How do we accompany people through the spiritual challenges of aging?
Longevity in our western world can be seen as a gift or a burden. This lengthy post-retirement stage must have a purpose, or why else do we live so long? It can be welcomed as an opportunity to uncover more fully the meaning of our lives and the depth of our spirituality. Theologian Karl Rahner, who lived into his eighties, tells us, “old age is a gift and a mission not given to everyone”. Nevertheless, the world is in need of elders who can share wisdom with others.
For Spiritual Directors, this workshop offers tools to companion people through a sacred season of transformation. Drawing from theology, psychology, mysticism, and poetry, we will consider how best to support directees facing the transitions of ageing, including loss, generativity, and the shift from doing to being. This workshop will invite sharing of experience, insight, and honest questions. We hope participants leave with a greater awareness of the spiritual dynamics of ageing and feel more equipped to offer direction that honours the sacred terrain of later life.
Úna Agnew
Úna Agnew was born in Co Louth, Ireland, educated in St Louis Secondary School, Carrickmacross and in UCD. She is a religious sister of the St Louis Community (Ireland and France) and has taught in Ireland, France and California. She was the formation director for her community from 1974 to 1984. She is Professor Emerita at Milltown Institute, Dublin. She trained as a Spiritual Director at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh 1971 to 1974 and has lectured in the Spirituality Department of Milltown Institute of Theology, Philosophy and Spirituality since 1980, and was Head of the Spirituality Department, 2010 to 2014. She is an experienced Spiritual Director, founder member of the All-Ireland Spiritual Guidance Association (2004) and a member of Spiritual Directors in Europe since 2006. Her research interests include spirituality of the stages of life and the intersection between literature and spirituality with emphasis on the work of the poet Patrick Kavanagh. She is author of The Mystical Imagination of Patrick Kavanagh, (Columba Press, Dublin, 1998) revised and relaunched in 2019 (Veritas, Dublin). She has lectured widely in Ireland and the UK and at annual meetings of SDE, held in various venues across Europe.
Date: Friday 3 October
When: 10:00- 15:00 GMT
Where: Online
Cost: £50 Non Members, £40 Members
FAQ
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After booking your event you’ll receive an automatic confirmation email that contains your unique Zoom link. Please check your inbox (and spam folder, just in case) for this email.
You will also receive a reminder email 48 hours before the event and one hour before.
You do not need a Zoom account to join. On the day of the event, simply click the Zoom link in your confirmation email. This will open the Zoom app or website, where you’ll be able to join the event. Be sure to log in a few minutes early to make sure everything is set up!
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Handouts, if provided, will be shared with you via a link in both your confirmation and reminder emails. The link will direct you to a folder in Google Drive where you can download the materials. To download the handouts:
Click the link in your email to access the folder.
Once in the folder, find the documents listed.
Click on the document you want to download and look for the "Download" option (usually in the top-right corner of the screen).
Select Download, and the file will be saved to your device.
Any handouts made available after the event will be added to this folder.
We strive to provide handouts for each event that it is appropriate for, but please note that some speakers may not provide them. If handouts are available, they will be uploaded to the folder at least 48 hours before the event. Be sure to check the folder ahead of time to ensure you have everything you need!
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Yes, you can reschedule your booking through the confirmation email. Just click the "Reschedule" link and choose a new time. Please note that rescheduling is subject to availability.
To cancel your booking, simply follow the link in your confirmation email and you’ll find an option to cancel your appointment. Cancellations and refunds are only available before the event starts.
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If you’re having trouble joining the event, first try checking your internet connection or restarting your Zoom app. If issues persist, please contact us immediately via email at info@lcsd.org.uk, and we’ll try to help troubleshoot or provide an alternative solution.
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