Monthly Luncheons in Waterbury Keep Older Adults Connected to One Another
Story by Karen A. Avitabile
Sisters Lucille and Marie Therrien wanted to help older adults in their parish community stay in touch with one another while enjoying a good meal at the same time.
For nearly four decades, various groups within St. Michael the Archangel Church in Waterbury have been involved with sponsoring a luncheon for older parishioners.
About eight years ago, Marie decided to restart the lunch for mature parishioners with the help of her sister. This monthly gathering, which is open to parishioners of Immaculate Conception Parish, has expanded significantly and now draws an average of 100 people each month.
“We have fun doing it and people enjoy the food,” Lucille says. “People look forward to it.”
The sisters, former residents of Waterbury, now reside in Wolcott and generously sponsor the lunch gatherings for guests. With assistance from volunteers, they handle the shopping, prepare the meal, coordinate catering if needed and help to serve it.
The volunteers also assist by setting up the church hall for the lunches by arranging tables, chairs, tablecloths, napkins, plates, cups and utensils.
On a recent Wednesday, guests enjoyed a meal of ziti, meatballs, salad and bread followed by cookies and ice cream for dessert. Volunteers and guests usually bring the desserts to share.
Parishioner and Waterbury resident Donna Marburger is a regular volunteer. “It’s a way of serving the church family and God,” she says. “I help out wherever Marie needs me. I love this community here.”
Guests say they enjoy getting together to meet up with friends and their parish community.
Jim Robinson has been attending the luncheons for about a year. “We had heard about it and people said we needed to come,” he says. “It’s nice to get together.”
Father James Sullivan, rector of Immaculate Conception Parish, and Auxiliary Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt offer a blessing over the food and often dine with the parishioners.
“We do a lot for the young in the parish,” Father Sullivan says, “but it’s great to have something just for the seniors. It creates a great community.”
Bishop Betancourt concurs. “I enjoy being with them. I love the work they are doing.”
Older adults from Immaculate Conception Parish in Waterbury are invited to a free lunch held on the third Wednesday of each month, noon to 1:30 p.m., in the basement church hall of St. Michael the Archangel Church, 62 St. Michael’s Drive, Waterbury. No reservations are needed. For questions, call the parish office, 203.574.0017.