Senior Saints Program celebrates 30 years

Published: February 15, 2024

By Jacqueline Kordsmeier

October 5, 2023 | KC Hall Conway

In October 2023, the group celebrated with a potluck for several 90+ birthdays, including Anna Gunderman (front row, left to right, would have turned 95 on Dec. 3 but passed away on Nov. 5); Ann Page, 93; Pat Bausom, 96; Al Hiegel, 97 (back row) and Bernice Ballheimer, 94. Not pictured here is Betsy Gary, 91.

The St.Joseph Senior’s program began on Dec. 2, 1993, when the first group met at the Knight’s of Columbus Hall in Conway. The Knights of Columbus not only gave the group a place to meet but also funded the ministry for the first 15+ years before it became a ministry of St. Joseph Church. At that time, the group consisted of about 12 people and were called the Senior Citizens. Totsie Breaux has been the leader of the group ever since. Most of those original members have now passed. Anyone 50+ is welcome to join the group.

Somewhere in the mid 2010s, it was decided the name should be changed to something more appealing and so the name was changed to Senior Saints. This group is striving to become saints, not claiming to be. This group is open to anyone 50+. We love new members. Come as often or as seldom as you can. No registration required. “We are the best kept secret of St. Joseph Parish!,” says Totsie Breaux.

The group meets every other Thursday at 9 a.m. in the KC Hall at 514 6th St, Conway, AR 72032. They begin with a song, followed by a prayer list, that day’s Mass readings, reciting the rosary and finish the spiritual time with a closing song. It is then time for refreshments and bingo. The cost for bingo is 50 cents per card. All money collected is then divided as the prize for each game. The gatherings normally last 2 hours. On certain holidays and the occasion of a 90th or 95th+ birthdays, the group celebrates with a potluck.