandparents.
“I get such a kick out of them. Each generation
has got something to teach the others and I know
I share my strong values and thoughts on things
with them.”
Ambrose® early years education and school
age care services are run by Catholic Diocese of
Parramatta Services Limited, an agency of the
Diocese of Parramatta. To find a service near you
go to ambrose.org.au.
Debra Vermeer is a freelance journalist.
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