Embracing Transition: Spiritual Growth in Times of Change

Product Description

Overview

The lives of those serving in the Church are impacted frequently by major change: reassignments, leadership transitions, health problems, and retirement, to name just a few. Sr. Jane Becker, OSB, Ph.D., explores what happens to us emotionally and spiritually as we encounter major change.

The journey through a transition follows a natural sequence of emotional responses that are easier to manage if we know the stages of transition and can recognize what is happening to us. This presentation highlights universal aspects of loss, the pain and growth possibilities of being in between the Old and the New, and the surprises found in new beginnings.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

1.  Learn some of the personal emotional responses to expect in the face of change;
2. Explore how to achieve personal and spiritual growth in difficult times of transition; and
3. Become more aware of the needs of others who are suffering from loss, change, or disorientation.

Who Should Participate

Priests, deacons, religious, diocesan lay ministers, parish staff, seminarians, and those involved in vocations, formation, and personnel needs.

Reflection Questions

Questions for reflection and discussion prior to the learning session are provided below.

1. When have you experienced a major transition in your life or ministry? What were your feelings and thoughts? What helped you keep going?
2. Have you experienced an extended period in between the ending of what you had/did and the beginning of something else meaningful? How did you react in terms of feelings, self-concept, and a sense of security? What were the graces of this period?
3. Share the story of someone you know who went through a major loss or change of situation and came out a new and better person.