Podstawy biblijno-teologiczne duszpasterstwa ludzi starych

Abstract

Pastoral care for old people becomes more important in the context of the function the diaconate of the Church plays (see EV 46). In the present day old people become more and more aware. They become more conversant with geriatric medicine, gerontology, andragogy, psychology and sociology. There is also a pastoral need for the Church to take new tasks towards old people, engaging them in this work and taking into account the post-conciliar term „the People of God” Consequently, it is necessary to notice and take advantage of the great potential of the laity. Old people may become in a parish promoters and implementors of many pastoral initiatives, serving to themselves and to the parochial community. It is commonly held, and this approach disproves it, that the aged need only help. Old people should be made active in their ministry on behalf of the Church’s community not only in the parochial, but also diocesan dimensions.