By Eileen Connelly, OSU

ARCHDIOCESE — Dominican Sister Jeanette Jabour brings more than 30 years of experience in ministry to the elderly in a new book that reflects her genuine love and respect for the older generation.

In writing Visiting the Elderly: An Essential Parish Ministry (23rd Publications, 2007), Sister Jeanette, who has served as a nursing home administrator, social worker/counselor, and director of Bayley Place, says she hopes to "give a better, more holistic view of aging, to bring out a greater appreciation for all who are in the aging process and to emphasize the spiritual aspect of aging."

The book is dedicated Sister Jeanette’s own parents, Anesa and Kalil Jabour, whom she said taught her to respect people of all ages. Through sharing her experiences, she hopes others will embrace the ministry of visiting the elderly, to share their stories, pray and grow spiritually together.

"My experience has taught me that what elders most desire and get life from is attention to their spiritual being," she said.

Each chapter in Visiting the Elderly reflects a real-life situation encountered by Sister Jeanette. The topics explored offer support in understanding aging persons and the information provided can assist ministers in making their visits meaningful, both for themselves and the person visited.

Among the topics addressed are the many reasons to appreciate older adults, visiting guidelines in a home, care facility or hospital setting, verbal and non-verbal communication tips, setting up a parish visiting program, responding to the spiritual needs of the elderly, and reflections on suffering and dying with Jesus. The book contains five chapters, each ending with appropriate points for reflection and action.
Evident throughout the book is Sister Jeanette’s firm belief in the life-giving aspect of ministry to the elderly and the importance of older adults having the opportunity to share their stories. "There are hundreds of stories in my heart," she said. "Each person I meet has a story that is vital to the entire panorama of life stories. It touches my heart to see the joy and life on the faces of persons who get a chance to share all or part of their stories."

Patrick Conlon, who visits the residents of Mercy St. Theresa Center in Mariemont, has found the book to be a valuable resource in carrying out his ministry to the elderly. "I feel like the book was written for me," he said. "It’s very down to earth and practical. It’s wonderful in explaining in a practical way many of the things we all know intuitively — how to approach and talk to the elderly, things to avoid doing and ways to communicate more effectively."

Although Sister Jeanette retired at the end of last year, she is still active in her ministry of visiting the elderly. She was recognized for her work on Dec. 13 at the Bayley Place Community Wellness Center during a ceremony attended by co-workers, Sisters and friends.

In addition, a Japanese maple tree was planted at the entrance of Bayley Place as a living tribute to her legacy, and December 15 was declared Sister Jeanette Jabour Day in Delhi Township.

Through writing the book and the example of her continuing ministry to the elderly, Sister Jeanette said, "My desire is that more people be aware of the elders in their lives and the life in them, rather than seeing them as sick and decrepit. God gives each of us a gift and we don’t lose them. In fact, they develop with old age. So, we must recognize the gifts of the elderly, listen to their stories, and respond to them with the respect and attention they desire and deserve."