Relatively “young” elderly Catholics who have received training for two years are to work actively for older people in parishes and at a senior academy in Daejeon diocese.

Daejeon Young Senior Academy held a Mass for its  first batch of 48 graduates yesterday at Yusong Church in Daejeon.

The academy offers a two year education course to senior Catholics under 65 designed to help them deal with various aspects of aging.

Students also learn how they can lead others in various recreational activities as well as pilgrimages and retreats.

The graduates will serve as instructors in the senior academy and as volunteers at parishes teaching song, dance and painting.

The graduates received a certificate enabling them to work as volunteers, signed by Bishop Lazzaro You Heung-sik of Daejeon, during the Mass.

“You have finished the program because you have a passion for God, desire for a wise life and strong faith.” the bishop told them.

Half of the graduates are in their 50s and the rest are in their 40s and 60s, according to Father Han.

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