Loss and change affect every individual, community and organization. To help cope with these elements, the diocesan Department of Pastoral Planning will host a program on “Loss, Change & Resilience in Communities of Faith” Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event will take place in the Youth Hall of St. David the King Parish, 1 New Village Road, Princeton Junction. Presenter will be Dr. Melissa M. Kelley, who will address the struggles of adapting to new circumstances in faith communities.
Now, more than ever, Catholics seem to be faced with frequent changes in leadership and staff, challenging financial circumstances and shifting demographics, as well as parish linkages, mergers and closings. Responding with resilience is a critical challenge for our time.
Dr. Kelley is associate professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling, and the faculty director of the Professional Ministry Practicum at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. Previously she was on the faculty of Weston Jesuit School of Theology at Cambridge, Ma. She has many years of pastoral-clinical experience, including serving as a campus minister for 14 years at Boston College and Emmanuel College, Boston. Dr. Kelley holds a doctorate degree in pastoral psychology from Boston University.
Cost for the program is $15 per person, which includes breakfast and a bag lunch. A group discount is available: parties of seven or more from the same parish attend for $100. Checks should be made out to Diocese of Trenton, and payment and registration forms should be mailed to Diocese of Trenton, Attn. Carmen Macres, 701 Lawrenceville Road, Trenton, NJ 08648.
Registration is due no later than Feb. 8. To register, go to http://portal.dioceseoftrenton.org/events, and click on the event title in the calendar to download the form.