NEW YORK — Adjusting to retirement, taking charge of one’s life, and coping with job loss are some of the issues being addressed this fall by the St. Francis Fall Series offered at St. Francis of Assisi Church here.
The flagship church of the Province, located next door to the Provincial Office on West 31st Street, often develops new programs to meet the needs of the community.
This fall, it offers several new programs, and some old favorites.
The “Taking Charge of Your Life” support group will meet on Wednesdays for five sessions, beginning on Oct. 7, from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. Topics include freedom to change, assessing where a person is, constructing life goals, and developing an action plan for change.
The “Adjustment to Retirement Lunchtime Series” is a five-week lecture series that takes place Tuesdays from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m., beginning on Oct. 13. It explores the emotional impact of retirement, how it affects health, legal considerations, meditation and relaxation techniques and recommendations for creating a future. This series is designed for the recently retired or those anticipating retirement who are interested in sharing concerns and considering practical issues relating to retirement.
To meet the growing needs of the unemployed, the church is continuing its “Coping with Job Loss” support group. The group will meet on Tuesdays, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., beginning Oct. 13. It will discuss coming to terms with job loss, remaining hopeful, discernment, coping with change and other topics. Resume preparation advice and how to respond to behavioral event situations in an interview will also be discussed.
RENEW, St. Francis Younger Retiree Program, is sponsoring a resume clinic for unemployed persons as well as others facing possible layoff or career transition. Five volunteers will be available to assist individuals in updating or editing their resumes. The free resume clinic will be held Sept. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. Appointments must be scheduled and individuals must bring a rough draft of the resume.
St. Francis invites family caregivers to join its monthly lunchtime meetings for family caregivers to learn, to share and to receive emotional support. The first meeting is Sept. 14 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Discussion will focus on anticipating loss and coping with uncertainty.
Information about the fall programs can be obtained through Marie Harrington, the parish’s director of outreach, at 212-736-8500 ext. 354 and through promotional flyers available in the parish lobby.