by Brandi Towns
Special to The Leaven
OLATHE — For many grandparents, love for their grandchildren is instinctive. But knowing how to spiritually guide them in a changing world? That’s where faith — and intention — comes in.
Santa Marta, a Catholic-sponsored senior living community in Johnson County, recently welcomed Legacy of Faith founders Dan and Linda Spencer for a retreat focused on empowering grandparents to become intentional spiritual mentors. The sessions, held in the community’s chapel, marked the first time the retreat has been offered in a senior living setting.
Rooted in Catholic values but welcoming all faith backgrounds, the retreat encouraged residents to reflect on their influence — not just as grandparents, but as spiritual leaders within their families. Through Scripture, storytelling, and thoughtful discussion, residents explored how to pass down faith through prayer, presence and love.
“As a grandparent of 16 grandkids, I know how challenging it is to understand our role in the spiritual lives of our grandkids,” said Dan. “We are facing an enormous exodus of young Catholics out of the faith and after researching the issue, Linda and I have discovered that grandparents can, if equipped and encouraged, be instrumental in keeping grandkids faithful to Christ and the church.
“In our seminars we share with grandparents why they are so important and how to engage with their grandkids with that goal in mind. Grandparents matter! Our goal is to help them recognize that and lean into it with confidence.”
The two-day format allowed time for meaningful reflection and interaction. Topics included how to pray intentionally for grandchildren, share personal faith stories in age-appropriate ways and maintain a spiritual presence even when family members are distant — physically or emotionally — from the faith.
Residents engaged in small-group conversations, shared personal stories of joy and heartache, and supported one another in their hopes for the next generation. The retreat created a rare and sacred space to talk about the intersection of aging, family and faith.
Dan and Linda, who have led these retreats across the nation, were deeply moved by their experience at Santa Marta.
“We were humbled by the wisdom, grace and openness we encountered here,” Linda said. “This community is full of faithful people who want to continue making a difference in the spiritual lives of their grandchildren. We are blessed to have engaged with them on that journey.”
Residents left the retreat with more than just new insights — they left with a renewed sense of purpose, encouragement and skills to pass on their faith with intention.
Santa Marta’s mission to care for the whole person — mind, body and spirit — made it a natural fit for this kind of faith-based program. The community offers regular spiritual enrichment, daily Mass and pastoral care for residents at all levels of living.
“Our Life Plan community is designed to create space for residents to grow in faith and purpose at every stage of life,” said Colleen Hollestelle, president and CEO at Santa Marta. “This retreat reminded us all that faith doesn’t retire — it continues, grows and is passed on.”
