SAINTS University
Introducing . . . SAINTS University
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, kkerlin@archgh.org 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:
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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)
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Saints University?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A calendar of events for 2025 is available. Classes will be offered in the areas of Faith, Health, Life and Heaven.