Eagle’s Trace celebrating religious diversity

When Robert J. Hesse, Ph.D., was searching for a retirement community, finding a welcoming, supportive environment was number one on his list of requirements.

Once he learned about the diversity and belonging committee at Eagle’s Trace, an Erickson Senior Living community in west Houston, he was sold.

“The committee was a huge selling point,” Hesse said. “Eagle’s Trace strives to bring attention to how diverse the community is, especially in terms of spirituality, which is really important to me.”

Finding comfort in familiarity

Kristen Kennedy, resident services manager at Eagle’s Trace, says that having such a wide range of diverse religious groups on campus is appealing to many residents.

“We have residents that identify as Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian — just to name a few!” says Kennedy.

The Protestant denominations gather together on a monthly basis for services, such as Lutheran and Episcopal communion.

A retired Catholic priest who lives at Eagle’s Trace offers mass twice a month, and the Jewish community is very active as well.

Interfaith traditions

Hesse, who is a permanent Catholic deacon in the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston and an author, says that since moving to Eagle’s Trace three years ago, his faith and his prayer group have truly flourished.

“We’ll have contemplative prayer for about 20 minutes, and then someone will read an inspirational reading,” says Hesse. “This interfaith practice is so special, as people from different backgrounds get to come together in a safe space.”

Taking the lead

Like Hesse, Alan Groudan was pleased to find a welcoming faith community at Eagle’s Trace.

Soon after he moved to Eagle’s Trace five years ago, Groudan joined the group of Jewish residents who gather for Friday night Shabbat service.

“After identifying those who need some extra prayers, we pray over wine and bread, asking for health and recovery,” says Groudan.

He notes that there are some educational opportunities, such as lecture series, for those who are unfamiliar with the Jewish faith. And, before some holidays, a rabbi will visit campus.

“A rabbi once visited us for Sukkot and brought a portable sukkah,” says Groudan. “We could stand inside it and say a prayer.”

Now as the leader of the Jewish community at Eagle’s Trace, Groudan says that he is excited to create more opportunities for his neighbors to celebrate their faith and bond with one another — just as he was looking forward to doing as a new resident.

Staff support

Hesse and Groudan agree that having staff support is the best part of moving to a welcoming, diverse community like Eagle’s Trace.

“We’re delighted that Eagle’s Trace offers us a chance to do the things we did our entire life, while living independently,” says Groudan. “And that only happens because of the wonderful staff here.”

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Eagle’s Trace, visit eaglestrace.com.