Sunday 27 July marked World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, a date established by the late Pope Francis in 2021 as a time to honour grandparents and the elderly, recognising their role in families and communities and encouraging intergenerational connections.

To mark this special day, we speak to Phil Sergeant, adviser to retired clergy, whose role is to support sick and retired clergy across the archdiocese.

Phil said: “I feel very lucky because I have the best job in the world. I work closely with Canon Maloney, the Episcopal Vicar for Sick and Retired Clergy, to ensure that every sick and retired priest’s spiritual and practical needs are met with dignity and care.”

With an impressive 45-year career in elderly care starting from a Youth Training Scheme to managing large nursing homes and specialist palliative care units, Phil’s profession has always been guided by compassion and service.

Phil began working for the archdiocese 11 years ago after joining the archdiocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes. Phil added: “I served as part of the healthcare team during the pilgrimage, while I was there, Bishop Tom Williams told me about this new role which really interested me. I applied for it and the rest is history.

“Over the past 11 years, my role has evolved to meet the varying needs and dependency levels of the sick and retired clergy. My background in nursing and care homes is really beneficial as I understand the processes and the terminology of the health sector.

“The level of support varies, with those living at home I support both them and their family with financial aid and care planning as well as assisting with applications for attendance allowance, power of attorney and personal wills.

“For those in 24-hour nursing and residential care I coordinate fundings and placements with the local health authorities; assist in selecting appropriate facilities and services; liaise with social workers and healthcare professionals; support families throughout the transition and conduct regular visits across the archdiocese, including Liverpool, Crosby, Southport, and Chorley.

“For those in supporting living in Formby and Southport, I offer day-to-day assistance for clergy with long-term health needs; assist with financial claims and interaction with health and social services.

For Phil, the best thing about his job is getting to know the priests. He added: “My favourite part is getting to know the priests on a more personal level and providing them with vital support that not only helps them but also supports their families.

“All of the priests have the most wonderful stories to tell and I really enjoy listening to them. They are all so grateful for the job that I do, and I am equally as grateful to be in this role.”

For more information about World Grandparents and Elderly Day, visit: Fifth World Day for Granparents and the Elderly