Pastoral Care Conference to be held at Norsemen Inn April 16 and 17

Faith and Aging – Thriving At Any Age will be the theme of the Alberta Pastoral Care Association's 44th annual conference at the Norsemen Inn, April 16 and 17.

"We're anticipating in the neighbourhood of 100 registrants, which is a little more than normal," said Rev. Norman Lentz, chaplain at The Bethany Group.

Keynote speaker for the conference will be Dr. Nancy Kehoe, department of psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School. A pioneer in the field of mental health, she is best known for her ground-breaking work in addressing the spiritual needs of those with mental illness. She has been widely acclaimed through her conference presentations across the United States and in Canada, where she is known for her "common touch" and for her sharing of life stories.

"Dr. Kehoe is passionately committed to the role of spiritual health through all the stages of life," states the conference brochure.

The conference will also feature presentations by Richard Duncan, RPN, on relationships as the key to longer life, Randal Nickel on radical hospitality, and Suzette Bremault-Phillips, OT, Ph.D., on finding meaning and purpose when confronted with health issues.

Nickel, who is executive director of the Camrose Open Door Association, an organization that provides a range of services to youth at risk, completed a M.Ed. specializing in workplace and adult learning, and enjoys working to create a culture of learning. He will show in his presentation that we need to be radically hospitable to gain trust and then look to encourage growth and change.

Bremault-Phillips will outline mental, spiritual and physical challenges that arise when health diminishes, and ways to support individuals as they discover and reframe their life's meaning and purpose amidst new-found limitations.

Rev. Lentz feels the theme of the conference should appeal to a wide audience.

"Whether people recognize spiritual issues or not, it is an element that is operative in our lives."

The Alberta Pastoral Care Association, through education, promotion, and training of caregivers, provides for the spiritual well-being, support and visitation of persons in need. It is an organization made up of clergy and laity who feel a calling from God to go out to minister to God's people, especially in times of illness and special need.

The conference is being held in conjunction with The Bethany Group's 90th anniversary.