On Sept. 8, the country will celebrate National Grandparents Day. The contributions and love families have experienced by their biological and spiritual grandparents is worth reflecting upon and encouraging them to continue to share their light. 

In the national celebration, different from the worldwide Catholic one held July 28 this year, the diocesan focus will be the contributions grandparents bring to a community as they proclaim God’s wondrous deeds through their lived faith experience.

One who is an excellent example of sharing her gifts to the community inside and outside the church is Jessie Bowens, parishioner at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Greenville. She is the proud mother of two sons, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. At one point, she was called to step in and helped raise one of her grandchildren from infancy.

“My grandchildren are grown now but they are still Catholic, and they never leave the house without saying, ‘Love you Nanna,’” she said.

Jessie is an inspiration for other grandparents and elderly who do not feel they have anything to offer. 

Now 87 years old — she is proud of her age — she has agreed to be a substitute teacher for 12 weeks at the Catholic school for a second-grade teacher on maternity leave. 

As a teacher, former assistant principal and principal, Jessie brings so much experience into a classroom. The first thing she did when she retired from being a principal was volunteer at a school for children who were expelled. She also serves on the School Improvement Council of Southside High School in Greenville, plus other boards in the area.

“The children don’t care how many degrees you have, but they do care about how genuinely you love them,” Jessie explained.

She added that the children keep her young and on her toes.

For the Church, after many years as a catechist, Jessie decided she would expand her cooking skills and help prepare over 150 meals for families for the Wednesday Faith Formation classes at St. Anthony. She does not just stay in the kitchen but walks around and talks to students and their parents. Everyone knows Jessie.

When asked why she continues to serve, Jessie replied that it is her way of giving back. “The Lord expects us to do it.”
For the seniors who might be discouraged or may not have their own grandchildren, she encourages them to get involved in any way they are able.

“We have words of wisdom to share with others and we must model how to live as Christians,” she said.

She explained that living through so many life events makes their witness credible.

A tag line from an organization that encourages intergenerational collaboration states, “Celebrate Grandparents Day by committing to do something Grand.”

Just like Jessie, grandparents have so much to share.

Consider the following:

1. Pray for your family and your church family
2. Visit the sick and bring Eucharist to the homebound
3. Cook for others, share those family recipes with all
4. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or animal shelter
5. Be part of a bereavement group to assist at funeral receptions
6. Become a catechist or be a substitute catechist
7. Sign up to be an adorer for eucharistic adoration
8. Take care of the gardens at church or school
9. Read to young children or tell them stories from your childhood
10. Continue to love others