All Saints Catholic Community

The Third Age Learning Center (or "TALC", for short), sponsored by All Saints Parish and The Archdiocesan Office of Aging Ministry, is a part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

The purpose of TALC is to promote improvement in the quality and dignity of life for older adults and to assist them in finding enrichment, joy, fellowship, meaning, and purpose through enrollment in the programs and activities at TALC.

For information, contact Jo' Kelley Parrish by phone at 713-864-2187
or by email at Jo-Kelley@sbcglobal.net

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In our YOUTH we are learners...

In our MIDDLE YEARS we are earners...

In our LATER YEARS we are returners!!

The Third Age Learning Center of All Saints Catholic Community is dedicated to helping older adults realize their VALUE and DIGNITY, and providing an opportunity for them to gather together in an organized way to remain active and purposeful members of society!

WHY A THIRD AGE LEARNING CENTER?

In the United States we have a new minority group emerging that claims 25 million members! It is our people over the age of 60. What is interesting though, is where they are found. Only 5% are in nursing homes; 15% are homebound or handicapped; and a whopping 80% are mostly retirees who are basically healthy, mobile, and usually want to make good use of their talents and time.

There thus emerges a need to develop organizations, structures and facilities, which will assist this grand group of people to continue to live a purposeful life. In many Dioceses such organizations have come into existence to meet these emerging needs. Here in the Galveston-Houston Diocese, THIRD AGE LEARNING CENTERS have been organized as an effort to provide leadership and opportunities for our older friends, neighbors and parishioners.

When we gather together in a group we expand opportunities to improve the quality, productivity and dignity of the "third agers". Also, other important needs are met: the need to belong and the need for some community. Many "third agers" live apart from family, and often times have few or no relatives with whom to associate. Having a loving and welcoming group with whom to relate on a daily basis fills their lives with friendship, comradeship and intimacy. When provided in a familiar setting such as our church, all the more are their needs fulfilled.

A SIX POINT PROGRAM

* SOCIAL AWARENESS

The "third agers" of America deserve respect and honor. They have made a contribution to our society, and have a right, as well as a need, to be affirmed.

* NEW RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCES

With a more relaxed lifestyle "third agers" now have the time to pursue religious interests.

* SERVICE

Volunteer activities can fill the void that sometimes fills "third agers" lives. In reaching out to others in help, they really do more to help themselves!

* CONTINUING EDUCATION

To keep on learning is a good way to remain physically and psychologically alive.

* RECREATION

Effort is made to provide creative and constructive activities worthy of the dignity, wisdom and experience of third agers such as: field trips, celebrations, and programs.

* COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

It is very affirming to know that whatever one's age, one is never finished being a first-class citizen. Hence "third agers" are encouraged to seek ways and means to be actively involved in parish and neighborhood concerns.

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Programs are offered in fall and spring semesters. Please see the class schedule for a list of the courses.

TALC is located in the former All Saints parochial school in the Heights. Close to I-10, I-45, and I-610, it is conveniently located for parishioners and others from neighboring parishes and the local community who wish to come and participate!

For further information about the Third Age Learning Center, write: TALC, 215 East 10th St, Houston TX 77008.