Day to honor elderly in Sleepy Eye

On Thursday, April 21, over 100 parishioners gathered at St. Mary Church in Sleepy Eye for a special day honoring the elderly. The event began with the celebration of Mass followed by lunch. Sister Gladys Meindl, OSF, of St. Michael parish, Morgan, shared insights on spirituality and aging followed by Patti Pelzel, RN from the Sleepy Eye Medical Center who addressed the importance of Health Care Directives (Living wills). Pelzel stated, "Everyone should have their Health Care Directive completed and on file with their doctor or clinic.” She also stated, "People of every age need to do this, not just the senior citizens.”

Local businesses and service providers such as Ross Park Apartments, Countryside Retirement Community, Sleepy Eye Medical Center, Sturm Funeral Home, Redwood Falls Hospice, Randy’s Family Drug & Gift Store as well as Heartland Express were on hand to explain and promote their services.

St. Mary’s parish plans to host such a gathering twice a year. The next gathering will take place next fall.