November 2025, Members of the Young at Heart ministry pictured with S. Kathy Burton, SSJ, front row second from right.
If you sit in the pews on any given Sunday at Christ the King, you’ll hear the joyful sounds of children adding their voices to the harmony of the Mass. Walk through Morgan Hall during the week and you’ll find teens sharing meals, serving together, and discovering what it means to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. Throughout the week, our men’s and women’s ministries gather, Bible study meets, and school groups come and go. CTK is a lively parish blessed with people who say “yes” to faith beyond Sunday worship, disciples of every age, stage, and season of life.
While we are often recognized as a young parish, we are equally committed to nurturing community for our seniors. Our Young at Heart ministry welcomes all parishioners over the age of 50. Though the Social Security Administration notes that the average new retiree is around age 65, many of our regular participants are well into their retirement years and bringing tremendous life experience, joy, and faith to our parish community. Of the 35 attendees at our recent gathering, 17 serve in multiple ministries, and three are still working. This is a vibrant, generous group that continues to grow in faith and seek meaningful connection within the life of the Church.
On November 13, we were blessed to welcome Sr. Kathy Burton, SSJ, who spoke beautifully about gratitude and the gift of embracing our life experiences. Attendees shared how calm and spiritually refreshed they felt after her presentation. Last month, Young at Heart took a trip to Discover Ministries in Hammonton, and next month we look forward to an outing to Philadelphia, with transportation provided.
Each gathering includes a delicious lunch, always accompanied by homemade desserts from members. And in the spirit of Catholic hospitality, each month the group also supports the Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Center; in November, donations of laundry detergent were collected.
Whether you are newly retired, semi-retired, or simply seeking fellowship and faith, we invite you to join us. Our parish is made up of a welcoming community of believers, and there’s always room for more!
This article was written by the Stewardship Office, for more information on Young at Heart, or to learn how you can share your gift of time with our parish, please contact Cheryl Judge in the parish office.