Senior Citizen Fellowship

The Senior Citizens’ Fellowship came to be organized in 1997 in response to a suggestion by the Women’s Fellowship. It, however, functions independently as a programme of the Pastorate Committee. The idea was mooted during Rev. Bardey’s ministry. Mrs. Shalini Dongre was the first Convenor to set it up with the assistance of Mrs. Loolu Thomas, Mrs. Olga Nazareth, Mrs. Koshy, Mr. G. Mathai, Mr. C.S. Varkey, Mr. K.C. Cherian and Mr. A.P. Kurian. The first meeting of the Senior Citizens’ Fellowship was held under the leadership of Mrs. Shalini Dongre on 26th April 1997.

Reporting about the Senior Citizens’ Fellowship, the Church Newsletter in April 1998 stated: “There are currently about 70 senior citizens (60 years and above) in St. Stephen’s Church. The Fellowship meets on the second Saturday of each month at 5 p.m. The attendance at these meetings varies from 20-30 members. But for factors such as physical infirmities, inability to commute long distance etc., the number of those who attended would have been significantly higher.”

At the meetings of the Senior Citizens’ Fellowship, expert guest speakers were invited to speak on subjects like nutrition, diet, medical and health problems. A Quiz also formed part of these programmes. It was impressed upon the members about the need to have a WILL to avoid legal problems that may crop up subsequently. They were also provided with the draft copy of a WILL.

The Church is now looking at how to make the Senior Citizens’ Fellowship relevant to its members in a fast changing society.