Dementia Friendly Parish

We are a Catholic community of faith that welcomes every person.  We want to encourage individuals experiencing any form of dementia or memory loss, and their caregivers, to feel welcome in our parish. As a dementia-friendly parish, we:

• Accept and value people regardless of cognitive abilities,
• Focus on their strengths and abilities and are open to what they have to offer,
• Offer opportunities for both spiritual and pastoral support in order that everyone may enjoy being a part of a worshiping community, and
• Understand that being a dementia-friendly parish is always a work in progress. 

Parishioners Experiencing Memory Loss and Their Caregivers

Special Mass for People with Memory Loss: St. Odilia celebrates a Mass for those with memory loss and their caregivers. 
2025 Masses are on January 16, March 20 and May 22 at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Hospitality will follow the Mass in the Courtyard with community resource information available. 

We are joining St. Mary of the Lake, who will be hosting Memory Care Masses on alternating months: February 20, April 10 and June 26 at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. They are located at: 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake. Click HERE to see the flyer.

Our parish is trying to be responsive to the needs of people experiencing memory loss and to the needs of their caregivers.

• If you provide care to someone with some form of memory loss, please notify Deacon Jim by calling him at (651) 415-3354.
• If you know of a church member who cares for someone experiencing memory loss, or know of a church member who is experiencing memory loss, please ask them if it is OK for you to inform Deacon Jim. We need to know who in our congregation could be helped so we can serve them. 

As soon as we know of a caregiver or care recipient, we will contact them to see how our parish can be of assistance to them.
 

St. Odilia Articles and Publications

Fr. Rask article from Winter 2019 Messenger.
Pastoral Care article on Dementia/Alzheimer's/Memory Loss Affecting Parishioners
Dementia Friendly Congregation Ministry

• Accept and value people regardless of cognitive abilities,
• Focus on their strengths and abilities and are open to what they have to offer,
• Offer opportunities for both spiritual and pastoral support in order that everyone may enjoy being a part of a worshiping community, and
• Understand that being a dementia-friendly parish is always a work in progress. 
• If you provide care to someone with some form of memory loss, please notify Deacon Jim by calling him at (651) 415-3354.
• If you know of a church member who cares for someone experiencing memory loss, or know of a church member who is experiencing memory loss, please ask them if it is OK for you to inform Deacon Jim. We need to know who in our congregation could be helped so we can serve them. 

Community Services through Lyngblomsten

Lyngblomsten Caregiver Services is here to help you on your caregiving journey. Our staff provide ongoing, individualized support and resources to family caregivers over the phone, in person, via email, and virtually. Connect with us to learn more about:

• Local Resources: Information tailored to meet caregivers’ unique needs
• Memory Loss Caregiver Support Groups: Virtual and in-person options
• Educational Opportunities: Includes the Powerful Tools for Caregivers class
• Respite Programming: Includes The Gathering—a group enrichment program for people with memory loss that provides a four-hour break for their caregivers

Not sure what you need? Our trained staff are here to listen and will help you take the next step on your journey. Give us a call at (651) 632-5320 or email us at [email protected]

 Alzheimer's and Dementia information from the City of Roseville

Activities, Support Groups, Educational and Community Events include:

• Monthly calendars of events
• Social Work Assistance
• Respite & Adult Day Services
• Memory Cafe'
• Memory Minder Resources