By Lori Berkey, Contributing Writer
Marlborough – When The Venerable Father Michael J. McKinnon of Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Marlborough was approached by Senior Center Director Patricia Pope to serve on a committee to help make the city “dementia friendly,” he felt honored. He was eager to join an initiative that would serve the community in this important way, and the need hit home since he lost his mother to the disease in 2016.
The committee McKinnon and Holy Trinity lay leader Kathleen Demers joined is part of Come 2B Dementia Friendly, a grassroots effort that began to understand the related needs of the community and make adaptations that will enrich the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
McKinnon and Demers are working to offer a weekly dementia-friendly Christian worship service. After attending a committee meeting at the senior center, McKinnon began pondering questions.
“How can we as a church family help our city and community to reach out to persons struggling with dementia?” he recalled asking himself. “How can we help make a difference?”
It dawned on him that creating a dementia-friendly service would be one important way.
“There are still some details to be worked out…, but I believe God has placed this ministry on my heart as a priest and church in Marlborough,” he said.
Although he feels it is important to support people with dementia at his parish, he believes that need transcends the congregation.
“This is a growing need in our community,” he said. “The question we should all ask ourselves – as a community – is ‘How can we help?’ Persons with dementia, their family members and their caregivers need to know they are not alone.”
Through his participation on the committee, McKinnon has gained insight into the needs of individuals and families affected by dementia.
“There is a growing need for us as a community – as a city – to reach out to persons who struggle with this debilitating disease and to help the family members and caregivers,” he said. “This is not an easy ministry, but together … we can make a difference.”
As for how Holy Trinity can do its part, McKinnon said they are willing to take the necessary steps to help.
“Some persons who struggle with this disease feel they cannot attend church or worship anymore,” he said. “Some feel they are no longer welcome or they are embarrassed by their present condition. We so want to provide a place where they feel not only welcome, but comfortable to attend and worship God.”
According to McKinnon, the church is still laying out the plan to achieve its goal.
“We want to help. We want to make a difference in our community. We want to reach those who struggle,” he said.
For more information on the dementia-friendly initiative in Marlborough, visit www.come2bdementiafriendlymarlborough.org.