Panel to discuss life questions facing adults in the 40's - 50's age group

This panel discussion will concentrate on physical, emotional and spiritual issues confronting adults in their 40's and 50's.

The program's first half hour will include presentations by four panelists well acquainted with their topics while the remaining hour will be devoted to discussion among audience members and panelists. This interactive discussion will serve to acknowledge issues, offer support and advice, and provide resources for those at this "hinge time" in their lives, individuals frequently called the "Sandwich Generation."

Panelists will include Rosemary Fugazzotto, Mark Goralski, MiChaela Papish and Carrie Wujek, all of them experienced in life during the middle adult years.

Fugazzotto, a registered nurse with 35 years' experience, currently is a nurse care manager at ElderCare Solutions in Naperville. She also has experience in home hospice work and teaching certified nursing assistants at the junior college level. Married six years, she and her husband have successfully blended their families of adult children.

Goralski, a St. Thomas parishioner and father of three adult children in their 20's, is an independent account executive in the exhibit and display industry. He volunteers in several church ministries in the outreach and social justice area and brings communion to hospitalized patients at Edward Hospital.

Papish is a registered nurse with experience in surgical care nursing, obstetric and gynecological nursing and neonatal intensive care. She works at MetLife and holds a B.S.N. degree from Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa.

Wujek is a stay-at-home mom with sons 13 and 11 years old. Also an enthusiastic member of St. Thomas the Apostle, she is a middle school catechist, a Bible study participant, and a founder of In-Sight, an informal group at the church dedicated to discussing literary works and pieces of art. Wujek also has taught high school English.

Each session in the three-part series that began in the fall is designed both to appeal to and aid all age ranges while each session addresses topics of particular interest to a specific age group. The fall session considered subjects of interest to young adults in their 20's and 30's. Topics of concern to those 60 years of age and better will be discussed April 12.

Sample topics of interest to those in their 40's and 50's, the "Sandwich Generation," could be dealing with adulthood issues such as questions about career advancement, marital status, caring for growing or grown kids, and caring for aging parents.

Because each session is designed as a stand-alone presentation, interested individuals are welcome to attend any or all sessions in the series.

A $10 donation at the door will be welcomed, and reservations are encouraged by Friday, Jan. 8, to ensure seating.

"What Now? What Next? - Generational Conversations" is part of St. Thomas' Wellspring series co-sponsored by the Pastoral Care and Adult Faith Formation Departments. Wellspring seeks to present interactive educational experiences whose goal is promoting a wholistic way of life that includes body-mind-spirit integration and well-being.

For reservations or more information about this interesting and informative program, contact Marge Coronado, religious education assistant at St. Thomas the Apostle, at (630) 355-8980, ext. 118 or at mcoronado@stapostle.org.

St. Thomas the Apostle, a parish of the Diocese of Joliet, strives to bear the Good News of God's unconditional love to all generations through worship, faith formation, witness and service. Organized in 1984, the St. Thomas faith community numbers more than 3,700 households of more than 11,200 people. Complete news and information on parish events, guest speakers and special programs is available at www.stapostle.org. For general parish information please call (630) 355-8980.