Catholic care for the aged

PAKENHAM’S newest aged care facility officially opened its doors on Sunday.
The Shanagolden Community Centre on Webster Way was officially opened and blessed by Catholic Homes CEO Greg Pullen and director of Catholic Identity, Mission and Pastoral Care Services Maria Egan.
Ms Egan said the location was chosen because it was close to a range of community, leisure, health and religious services.
“It is part of our dream that we integrate each of our facilities into the local catholic community,” she said.
“We have a Catholic primary school, catholic secondary schools and support parishioners at each stage of their life, and this just takes it to the next level of Catholic aged care.”
The Pakenham centre has both a retirement village and aged care facility on site.
Ms Egan said the new facility would allow the community to stay strong and for St Patrick’s parishioners to remain linked with their faith community.
Mass is held on Wednesdays at the centre, and new parishioners who move into the community and those of other faiths are welcome.
Jane Parsons, a long time parishioner, said she was delighted the initiative allowed her to keep in contact with fellow parishioners who moved into retirement villages and aged care facilities.