“It’s a time for encounter”

The elders who call the Gospel of Life Dwellings (GOLD) home have been sheltering in place this spring, but the pandemic cut them off from the care and fellowship of many regular visitors and volunteers. 

“It’s important to know – especially in this time of COVID – how alone and vulnerable so many elderly are,” said Sister Maria Faulkner, who established the homes where elders are given life-affirming care, free of charge.

The elders and their live-in volunteers are family who share a Gospel home, Sister Maria said. The LifeGuards, as she calls them, receive room and board and a stipend.

“Our live-in LifeGuards are to be lauded in their patience and perseverance. They are hidden heroes. It’s really beautiful to see,” Sister Maria said.

Outside LifeGuards who volunteer to clean, cook and provide care have been unable to help since mid-March because of the need to limit exposure to the coronavirus. Many still drop off groceries, call residents and offer donations and prayers, she said.

The pandemic and need for social distancing also disrupted the regular “fun-raisers” that support the GOLD ministry. Earlier this year there was a tea party and a polka party. The events serve the double purpose of bringing in money and visitors of all ages.

“They promote the family spirit of the home,” Sister Maria said. “It’s a time for encounter.”

GOLD has shifted to other ways to keep donations coming in. A benefit concert April 4 on Facebook Live presented by David McHugh and Noelle Garcia raised more than $20,000, Sister Maria said.

Not all the fun is gone just because the fun-raisers are on hold. The family at Saint James GOLD got creative when Lucy turned 94 in April. They held an outdoor “drive-in movie” night with popcorn and classic “I Love Lucy” episodes shown on the side of a building at nearby Saint James the Greater Catholic Church.

Divine Providence

COVID-19 has heightened everyone’s devotion “to protect the lives entrusted to us by God,” Sister Maria said. “It’s one of our higher works, to care for our most vulnerable.”

She and 10 live-in volunteers currently care for 15 elders at the three locations. Saint James GOLD in Oklahoma City and Saint Adelaide GOLD in Grand Prairie, Texas, both opened in September 2013. Saint John Paul II Dwelling for the Dying in Moore opened in October 2018 for those on the last leg of their earthly journey.

Sister Maria, 56, who was born in Oklahoma and grew up in Minnesota, said God called her to come to Saint James in 2013 for the purpose of establishing the first GOLD. “The Lord wanted this ministry to be here,” she said.

The first resident was a 98-year-old woman who was alone and barely surviving. Hospice doctors gave her two weeks to live, but she lived 14 months with the care of the LifeGuards. Likewise, the first Saint Adelaide GOLD resident was in dire need. He moved in at age 95 and continues to live there at 101.

Sister Maria calls those first two elders Anna and Simeon in honor of the elders who encountered the infant Jesus in the temple.

Human Response

Once the doors can be opened to the community again, Sister Maria hopes many new volunteers will join the ministry. GOLD needs both its committed consistent volunteers – those who bring a meal once a month or come weekly to play the piano or mow the lawn – and project volunteers who can repair a fence or nurture a garden.

“However, someone is inspired by God to give, that’s what we need,” Sister Maria said. “People shouldn’t be afraid to volunteer. It’s a blessing to do just a little bit and see how God blesses that offering.”

Young men and women seeking to deepen their relationship with Christ can sign up for the Gospel of Life School for the summer or a full year. They will learn and live as missionary disciples at a GOLD site.

“It’s a simple beautiful life and ministry,” Sister Maria said. “We welcome each day as a gift and live it.”

K.S. McNutt is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.


Photo (top): Sr. Maria Faulkner helped Annabelle, 97, as she exited the elevator at the St. John Paul II Dwelling in Moore. Photo Melina Maloukis.


To learn how to become a volunteer at GOLD, contact Jamie Lynch at (405) 808-7581 or jamie@gospeloflifedisciples.org.



Loraine, 96, who passed away in January, enjoyed a sunset with Sandy, 101, in December at the St. John Paul II Dwelling. Sandy, a resident of St. Adelaide GOLD in Texas, visited for Christmas and his birthday. Photo Eva Spohn.