Catholic Charities of Atlanta, Inc. is co-sponsoring the second annual “Spirituality In Aging Partnership Series” on Tuesday, April 22. The seminar, which is titled “Why Spiritual Care Matters,” will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta.

This seminar is designed to help participants define the meaning of spirit and spiritual caring. Helping older adults requires that caregivers and professionals provide not only quality care but also help support the the older adult’s quality of life as well. Tending to the quality of life means caregivers and professionals have to find ways to connect to the spirit of the person along with recognizing the importance of connecting to their own spirit. Participants will have the opportunity to experience what they learn in the seminar.

Nancy L. Kriseman, LCSW, a recognized national speaker, author and noted expert on aging, will serve as the keynote speaker for the event. Kriseman, who has more than 20 years of consulting experience in program development and training in assisted living, nursing home, hospice, hospital and home-care agency environments, utilizes her skills to achieve innovative programs and provide training to positively impact the quality of care of individuals. She has written numerous articles and is the author of “The Caring Spirit Approach to Eldercare: A Training Guide for Professionals and Families.”

This event is designed for pastors, priests, clergy, men and women religious, deacons, chaplains, lay ministers, administrators, counselors, parish nurses, senior program leaders, parishioners and social workers.

The “Why Spiritual Care Matters” seminar will address the definition of what is meant by “finishing well” and will also tackle how to identify a spiritual crisis and how to best work with elders when they experience this in their lives. Spiritual care giving, defining “spirit” and “soul,” identifying ways to connect to the spirit of the elder, and identifying ways to connect to one’s own spirit while providing care will be topics of discussion during the event.

The day will begin with introductions from staff members from two of the event’s co-sponsors, Catholic Charities Atlanta and the Center for Positive Aging. Attendees will participate in a morning session led by Kriseman, which will be followed by a networking luncheon. Kriseman will lead a second session after lunch and will hold a book signing at the end of the event.

Catholic Charities is collaborating on these efforts with the other sponsors, including the Center for Positive Aging, Georgia Association of Homes and Services for the Aging and Georgia Institute on Aging.

Pre-registration for the seminar is required by April 8. The $10 registration fee includes lunch and materials, while the $20 registration fee includes lunch, materials and four Continuing Education Unit (CEU) hours.

Lutheran Church of the Redeemer is located at 731 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta.