Religion Briefs
Saturday, January 12, 2002
State lawmakers and other government officials can expect to hear informed opinions about the needs of the elderly with a medical professional scheduled to speak at the annual Red Mass at 9 a.m. Thursday. Growing needs of isle seniors
to be discussed at annual MassStar-Bulletin staff
Public policy concerning Hawaii's rapidly growing senior population will be the topic of the homily to be given by Clementina Ceria, project coordinator of the Honolulu Heart Project, which is funded by the National Institute for Aging. She is an assistant professor at the University of Hawaii School of Nursing and is active in Faith Action for Community Equity, an interfaith organization advocating for the poor.
Honolulu Catholic Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo will preside at the liturgy at Our Lady of Peace Cathedral in downtown Honolulu. Members of federal, state and county governments traditionally attend the annual service, which is the Catholic Church's public prayer for Hawaii's public servants. The service, which is named for the red vestments used for a Mass dedicated to the Holy Spirit, originated in Europe 700 years ago and is an annual event in Washington and other American cities.
Government figures project that by 2025, one in five Hawaii residents will be 65 or older, said Sister Helene Wood of the Honolulu Diocese. "That challenges us with mounting social, financial and physical needs. Public policies must begin to reflect this coming reality.
"The government must set in motion actions that will address the concerns of the elderly while ensuring their well-being and protecting their rights."
Wood said that island Catholics at the 2000 Synod put care of the elderly among the top priorities for the church. Each of 12 subjects on the priority list will be addressed in a public forum this year as the Catholic Church marks its 175th anniversary in Hawaii, she said. Other concerns on the list include helping victims of domestic violence and substance abuse, caring for the disabled and sustaining healthy family life, including assisting parents and providing for youths.
Free workshops teach about care for the dying
Pearl City Community Church will offer a February workshop series to help people provide sensitive and compassionate care for the dying.The sessions also will help people explore their own spiritual values and faith teachings that affect death and grieving.
Ana Zir, project coordinator for improving end-of-life care at the Center on Aging at University of Hawaii, will facilitate the "Complete Life Course: Care of the Dying."
The free course will meet from 8 a.m. to noon on Feb. 9, 16 and 23. Jan. 25 is the deadline for registration.
Call Geri Ihara at 488-9937 or Pearl City Community Church at 455-4148.
RELIGION CALENDAR
