For some, ministry is still a part of life long after age 80

Published: 2006-07-03

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Although the two men and two women may have little else in common, ministry has remained a part of their lives long after they turned 80. There's Sister M. Clotilda Omasta of Danville, Pa. At 98 she continues to work as the archivist of her order, the Sisters of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, and to give guided tours of the Basilica of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, the chapel of the order's motherhouse. Then there's Msgr. Vincent Topper, who turns 94 in July. Ordained at the age of 23, he recently celebrated the 70th anniversary of his ordination, making him the longest-serving priest in the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa. Out in the Pacific Northwest, Father Raymond Beard, 90, still celebrates daily Mass with a small congregation in Athena, Ore. Ordained in 1941, he recently marked his 65th anniversary and is the longest-serving priest in the Baker Diocese. At 88, Glenna Opoka of Parkville, Mo., isn't quite a nonagenarian yet, but she's getting close. She started bringing Communion to shut-ins 35 years ago, and she's still at it.

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