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For consultation and referral for Catholic senior care, click on "Find Services" above, or call our HELP LINE at
1-877-420-6461 

What Is CSS? The work of the Church!

"The exercise of charity... is as essential to [the Church] as the ministry of the sacraments and preaching of the Gospel." 
                                                            -  Pope Benedict XVI
CSS is an association of the seven Catholic senior care providers of the Archdiocese. These CSS affiliate organizations collaborate as directors on the CSS board, chaired by Bishop Lee Piche, Auxiliary Bishop of this Archdiocese, in order to address the increasing needs of seniors in the Archdiocese. 

CSS Affiliated Catholic Senior Care Providers:
See Map of Locations Here

Benedictine Health System
New Brighton, Minneapolis, Red Wing, St. Paul, Shakopee, Osseo
651-259-6118
www.bhshealth.org

Catholic Eldercare
Minneapolis
612-379-3170
www.catholiceldercare.org

Franciscan Health Community
St. Paul
651-646-2797
www.franciscancare.org

Little Sisters of the Poor
St. Paul
651-227-0336
www.littlesistersofthepoorstpaul.org

Regina Medical Center’s Senior Living
Hastings
651-480-4333
www.reginamedical.org

Saint Therese
New Hope, Brooklyn Pk, Shoreview
763-531-5000 
www.sttheresemn.org

St. Therese Southwest
Hopkins, Minnetonka
952-933-3333
www.sttheresesouthwest.com  

What Does CSS Do?

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  • CSS coordinates collaboration between the archdiocese, affiliates and parishes to foster initiatives in four areas:
  • Senior Care Coordination & Home/Community Based Services
  • Parish Based Housing
  • Parish Programming 
  • Catholic Identity 
These four areas of focus constitute the four strategic imperatives of CSS. The Catholic identity and character of our mission animates all that we do. Increased opportunities, services and efficiencies flow to and from these initiatives.

Bishop Lee Piche, chair of the CSS board, stated, “The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has a deep interest in these initiatives, and, through CSS, hopes to provide better communication and cooperation between the various agencies so as to connect our seniors to the services they need more effectively and to assist our parishes in finding new ways to minister to our seniors.”


Mission

  • The mission of CSS is rooted in the mission of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, to affirm the profound dignity and value of all human persons. We believe human life must be respected from conception to natural death.
  • We respond to the example of Christ, the Servant of all, in our mission in serving the needs of seniors in both body and soul. This means fullest access of seniors to the sacraments and pastoral care, as well as the highest quality health care.
  • We are committed to the Church’s preferential love for the poor. We help the underserved with compassion and responsible stewardship.
  • Embracing our common Catholic identity, CSS coordinates and connects seniors to parish-integrated Catholic senior care, housing and services throughout the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in communion with the Archbishop.

   CSS connects seniors to Catholic services in care of body and soul.

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Why CSS?

"For the Church, charity is not a kind of welfare activity which could equally well be left to others, but is a part of her nature, an indispensable expression of her very being." - Benedict XVI
  • Minnesotans rank the need for senior care in the top three overall societal issues.
  • By 2030, 1 in 4 Minnesotans will be age 65 or older, double the current number.
  • The number of individuals age 85 and over will triple.
  • 28% of the metropolitan area’s population is Catholic. Catholic seniors will need approximately 11,000 units of senior housing and services.
  • An estimated one-third of baby boom seniors will not have adequate financial resources for retirement.
  • Another one-third will be living in poverty.
  • At least half of all Twin Cities senior households will not be able to afford the      housing they require.
  • Dramatic Increases in Americans with Alzheimer’s Disease is Projected.
  • The Need for Long-Term Care will Triple by 2050.
  • Family care giving is dropping dramatically ; Ratio of Caregivers to Older Adults dropping.
  • 3.6% of 85+ population is divorced compared to 50% of the 50 – 54 year olds.      Adult children from divorced families are less like to provide caregiving support to the non-custodial parent. According to the Minnesota State Demographic Center:
  • This year, 10,000 baby boomers a day will turn 65 and the trend will continue for the next 20 years.
  • By the end of this decade, there will be as many people 65 and older as there are children in K-12 schools.

CSS affiliates don't only take care of Catholics, but rather care for ALL ... because we are Catholic 

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"The parable of the Good Samaritan remains as a standard which imposes universal love towards the needy whom we encounter... whoever they may be." 
- Benedict XVI

"So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Gal. 6:10)

Seniors In Financial Need: Catholic Charities Intake Line: 651-647-2290

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Catholic Charities provides the following services for seniors:
  • Senior Care Management
  • Homeless Elders
  • Caregiver Support

More info here.

Senior LinkAge Line : 1-800-333-2433

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CSS affiliates provide the entire continuum of senior care options, from independent living to home care to hospice.


However, for needs beyond Catholic senior housing, care and FREE parish programming, the Senior LinkAge Line® can connect you with:
  • Financial Assistance
  • Home Care
  • Housekeeping and Chore services
  • Indian Elder Program
  • Legal Assistance
  • Long-term Care Ombudsman
  • Meal Delivery and Nutrition
  • Transitional Consultation
  • Transportation
... AND Many other services to help you remain independent in your community.

Catholic Cemeteries: 651-228-9991

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Generations of families have turned to The Catholic Cemeteries - 
sacred places of remembrance, comfort and hope




 Why plan ahead
 Understanding cremation
 What to do when a loved one dies
 Special ways to remember
 Support through the grieving process



Learn more here. 

SENIOR NEWS

Pope Francis I - Strong Supporter of Seniors and Human Dignity!

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The new pontiff denounced euthanasia and assisted suicide, calling it a “culture of discarding” the elderly.

“In Argentina there is clandestine euthanasia.  Social services pay up to a certain point; if you pass it, ‘die, you are very old’.  Today, elderly people are discarded when, in reality, they are the seat of wisdom of the society,” he said “The right to life means allowing people to live and not killing, allowing them to grow, to eat, to be educated, to be healed, and to be permitted to die with dignity.”

Meanwhile, he made the following comments to his priests last year: “In our ecclesiastical region there are priests who don’t baptize the children of single mothers because they weren’t conceived in the sanctity of marriage. These are today’s hypocrites… Those who separate the people of God from salvation. And this poor girl who, rather than returning the child to sender, had the courage to carry it into the world, must wander from parish to parish so that it’s baptized!”  More > 

Our Lady of Peace Hospice services in Archdiocese offer comfort, respect dignity

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Franciscan Health Community, a CSS affiliate based in St. Paul, is the only Catholic licensed provider of hospice services in the archdiocese. “The general public is gradually recognizing the benefits of hospice care, especially its emphasis on quality of life and pain management at end of life,” said Joe Stanislav, CEO of Franciscan Health Community. More > 

Families safety proof homes to prevent senior falls

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The first day of fall kicked off a Fall Prevention Crusade to warn families to safety proof their homes to prevent seniors from falling. Falls are the #1 cause of injuries, hospital visits, and deaths among those 65 and older. That's why Senior Helpers, one of the largest in-home senior care companies warns families to safety proof their homes with a “fall prevention checklist.” More > 

Saint Therese Care Suites Now Open in Brooklyn Park

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Saint Therese believes in a continuum of care model, meaning that, whenever possible, seniors should receive a comprehensive array of health services on a single campus. The same continuum of care is now available through the new Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake expansion. The addition will feature “Suites” of both transitional and long-term care options in a “neighborhood model”. The model is designed so residents will be grouped in smaller areas rather than in large wings. More >

Medicare Open Enrollment Tips for 2013

The open enrollment period for 2013 Medicare plans begins October 15 and extends through December 7. This annual ritual asks more than 50 million people, mostly seniors, to venture forth once again into the arcane and complex world of Medicare health insurance—Parts A, B, C, and D, drug formularies, shifting co-pay, coinsurance, and deductible rules, and now, a growing assortment of health reform changes. More > 

Boomers and travel: Plan ahead and protect your health

(BPT) - Getting older means being a little more susceptible to a variety of health problems while traveling. However, with a little planning and some caution, baby boomers and seniors can have a safe, healthy and enjoyable trip. Here are some pre-planning tips to help get you started: More >

Advice For Seniors To Avoid Scams

R. Booth Goodwin hopes that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The U.S. Attorney stopped in Oak Hill on Thursday to talk to seniors about what they can do to protect themselves from financial scams and what he says is an increasing number of drug-related home invasions targeting the elderly. More > 

St. Therese Southwest Opens State-of-the-Art Facility: The Glenn In Minnetonka

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St. Therese Southwest opened a major new facility in Minnetonka, providing a stunning example of cutting-edge Catholic senior care. 
More >

Care Coordination Pilot Underway at St. Ambrose in Woodbury

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Navigating the wide range of support services and health care resources available for the aging population can be a daunting task.
More >

Developing Support Systems ... A Must...

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By DEB CRANNY 
It was a wonderful morning – there were just a few of us, but that made it just perfect. As I sat and listened, thinking I was only an ‘outsider’ because I was not caring for my spouse, my thoughts wondered to where my support comes from. “Hey, my husband’s out of town, can you do dinner tonight?” “I’m on a walk, but thought we’d catch up by phone for a bit.” “I’d love to see you, even if you can stay just one night. It’ll be great to catch up.” Connecting in whatever way possible in our busy lives with those who support us seems to make the little joys even more fun to share and definitely makes life’s struggles just a bit easier to bear. 
More >

Lawsuit Contends Pressure to Declare Brain Dead

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The New York Organ Donor Network pressured hospital staffers to declare patients brain dead so their body parts could be harvested — and even hired “coaches” to train staffers how to be more persuasive, a bombshell lawsuit charged yesterday. More > 

Ten Ways to Avoid Financial Elder Abuse

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Financial elder abuse is the third most common type of elder abuse, and according to reports, it’s the fastest growing problem for elderly people. Simple steps of caution can prevent you or your loved one from falling prey to such events. More >

The Importance of Exercise for the Elderly

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Jack Faust, a 101-year-old Navy veteran of World War II, is making headlines by competing in the 26th National Veterans Golden Age Games, a sports and recreation competition for former soldiers over the age of 55. Faust, who has won numerous gold and silver medals in previous competitions, plans to tackle such events as bowling, shuffleboard, air rifle and checkers – all of which he’ll undertake in a wheelchair. More >

Three Ways New Technolog Can Make Your Home Life Easier

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(StatePoint) From MNCatholicseniors.com: New technology in your home can sometimes leave you feeling overwhelmed by gizmos and gadgets. But if you choose your technology wisely, you can simplify your domestic life rather than clutter your living space with products you don’t use. Here are three simple ways technology can help you streamline your home:  More > 

Georgia Governor signs ban on assisted suicide

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(LifeSiteNews.com) - Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has signed a bill banning assisted suicide that will now take effect immediately.

The bill, HB 1114 sponsored by Rep. Ed Setzler (District 35), was passed in response to last February’s decision by the Georgia Supreme Court that struck down the state’s previous law that pro-lifers considered weak and ineffective. It had only prevented advertising assisted suicide services, but did not prohibit the procedure itself.

“Stopping the immoral and barbaric practice of killing in the name of compassion is the right thing to do,” said Dan Becker of Georgia Right to Life. “Governor Deal deserves credit for endorsing this measure.”

More > 

The coming nursing home shortage

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Construction of facilities is declining, and the federal government has cut Medicare reimbursement rates. As seniors increase in numbers, expect elderly care to suffer. 
More >

Seniors build bonds with tutors while learning to use computers

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At 87 years old, Claire Hoepfl figures she still has time left to learn a new thing or two. That's why when the opportunity arose for her to learn how to use a personal computer, Hoepfl jumped at the chance. ... Well, maybe not jumped.
More >

Baby Boomer Care Givers and Senior Care - Tips for Coping 

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Surveys suggest that today’s baby boomers–those born between 1946 and 1965–will likely spend time caring for an aging parent or loved one, according to Paäge et Cie, a senior care consulting and financial services company. 
More > 

How to Retire Without a Mortgage

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Feb. 21, 2012, 11:30 a.m. ESTDaily Local NewsIn a recent edition of Kiplinger online, at www.kiplinger.com , Jan. 4, 2012, Senior Editor Michael DeSenne described “6 Ways to Retire Without a Mortgage.”  Depending on the circumstances, most of these ideas are valid. Some of them, as the author notes, require a longer time frame to plan. You might not be able to begin all at age 60 or 65, for instance, but others can be applied closer to retirement age. 
More > 

Portable brainwave reading machine set to tackle inaccurate ‘vegetative state’ diagnoses

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LONDON, Ontario, December 13, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Family members and friends of a loved one who is locked in a vegetative state (VS) and deemed by medical professionals to be awake but not aware now have recourse to a new brainwave-reading technology that may tell a story different from the doctor’s diagnosis.
More > 

Tips for Making Your Home Senior Friendly

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(MNCatholicSeniors.com) More seniors than ever before are living healthy independent lives well into their golden years. And a vast majority want to remain in their homes as long as possible, according to the National Aging in Place Council.
More > 

Pope: "Seniors a Blessing for Society"

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(CNA/EWTN News).- The Holy Father visited a home for the elderly in London's Vauxhall area on Saturday afternoon. In his remarks, Pope Benedict referred to the growing population of elderly in the world as "a blessing for society." He said that their care should be more a "repayment of a debt of gratitude" than a mere "act of generosity."
More >

Cardinal Burke: Suffering Does Not Rid Life of Purpose

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At a Kansas City conference on end-of-life care, Cardinal Raymond Burke said that suffering does not cause a person to have less meaning in his life, nor does it give the government the right to decide if that person should live or die. “No matter how much a life is diminished, no matter what suffering the person is undergoing, that life demands the greatest respect and care,” Cardinal Burke, prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, told CNA.
Read More >

Catch More Senior News at MNCatholicSeniors.com !

Vatican Stresses Dignity of Elderly In Reaction to UN Report

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The Catholic Church’s delegation to the United Nations in Geneva has taken “strong exception” to a reference to assisted suicide in a special report on the place of the elderly in society, despite its agreement with other aspects of the report.
More > 

US Bishops Approve Statement on Physician-Assisted Suicide

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Taking on the issue of physician-assisted suicide in the state where voters most recently approved it, the U.S. bishops declared suicide "a terrible tragedy, one that a compassionate society should work to prevent." 
Read More >

Bishop Morlino: "Quality of Life" Questioning Leads to "Pulling Up the Hearse"

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Although framed as compassion, determining end-of-life procedures by evaluating “quality of life” merely discourages vulnerable persons, making them more likely to submit to a hastened death, according to the Catholic bishop of Madison.
Read More > 

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