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YOUTH&AGED for life

YOUTH&AGED for life is a spiritual work of mercy quietly taking shape in the archdiocese of Washington, D.C. YOUTH&AGED for life began at Jeanne Jugan Residence, a home for elderly persons in need administered by the Little Sisters of the Poor, in the spring of 2016. The group is developing under the direction of the Little Sisters and Janis Clarke, a consecrated virgin in the archdiocese of Washington, D.C. and singing evangelist.

The goal of our initiative is two-fold:

  • to give young people a firsthand experience of the Gospel of Life by putting them in direct contact with the elderly, with whom they can establish positive lasting
    relationships, what St. John Paul II called a “covenant between generations.”
  • to offer intercessory prayer, especially the Rosary, to end abortion, assisted suicide and euthanasia, and to bolster the Culture of Life in our contemporary culture.

YOUTH&AGED for life responds to Pope Francis’ challenge at World Youth Day in Krakow:

“Talk to your grandparents. If you want to be hope for the future, you have to receive the torch from your grandfather and your grandmother … they are the wisdom of a people.

Talk with the elderly in order to remember … have the courage and bravery to meet situations head on and in that way to sow seeds for the future!”

How to Get Involved in YOUTH&AGED for life

Are you a young person?

With your parents’ support and approval,

  • Spend time with your grandparents, older relatives or elderly neighbors. Ask them to pray the rosary and YOUTH&AGED prayers with you. If you live far away from each other, pray together via Skype or Facetime.
  • With your friends or youth group volunteer at a local assisted living facility or nursing home. Hang out with the elderly and talk to them, or play games together. Invite the residents to pray the rosary and YOUTH&AGED prayers with you.
  • Do some online research to learn more about pro-life issues and initiatives in your area. Tell your friends about what you’ve learned or volunteer to do a presentation for your parish or youth group.
  • Prepare holiday gift bags or cards for the elderly in your neighborhood, parish or local nursing home. With your friends or family deliver them in person and sing a few Christmas carols.
  • Look for ways to perform services for your elderly neighbors or relatives, i.e. mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, house cleaning, etc.

Are you a senior citizen?

  • Invite your grandchildren/great grandchildren, nieces or nephews to pray the rosary and YOUTH&AGED prayers with you. If they don’t know how to pray the rosary teach them!
  • If you know that the youngsters in your family don’t get to Mass on Sundays offer to take them with you.
  • Offer to help your grandchildren/great grandchildren with their homework or special projects. Take advantage of opportunities to share your wisdom and experience with them.
  • Offer to share your skills with young people. Teach them how to cook, sew, crochet, play golf, do car maintenance or balance a budget (i.e. whatever you’re good at)!
  • Talk to young people about our Catholic faith and pro-life issues. Take them to a pro-life event.
  • If you are a nursing home resident be kind and welcoming whenever young people come to visit you or do volunteer work. You might be the only person to share God’s love with them today!

Click the photos to download the YOUTH&AGED for life prayer cards

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