Parish Grandparent Ministries build a community of support and healing for grandparents, encourage them to live holy lives, and equip them with the tools to build up their families and parishes in Christ.
Starting a Grandparent Ministry of prayer and learning at the parish is important. However, please be sure to ask permission from your pastor and understand that not every parish is in a position to support a new ministry. Please respect his decision. If your pastor grants permission to start a Grandparent Ministry, inquire from the parish staff about a meeting room, timing and resources. Only then should you start implementing the Parish Plan.
- Grandparenting Parish Plan
- Bulletin Announcement #1
- Bulletin Announcement #2
- Grandparents Brochure
- Prayer Card
- Grand Adventure Study Guide
- Bulletin Announcement for the Grand Adventure Program
- Registration Form for the Grand Adventure Program
- Pulpit Announcement for the Grand Adventure Program
- “Grandparents: Living the Faith on Our Journey to Eternity” Study Guide
- Editable Flyer (Horizontal) for the Grandparents: Living the Faith Program
- Editable Flyer (Vertical) for the Grandparents: Living the Faith Program
Online Resources for Grandparents to Use
- The Gen2Rev Storybook: A Walk through the Catholic Bible. This book, recommended for children in Grades K-8, tells the story of salvation from God’s creation of the world in Genesis to Revelation. gen2revcatholic.com
- Brother Francis DVDs for children ages 2-8. These DVDs teach children the faith and are exciting, very educational, and modern. brotherfrancisonline.com
- Holy Heroes “Glory Stories.” Each Glory Story focuses on the life of a saint. Holy Heroes also created a dramatized stations of the cross and their website is filled with games and books that help teach the faith. holyheroes.com
- Tell Me About the Catholic Faith Children’s Bible and Catechism by Ignatius Press. This is perfect for children ages 6 and up. It is very colorful and incorporates both the Old and New Testaments as well as simple Catechesis. ignatius.com
- Totally Catholic: A Catechism for Kids and Their Parents and Teachers. This is for kids 9 and up. It is easy to read, thorough and very interactive. pauline.org
- Once Upon a Time Saints book series by Ignatius Press. There are four books in this series and they make the lives of the saints come to life. ignatius.com
- “Tell All Souls About My Mercy: Conversations from the Diary of St. Faustina” DVD by Mother of Mercy Messengers. thedivinemercy.org/momm
Books for Grandparents to Read
Look for these resources at your local, Catholic bookstore!
- Head & Heart: Becoming Spiritual Leaders for Your Family by Katie Warner
- Prayers for Grandparents by Catherine Wiley
- The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming by Henri J.M. Nouwen
- The Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World by Henri J.M. Nouwen
- Grandparents are Forever by Carolyn Gutowski
- Creative Grandparenting Across the Miles: Ideas for Sharing Love, Faith, and Family Traditions by Patricia L. Fry
- GrandLoving: Making Memories with Your Grandchildren: Babies to Teens – Near or Farby Sue Johnson, Julie Carlson & Elizabeth Bower
- Long-Distance Grandparenting: Connecting with Your Grandchildren from Afar by Wilma Willis Gore
- The Essential Grandparent: A Guide to Making a Difference by Dr. Lillian Carson
- Know Me, Hold Me, Sing to Me: What My Grandchild Taught Me about God by Kathleen O’Connell Chesto
- Rich in Years: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Long Life by Johann Christoph Arnold
- Return: How to Draw your Child Back to the Church by Brandon Vogt