Aside from the Hatfields and the McCoys, not many people want to cause a lot of grief and issues for their families when their time is up. Unfortunately, many otherwise well-meaning folks do end up causing problems large and small by not planning for the inevitable in a timely and secure way. Thankfully, there is professional help on the way, free of charge, from the St. Joseph Catholic Church.
The BeFriender Ministry of St. Joseph Catholic Church is presenting a program and workshop for all individuals interested in planning for the legal and financial process of aging. Roger Petzke, an attorney at Troff, Petzke and Ammeson, will discuss the importance of wills, estates and financial planning for individuals as they age. The program will be conducted on Wednesday, April 24th at the Rose Center of St. Joseph Catholic Church at the corner of Wayne and Pleasant Streets and will get underway at 6:30 pm that evening.
Anyone who has had to resolve estate matters for family members has probably experienced the importance of planning for the last stages of life. The organization of financial and legal matters will make life easier for surviving family members. Petzke will discuss the importance of having a will, trust, powers of attorney, and health considerations so that family members will help their loved ones live in dignity in a time of need.
All too often, surviving family members may not know the final wishes of their loved one, how to locate family assets, or have the legal authority to be able to execute family estate matters. That can be both frustrating and painful for family members who are experiencing the loss of a loved one and also being confronted with the complexities of resolving complicated estate matters. Petzke will discuss how families can work together to plan for this important topic that no one really likes to discuss. He will also discuss strategies for organizing important documents and arranging for final plans and wishes. Please understand that no products will be sold at this meeting, it is purely informational.
BeFriender Ministers is comprised of lay volunteers who provide pastoral care to people in difficult and transitional life situations, such as illness, loneliness, or the loss of a loved one. They embody the caring presence of God and the faith community in our church and community. They are trained volunteers who work under the supervision of a team that includes the pastor of our church.
BeFrienders accept people as they are and listen with compassion. Through spiritual and emotional care, BeFrienders allow those they befriend to make their own decisions about the circumstances and situation in life that they face. Since their role is to care and not cure, the skills that BeFrienders learn in training allow them to respond to any pastoral care need with confidence. They can provide a nonjudgmental and compassionate listening presence and environment to those in need.
The BeFrienders is a free ministry offered to those undergoing life’s transitions. More information is available by calling the St. Joseph Catholic Church office at 269-983-1575.
