Denver Catholic

8 I SENIORS MAY 15, 2013 I DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER "OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE: STAR OF THE NEW EVANGELIZATION" Tonight Mr. Dick Altman will speak about the apparitions of Our Lady to St. Juan Diego in Mexico and the significance of imagery of the tilma that brought about the conversion of over nine million Indians in Mexico. Wednesday, May 15th, 7:00 p.m. - FREE John Paul II (1300 S. Steele St Denver) - Bonfils Hall SLATTERY & COMPANY Robert F. Connor, Sr., Chairman • Robert F. Connor, Jr., President Providing Exceptional Service Since 1919 slatteryandcompany.com PLUMBING • HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING Commercial, Residential / Prompt 24 hour service Emergency needs command our total commitment! 181 Vallejo Street 303-744-6311 ADVERTISING FOCUS CALENDAR May 22 Memorial Day Education July 3 June 5 Father's Day Pastoral Anniversaries & Ordinations Health July 17 Fourth of July Celebrating the Health Catholic Reg 3.77" x 4" Sacraments June 19 Seniors/Pastoral Appointments Annual Business Directory July 31 Seniors Aug. 2012 We care for patients in their homes, in our own inpatient facility, in nursing homes or in assisted living residences. During transition, we're with our patients, supporting loved ones or being with patients who have no one else. Our patients are not alone. Not in life . . . nor death. Longtime servants served for the day Fat Retired priests share camaraderie at annual luncheon BY JULIE FILBY On the afternoon of May 8, the community room on the top floor of the Gardens at St. Elizabeth Senior Living Community in north Denver buzzed with conversation, jokes and reunions of old friends, when 16 retired priests of the Denver Archdiocese gathered for lunch and fellowship. The annual retired priests luncheon, organized by the Office of the Vicar for Clergy, is an opportunity for those priests— scattered throughout the archdiocese as there is no central retirement center where they all live— to enjoy a meal and perhaps a glass of wine, while socializing, reminiscing and catching up. Archbishop Samuel Aquila attended as well, visiting with brother priests, leading them in prayer and thanking them for their years of service. Sister of Charity Jackie Leech, chaplain at St. Elizabeth's—where five of the retired priests currently live—helped serve the roast beef luncheon, as well as deacons of the archdiocese, including Deacon Robert Rinne, who serves as the liaison for retired priests. BY NIS Color Kane o May 8. Fathe entire p Archdio 1926, in and An Leadvil and atte in Cano semina inary ( Theolo ver from He w PHOTO BY JULIE FILBY/DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER thedral MSGR. Raymond Jones, second from left, enjoys visiting with ception Archbishop Samuel Aquila, standing, at a luncheon May 8 hon- Vehr in oring retired priests of the Denver Archdiocese. Fathe "He's done an excellent job." ministr Deacon Rinne from the Cathedral Basilica of the ImmacuThere are 42 retired priests inin 1951 late Conception, who previously the archdiocese. Priests ordainedpastor worked as an emergency med- prior to 1993 can retire from ac-He was ical technician, is in his second tive ministry at the age of 70, acyear of the position. He is re- cording to Msgr. Schimitz. Cansponsible for staying in touch on law dictates they must submit with the retired priests and the a request for retirement at age of circumstances in their lives, ac- 75; however the bishop does not Sister cording to Msgr. Bernie Schmitz, have to accept it. Vicar for Clergy. To get in touch with a priest21 at the "He assists them with their retired from active ministry, con-mother needs, makes sure they're OK, tact the Office of the Vicar forhad serv Zita M and helps them with legal things Clergy at 303-715-3197. on Feb. like wills," he said. "(He also) gets them to medical appointments, Julie Filby: 303-715-3123; julie.moved or to the hospital, if they need filby@archden.org; www.twitter. She g Grade S help with that. com/DCRegisterJulie High Sc lins, Co of Char received Marie. on Marc Learn Prepare Train Educate yourself about your Find out what to expect inceived a relative's type of cancer. Share terms of caregiving skills, medi-ucation the information with fami- cal equipment and communityLeavenw ly and friends to help them supports likely to be needed. one yea understand. Talk with your relative aboutthe girls Research community ser- their wishes. Discuss living ar-Mont., s vices that can help. The lo- rangements, outside help, sur-West an cal Cancer Society branch rogate decision-making, medi- After and office on aging are good cal intervention and end-of-lifea secon resources. care, and funeral arrangements.esan H Be careful not to make promisesFamily you may not be able to keep. Communicate and rec Help your relative completetion of a Allow yourself time to adjust to your relative's illness and the legal paperwork such as advance20 years changes it necessitates. Your directives, powers of attorneySister M relative will also need time to and a will. adapt. Be patient and keep communication lines open. Simplify Allow your relative to express Eliminate as many sources any and all emotions. Don't of stress in your life as possible. try to talk them out of their Set priorities, streamline tasks feelings, discourage tears or and learn to settle for less than change the subject because of perfection. your discomfort. Take things one day at a time so Involve your relative (if able) you don't become overwhelmed. and other family members in Learn to live in the moment decision-making as much as and focus on life's simpler possible. Don't shoulder all of pleasures. the responsibility. Ask questions and express Practice self-care concerns when meeting with Set aside quiet time each day, health professionals. Bring a to nurture your spirituality and notebook to appointments. help keep you grounded. Keep loved ones informed of Do something that provides changes in your relative's treat- you with meaning and purpose ment plan and health status. outside of the caregiving role, such as scrapbooking. When cancer hits close to home BY LISA M. PETSCHE A diagnosis of cancer is life-changing for the diagnosed person and those close to them. It launches them into a whole new world of medical information and procedures. Life suddenly revolves round consultations, tests and treatments, and the outcome is uncertain. If the diagnosed person has pre-existing health conditions, such as dementia, their care needs are multiplied. If you are caring for a senior relative with cancer, the following are some things you can do to help manage the stress. Accept Accept the reality of the illness. Let go of any bitterness resulting from interrupted plans and dreams so you can channel your energy in constructive ways. Allow yourself to experience all emotions that surface. Bear in mind that cancer affects people physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually and that, although there may be similarities, no two people will experience it the same way. Accept that how your relative feels and what they can do may fluctuate. Be flexible about plans and expectations. Sist

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