Conference on Orderly Transitions
This five-day course is designed for bishops within two to three years of planned retirement and their spouse/partner. Typically held on a biennial basis, the
conference offers a theological, spiritual and practical framework for bishops
and spouses to prepare for the transition into retirement. It
includes :
- A theological and spiritual framework for approaching retirement and post-retirement living
- Some prevalent attitudes, pre-conceptions and expectations about retirement
- Retirement as a time of transition
- The impact of retirement on long-term relationships – marriage, family, friendships – and new ones
- Financial planning and the Church Pension Fund
- Practical issues relating to post-retirement living
(e.g. location, staying busy – or not, self care)
- Institutional concerns – retirement of the Bishop and transition for the Diocese
- Time for personal reflection, relaxation and easy conversation
The conference provides bishops the opportunity
to focus on their upcoming transition and to benefit from the thoughts and
experiences of friends and colleagues doing the same. Over the years, many
bishops and bishops’ spouses have found this time away a valuable and unique
experience.
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Bishops and spouses have taken away the following from this course:
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Renewed and new friendships
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Hope for the future
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Good conversations with
spouse
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A more positive opinion of
retirement opportunities
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A broader perspective on
options
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Common goals/expectations
with spouse
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Experiences/anticipations of
other bishops & spouses
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Clarity regarding finances
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Trusting God’s presence and
plan in all this
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