Learn how to cope with aftershocks of COVID-19 pandemic at Sept. 29 program

Let's face it. The pandemic struck like an earthquake and continues to impact, in varying degrees, our bodies, minds and spirits.

"I'm Listening … Dealing With the Aftershocks of COVID-19" will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, in the Lighthouse room at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville.

Available only by attending in person, current COVID procedures will be followed during the program, and wearing face masks will be required of everyone, regardless of vaccination status.

"I'm Listening … Dealing With the Aftershocks of COVID-19," facilitated by the Rev. Karen Swiderski, MACM, will aim to help validate and process those experiences, thoughts and feelings everyone has experienced during the past 18 months in an environment that is both safe and understanding.

Rev. Swiderski is manager of spiritual care and education at Edward-Elmhurst Health and at Linden Oaks Behavioral Health Center. She also has served as chaplain manager for 28 years. During her clinical ministry, she has developed grief support groups, critical incident stress management and debriefing, and pastoral services for Behavioral Health.

Registration for the program is requested by Wednesday, Sept. 29, to ensure adequate seating is available. Walk-ins also are welcome.

The program, co-sponsored by the pastoral care and adult faith formation departments at St. Thomas Church, is part of the Wellspring Educational Events series. The series' goal is promoting a wholistic way of life that includes body-mind-spirit integration and well-being.

An up-to-date list of COVID Procedures that will be followed is available at the Joliet Diocesan website (www.dioceseofjoliet.org) or the St. Thomas website (www.stapostle.org). Specific questions may be directed to the church at (630) 355-8980.

For reservations or more information about "I'm Listening … Dealing With the Aftershocks of COVID-19" or the Wellspring Educational Events Series, contact Felicia Lawlor, faith community nurse at St. Thomas the Apostle, at flawlor@stapostle.org or (630) 355-8980, ext. 104.

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 3,400 households of more than 10,750 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.