SAINTS University is a framework for the programs and services offered by the Office of Aging Ministry.  It is something that is easily referenced when people ask what the Office of Aging does, and it piques interest.  It also aligns with a culture of lifelong learning, contains our Catholic heritage, and the call for all of us to holiness.  It keeps spiritual growth at the center of our care for maturing adults.

CLASSES

Classes will be offered through our current communities, formerly referred to as senates. Different from the previous senate structure, that focused on representatives of each parish senior group, our communities are now open to all seniors and the people who care for them, Catholic or non-Catholic.

An expansion of event topics, into the areas of Faith, Health, Life and Heaven, provides cohesion to our services and moves our programs and services into the arena of spiritual and personal growth and beyond a purely social experience. We acknowledge that social connection is important, particularly in this chapter of life. We also believe that activities in the church, distinct from many activities in the community, have the unique opportunity to speak to the spiritual needs of our seniors to deepen their experience of social connection.

Classes offered in 2025 reflect the top priorities on survey results of seniors who attended OAM events the last quarter of 2024.  Ongoing identification of needs, interests and desired services is being done throughout the year.  Please let us know what you’d like to see offered, [email protected] or call 713-391-2678.

OTHER EVENTS

Events at the University are designed around offering something that cannot be done at the parish level because of scale or resources or doing something that not all parishes have access to. Events will also serve seniors who do not have a parish senior group and any seniors who want to participate.

Three such events planned for this year are:

1. St Joseph Altar at Prince of Peace
2. Spring and Fall Resource Fairs
3. Day trips for each community
   
   

“I will be your God throughout your lifetime — until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.,"               
 Isaiah 46:4 (NLT)

What is Saints University?

• It is a service offered by the Office of Aging of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston for maturing adults and the people who love and care for them.

• It is a learning community focused on faith, fellowship and fun. We believe in lifelong learning because nobody graduates from God.  We are all called to holiness.

• Events, classes and activities are held predominantly in four communities – the northern community, the southwestern community, the central community and the Spanish community. Events are open to ALL seniors, Catholic or non-Catholic and the people who love them.

• A calendar of events for 2025 is available. Classes will be offered in the areas of Faith, Health, Life and Heaven.

Who can attend events?

Events are open to ALL people over 50 years of age and the people who love them – Catholic or non-Catholic.

How do I find out about events?

Download the calendar: SAINTS University 2025 calendar,   Universidad de la Santos

Join our mailing list and you will receive email and/or text messages about upcoming events.

To join our mailing list go to www. Aging.flocknote.com

Visit our website for updates: www.archgh.org/aging

Contact the Office of Aging by phone:  713-741-8712

What is offered by Saints University?

Classes/Presentations in English and Spanish centered on the topics of Faith, Life, Health and Heaven at different parishes around the Archdiocese, held monthly or bi-monthly depending on the location.  Resource fairs specific for senior resources in the spring and fall. One trip per quarter for each of the northern, southwestern, central and Spanish communities. Days of prayer, Fun days, retreats and much more.

Can I teach something at Saints University?

We know that our senior community is full of experience and wisdom. If you have an area of expertise that you would like to share at Saints University, please contact the Director of the Office of Aging Ministry, Kris Kerlin at [email protected] or by phone at 713-391-2678.

"So with old age is wisdom, and with length of days understanding" 
Job 12:12

To further emphasize our high regard for you, our seasoned and sensational seniors, and to esteem you as seen and heard, valued and loved, we are changing the name of this printed newsletter from Senior Chatter to The Senior Sage.

Sage refers to a person who is very wise. It can also refer to someone venerated for the possession of wisdom, judgment, and experience.

Overall, Sage is used to describe someone who is wise, especially as a result of great experience, and we believe that is YOU. We hope you will continue sending in your articles to let us know what you are doing. Sharing your experiences is an inspiration!

The Senior Sage

Summer/Fall 2025

Senior Chatter

Fall 2024