A calling to compassionate care: the need for gerontology education in the seminary

Thesis (M.A., Special Major (Communicare and Aging))--California State University, Sacramento, 2011An understanding of all aspects of aging is crucial for those who work with elders. Parish priests minister to elder parishioners on a regular basis. The intent of this research is to determine to what extent Catholic seminaries offer adequate gerontology instruction and training for those who are preparing for the priesthood. It also looks at whether seminarians and recently ordained priests believe they are adequately trained and prepared to serve elder parishioners. It looks at what experiences they have in ministering to elders and examines what seminarians and priests express they want and need to have taught in the seminary on age-related topics. Most information is gathered through a survey created by the researcher. The survey is made up of 13 open-ended questions. Secondary research methods are observations, shadowing, and the examination of seminary curricula and library content. The data from these secondary methods are used to supplement the information gathered through the survey. The research of the seminary curricula studied shows gerontology courses are not being offered in the seminaries and participants report not having courses related to aging. \ud The majority report not feeling fully prepared to work with elders. The survey responses indicate participants have a wide range of experiences with elders; yet, when experiences prove challenging, many are not confident and comfortable. Many participants request a wide range of age-related topics to be taught. Responses clearly demonstrate a consensus from both seminarians and priests for gerontology instruction to better prepare them for ministering to elders.Special Major (Communicare and Aging