ST. JOHN – It’s never too late to learn something new and it's definitely never too late to have fun. Just ask the seniors who participate in St. John the Evangelist’s Boomers and Beyond ministry. And they are looking for more members all the time.
Cards, bunco and board games were just the tip of the iceberg for people aged 62 and older who participated in the Bommer’s Game Day kickoff event on Sept. 11. “It’s always so much fun,” said Sue Castagna, a co-chair of the group. “We have a potluck lunch; everyone brings a snack or dessert and their favorite games. People get to try something new if they want, or they stick with their favorites.”
The purpose of Boomers and Beyond is to socialize and have fun, and the amount of commitment is up to each participant. There are no dues or requirements, explained Melba Earnest, who co-chairs the ministry with Castagna. Earnest does most of the recruiting, while Castagna organizes most of the events.
“We are an excellent team,” Earnest said. “We really complement each other. I love to help people, and I love to see them enjoy our activities.”
The group is currently collaborating with the parish during the “Season of Creation,” which began Sept. 1 and culminates on Oct. 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. In conjunction with Pope Francis’ exhortation, the “Season of Creation” is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion and commitment, noted Castagna.
A highlight of the season will be on Oct. 2, with a talk entitled, “How Clean is our Clean Water?” Guest speaker Julie Peller, who holds a PhD in organic chemistry from University of Notre Dame, is a professor at Valparaiso University. Peller will be sharing detailed information about nano plastics, micro plastics and ‘forever plastics’ in our drinking water.
Cost for the event, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the church, Olcott Ave., St. John, is $20 per person and includes a catered luncheon. Father Sammie Maletta will begin the event with a prayer. All ages are invited, Castagna said, because these issues of concern for our water supply and caring for the environment affect everyone. “Saving our environment is a collaborative effort. We are all called to help. We want to reach all age groups, from teens to adults,” she said.
Boomers coordinators have been advertising the event throughout the diocese, hoping that at least 75 people will attend.
In the meantime, Castagna is thrilled with how St. John parish is embracing Pope Francis’ specific theme: “Hope and Act with Creation,” with a Mass filled with music, petitions, and a homily emphasizing the importance of creation. In his sermons during the first weekend in September, Father Maletta, pastor of SJE, said his first taste of gardening began when he was a child helping his aunt plant her small garden. As an adult in law school, he recognized that gardening would be an important part of the rest of his life.
Father Maletta stressed the importance of parishioners recognizing their place on this earth and their duty to care for our broken world.
Additionally, reflections can be found in the bulletin each of five weeks.
An event in November should draw a large crowd. On Nov. 14, Richard Putz “is back by popular demand,” Castagna said. The Notre Dame profession will be giving a follow-up presentation to last year’s discussion about artificial intelligence. The talk entitled, “Two Faces Have I, says A.I.” will focus on the duality of A.I., and how it is used. Scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the event will include a potluck lunch, talk and time to ask questions at Trinity Hall, 11303 W. 93rd Ave., St. John. The cost is $15 or bring a dish to pass.
Chris McFadden, a former Boomers’ co-chair, appreciates that something is planned each month for the 62 and older crowd. “I love that you get to meet so many people. There are so many fun activities, but there is no pressure. You can go to everything if you want, but you don’t have to.”
Another former co-chair, Sandy Szymborski agreed. “It is a social ministry for seniors to enjoy things and stay connected. Some people just chose to receive the newsletter to find out what is going on and that is it, which is completely fine!”
In previous years, participants attended the Purdue University Christmas program and went to Chicago for a theater production, recalled Szymborski. “We are especially looking forward to the Christmas luncheon this year at Andorra.”
The holiday gathering is scheduled from 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 at Andorra Banquets and Catering, 1112. Route 41, Schererville. There will be music, food and lots of fun.
A trip to Drury Lane is always on the docket as a spring event.
People may reach out to Castagna at BoomersandBeyondSJE@gmail.com for all events.
Szymborski encourages seniors to get involved. “It’s worth it to try,” she said. “And you will probably make some lifelong friendships.”
Caption: Melba Earnest and Sue Castagna, co-chairs of St. John the Evangelist's Boomers and Beyond, go over some details of their upcoming events while enjoying God's creation outside the parish, 10701 Olcott Ave., St. John, on Aug. 30. The duo encourage seniors from throughout the diocese to attend their upcoming events, especially an Oct. 2 presentation entitled, "How Clean Is Our Clean Water?" (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)