April 12 panel discussion to address life's issues facing 'prime timers'

This panel discussion, "Your 60's & more…" will concentrate on the physical, emotional and spiritual issues confronting adults in their golden years.

The program's first half hour will feature brief presentations by four panelists 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 in the "Prime Time" of life. Their families and friends also are invited.

Panelists will include Mary Helen Ekstam, Jack Kreger, Joan Mravca and Shirley Shepard, all of whom are experienced in issues that can arise during the golden years.

Ekstam is a Life Learning Advocate and speaker with JourneyCare, a Barrington organization formed by the merger of Horizon Hospice and Midwest CareCenter to expand the horizons of palliative, supportive and end-of-life care.

Jack Kreger is director of Home Care Management Advisors, Naperville, that aids home care organizations in helping senior adults to live independently. Advice and support are offered in the areas of operations, compliance, business development and strategic management. Home Care Management Advisors is a member organization of the Association of Senior Service Providers (ASSP).

Mravca, a parishioner and a founding member of St. Thomas the Apostle, is involved in many pastoral care ministries at the church. Shepard is a long-time parishioner also involved in many pastoral care ministries. Based on their experience, both women can speak knowledgably about the concerns of Prime Timers.

Since last fall, the "What Now? What Next?" series has explored challenges adults face during life's major time transition periods. Designed both to appeal to and aid all age ranges, previous programs considered topics of particular interest to young adults in their 20's and 30's, and subjects of interest to those in the 40's and 50's.

Because each session in the series is designed as a stand-alone presentation, interested individuals are welcome to attend this concluding program without having attended previous sessions.

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

"What Now? What Next? - Generational Conversations" is part of St. Thomas' Wellspring presentations 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.