Troska duszpasterska wobec osób starszych w starzejącym się społeczeństwie polskim

Abstract

Invoking the pastoral constitution in the contemporary world Gaudium et spes it may be concluded that the Church, proceeding the Christ's work, is obliged to study and interpret the signs of the times in the clear light of the Gospel. It should be done so as to answer the modern men questions and to come up to men’s expectations in the most effective way adapted to theirs mentality. (Vgl. GS 4). (Zur Erfüllung dieses ihres Auftrags obliegt der Kirche allzeit die Pflicht, nach den Zeichen der Zeit zu forschen und sie im Licht des Evangeliums zu deuten). In the creative tension the Church- the World, there is the pastoral work undertaken. It is the organized Church activity, carrying the Christ redemptive work out through preaching the word of God, the Liturgy, ministry and testimoning to the Christian life. There is the need for adaptation to new, constantly changing conditions. Otherwise, even the most effective ways of the Church activity are in danger of ossification and maladjustment to the various modern challenges.

The Church is faced with a task to get to know and understand the World, to which it is sent by Christ himself. One of the modern challenges is the demographical situation of Poland, which is the reflection of the European tendencies. The problem mentioned above is crucial not only for politicians, economists and sociologists but also for the ministry. The European and Polish societies are getting older. This phenomenon generates many various social problems which influence the pastoral activity of the Church. The given phenomenon analysis, presented in the following article, requires the research of the consequences that arose due to the demographical situation of Europe and Poland. What is more, it requires the presentation of some possible pastoral care initiatives (concerning families and the elders) as well as conducting charitable activities. Furthermore, the analysis shows the actions, that should be taken into consideration by the Polish Church while preparing pastoral programmes.