By Sallie Bachar
Catholic Herald correspondent
Merrill youth group hosts party for senior citizens
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Senior citizens play bingo at the Golden Agers Extravaganza hosted by the youth group at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Merrill. (Catholic Herald photo by Sallie Bachar) |
MERRILL -- The St. Francis Xavier youth group in Merrill wanted to do something different this year for its annual service project. Said Judy Warren, director of the group, "Instead of the usual cookies which we deliver to the shut-ins at Christmas, the kids decided to throw a party for the senior members of the parish."
Sixteen-year-old Katie Kwiesielewicz, who helped in the planning, said, "They do a lot of stuff for us. Why not thank them for helping us."
Invitations were mailed out to all parishioners 70 years and older inviting them to attend the Golden Agers Extravaganza. The event began with a special Mass at l p.m. on Sunday, May 21, celebrated by Fr. Joseph Kleinheinz, himself a golden ager. Afterwards, approximately 65 seniors gathered for an afternoon of bingo and fun. The teens helped prepare and serve the lunch, and the party closed with a sing-along.
"They really liked the songs," said Warren. "It brought them back to their school days."
The response of those who attended was very enthusiastic. "This is wonderful," said LuAnn Grube, a long-time parish member. Marlene Hinz added, "I hope they keep it up. It just goes to show you we have a great group of kids here." One parishioner admitted she doesn't like playing bingo but came "because of the kids."
The youth group is open to all students in grades six through ten. Currently, about 50 young people are active members. Warren has been the director for the past four years. She is also the full-time director of religious education for grades K-6, and said she couldn't manage the youth group too without the help of her assistant, Diana Zimmerman. "Diana has been with me from the beginning and does a lot for me," said Warren.
Thank you notes have been arriving in the mail every day since the event. "I think this is the best thing that the parish has ever done," said one parishioner. "I'm so glad they thought of us seniors once."
"These older people are very special to the kids' hearts," said Warren. Judging from the positive responses, this might just become an annual event.
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2006