5-Week Course

Overview

For many moving closer to an actual or imagined retirement date, the reality of the event and life afterward may begin to seem puzzling, uncertain, or daunting. In this course, participants will be able to examine the most common issues that perplex or cause concern. The goal of the course is not to answer every question, but to explore how God is present in our lives and working in the process from anticipation to realization of life after full-time employment.

Topics:

Introductory Week
Week 1: Taking Inventory: Money, Place, and Possessions
Week 2: Meaning, Purpose, and Structuring Time
Week 3: The Challenge of Change
Week 4: Realization

Special Features

This course includes:

• Weekly animated videos featuring course author Barbara Ann Radtke, Ph.D.;
• Additional video content from Melissa M. Kelley, Ph.D., associate professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling, and Ann M. McGreevy, Ph.D.;
• Extended weekly introductory essays with additional reference links;
• Weekly Scripture passages and spiritual gifts for reflection;
• Weekly questions for reflection and discussion;
• A forum for course participants to share resources; and
• A regularly updated Resources page to use for further study.

All STM Online: Crossroads courses include these features

• Participants have access 24 hours/7 days a week to the course's password-protected web site.
• Each participant belongs to a small Community for Conversation and faith sharing guided by a facilitator.
• The course site is usually available to participants at least three months after the course has ended.
• An orientation in how to navigate the web site is always available.
• Technical assistance is easy to contact and prompt in returning a message.
• A Certificate of Active Participation is awarded to those who post at least three messages of substance for each week of content.

Time Commitment

A participant can expect to spend an average of approximately 3-4 hours each week. This commitment includes both the assigned reading and interaction online.

Certificate Requirement Categories:

• Spirituality and Prayer