January 30, 2003

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org

Dr. Robin Maas will speak at Conference

        The Archdiocese of Portland's Office for Ministry to the Aging will hold its annual
Archdiocesan Spirituality and Aging Conference on Saturday, February 22, 2003. The
conference will be held at St. Pius X Parish Center (1280 NW Saltzman Road,)
Portland, and will run from 8:30 am until 3:30 pm. The theme of this year's conference
is "Aging and the Family." Robin Maas, Ph.D., will give the Keynote address. The
other speakers for the Spirituality and Aging Conference are Clifford Singer, MD and
Lee Paton, RN, Ph.D.

        All of the issues of aging to some degree or another are family issues. The
needs and decisions relating to caregiving, medical or mental health care, placement
issues, or helping persons find meaning and hope in their aging process impact an
entire family system. The Spirituality and Aging Conference offers an opportunity for
education, networking and prayer through a balance of presentations, interaction and
reflection on these challenging issues. Major issues include: spiritual maturity in older
adulthood, common geriatric illnesses and treatments, and caring for aging parents
while raising families.

        Dr. Robin Maas, recently retired as Professor of Spirituality at the John Paul II
Institute for Studies in Marriage and Family in Washington, DC. She gives lectures and
conducts workshops in the area of spiritual formation. Married and the mother of three
grown children, Dr. Maas earned a Master of Arts degree in sociology from Makerere
University, Uganda. She holds a Master of Theological Studies in Biblical Studies from
Wesley Theological Seminary, and earned her Ph.D. in Religious Education from the
Catholic University of America. She has written several articles and five books,
including: The Wisdom of Elizabeth Ann Seton.

        Dr. Clifford Singer will speak on "Families and Medical Care of the Elderly." Dr.
Singer is Associate Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology at
Oregon Health and Science University, and he is the Clinical Director of Geriatric
Psychiatry Clinic and Medical Director of the Oregon Geriatric Education Center. His
presentation will review the common health complaints of old age, and outline basic
strategies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of common geriatric illnesses.

        Lee Paton, RN, Ph.D. will discuss "Boomers and Caregiving: Challenges and
Rewards." Dr. Paton is a gerontologist, education and healthcare consultant. Her
workshop will look closely at the challenges of caregiving, and will seek to explore ways
to build those spiritual gifts necessary to become stronger and more resilient people.

        Registration before February 14th is $25, and after February 14th is $30. For
groups of three or more the cost is $20 per person. Lunch is included in the cost of the
conference. Registrations should be sent to Ministry to the Aging, 2838 E. Burnside
Street, Portland, OR 97214, 503-233-8394.
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