55 and Up Club: A Time to Socialize, Share a Meal and Draw Closer to Our Faith Community

When we think of a person’s overall health, we are quick to look at the shape of their physical body. Yet, mental and spiritual health are equally important considerations. And there’s also the social aspect to well-being. Does the person have a network of people to spend time with and lean on when in need? Often, loneliness can impact the oldest members of our community, especially if they don’t have family in the area. Here at St. Timothy, we are blessed with the 55 and Up Club, which ensures that isolation doesn’t affect those in our community.

The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month from noon to 3 p.m., September to May, in the Parish Hall.

“We are here to serve the spiritual, social and personal needs of our senior parishioners,” says Ray Pironti, ministry leader.

The group has been meeting since at least the early 2000s. About 30 to 40 people attend each month.

“The club is not about me,” Ray says. “It’s about older people enjoying each other. I personally enjoy the company and conversations with various club members. I’m involved in the club because I care about others.”

The meetings include the opportunity to purchase 50/50 raffle tickets; offer prayers for sick members and other intentions; recognize new members; and offer birthday wishes. Then, members share the prayer before meals and a potluck-style meal together. After the meal, members sing the theme song, and the secretary reads the last month’s minutes while the treasurer gives a report. Then, they draw for the raffle. The group will break out into smaller groups — some play cards, while others play Bingo.

“These meetings are a great environment to see people smile, talk and share,” Ray says.

Jim and Patti Brozowsky have been attending 55 and Up Club gatherings for about five years. They enjoy that this is something they can do as a couple. Jim and Patti appreciate that this ministry has helped get them more involved as they also volunteer at parish breakfasts and fish frys.

It’s also important to consider that, when people see each other at weekend Mass, they may not have an opportunity to get to know one another — it takes an extra step to introduce oneself. But the 55 and Up Club helps make introducing yourself more natural. It’s truly a place to enhance relationships and make new friends.

“Our monthly luncheon allows everyone to provide their special homemade contribution to the group,” Ray says. Ray says that he and the other members really look forward to getting together and sharing what’s happened since the previous meeting.

Be sure to watch the bulletin for upcoming meeting dates.

Potluck from a meeting of the 55 and Up Club