Let It Begin With Me

St. Charles Borromeo Church

Circle of Caring

Report On Meeting
May 16, 2007

1. The meeting began with a prayer and reading from scripture (Psalm 148).
2. The following reports were heard and discussed:
   1. Homebound
   2. Publicity
   3. Cards for the Homebound and Grieving
   4. Funeral Liturgies
   5. Prayer Trees
   6. Activities for Seniors
3. Additional discussion items:
   1. Martha Trunk, representative of the Arlington/Alexandria Agency on Aging described a program available to low-income seniors to help them pay the cost of medication. She asked the help of St. Charles in identifying those who might be eligible for this assistance. She distributed fliers in English and Spanish.
   2. Margie Bell talked about a National Geographic documentary that tells the story of the Lost Sudanese Boys. One of those men will be visiting the Arlington area on Sept. 11 to raise funds for children's books for the poor in Africa .
   3. Peter Dirr led a discussion on expanding the leadership of the Circle of Caring. Anticipating his own move to Reston , he would like to identify one or more persons who could serve as co-coordinator. Some suggestions for identifying potential candidates were: contacting Eucharistic Ministers, announcing this at the next Senior luncheon, asking Frs. Gerry and Jack to keep their eyes and ears open, and contacting people on the Circle's bereavement list who might be looking for new challenges.
4. The Next Meeting is scheduled for September 19, 2007 at 7:30PM.
5. The meeting closed with a prayer.

(Notes prepared by Peter Dirr)

Planning and Managing Your Retirement

Feb 24 and March 10, 2007
9:30AM to 12:30 PM

Overview: These seminars are designed to help adults 50 and over who are planning their retirement or who are already retired and are seeking ideas about how to better manage their retirement. While retirement can be a wonderful time for enjoyment and continued growth, it can also be a time of stress and distress if not properly planned and managed. The seminars will address many of the topics that require prior thought and planning, such as housing, health, legal considerations, managing finances, continued intellectual growth, spirituality, and impact on the retiring individual and the rest of the family.

Feb. 24: The Nuts and Bolts of Retirement. Key issues that are crucial to successful retirement will be addressed by professionals:

• What's it all about? (An overview of retirement and the issues it raises for an individual and his or her family. What kinds of questions should I be asking myself as I plan for retirement? Once I'm retired, how can I step back and assess how I'm doing and whether I should be contemplating any changes?) (Presented by Michael Creedon)
• Use of time (“What can I get him to do outside the house?” Substituting for the schedule that had been imposed by full time work. Will I continue to work in retirement? Identifying hobby and avocational interests.) (Presented by Michael Creedon)
• Where Will You Live? (A discussion of living options, including retirement communities and adaptations you might have to make to your current home) (Presented by Michael Creedon)
• Break (15 minutes)
• Legal issues (Do you have the three critical documents that everyone should have? Does your family know where to find them? Are there any recent changes in the law that might impact planning that was done years ago? What criteria should you use in appointing powers of attorney?) (Presented by Michael O'Callahan)
• A checklist of things to think about for next week (Presented by Michael Creedon)

Mar. 10: Lifestyle in Retirement. We hear a lot about “quality of life” both prior to and during retirement. This session will address key lifestyle issues that can facilitate a smooth transition to satisfying retirement years. (Presented by Michael – any others?)

• Financial needs (How much do I need? How should it be invested? How do I draw down what I have without exhausting it completely? What if there's an age difference in the spouses? Am I alone in needing to provide education for my young children? Should I discuss finances with my older children? Do I need Long Term Care insurance? What are the advantages of a Health Savings Account?) (Presented by Susanne Nolan)
• Break (15 minutes)
• Healthy mind in a healthy body (The importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, regular mental and intellectual challenges, continued learning) (Presented by Michael Creedon)
• Impact of your retirement on family (Will your spouse be retiring at the same time? Will you have continuing child support obligations? What do your older children think of your retirement?) (Presented by Michael Creedon)
• Spirituality in retirement (How will I use this opportunity to grow closer to God? Will I use my time and talents to help others? What ministry and volunteer opportunities are there?) (Presented by Peter Dirr)
• The importance of an overarching vision (Developing my own vision of retirement)