Pre-Retirement Course
Whilst many people look forward to their retirement and very much enjoy preparing for the potential freedom and new opportunities it offers, for others it can be an uncertain and anxious time.
For clergy, especially those who have been in ministry for many years, retirement may bring challenges and worries about finance and/or housing, whilst for others retirement threatens to bring a loss of identity. Althougth some will be very happy to retire and hang up their clerical collars, others will struggle to think of a life without active ministry, and will be keen to offer their help and assistance to clerical colleagues. Certainly, the Church in Wales highly values and depends upon the commitment of active, retired clergy.
St Padarn’s regularly holds Pre-Retirement Courses to provide valuable support and advice to all those considering retirement.
Who can attend a Pre-Retirement Course?
Anyone serving cleric over the age of 58 can attend the course. It doesn’t necessarily mean that retirement is imminent for you, but it may be helpful for you to begin planning for it, even if its several years away. And you need not only attend one course. Sometimes it might be worth attending several in the years leading up to retirement as your personal or financial circumstances may change.
Can I bring someone with me?
All those attending the course are very welcome to bring a souse, partner, friend, or member of their family with them. Naturally, you may prefer to attend on your own, or it may not be feasible for a partner, family member or friend to accompany you. The choice is yours entirely.
What will be included on the course?
- Help with financial planning for retirement
- Information about government pensions
- An overview of the Church in Wales Clergy Pension Scheme
- Guest speakers sharing their own experiences of retiring from ministry
- Personal aspects of retirement such as transition to a new stage of life, self-care, health, and spiritual needs
- Space to think, pray and reflect
- Regular opportunities for prayer
- Workshops to try something different and have some fun
Where and when are the next courses?
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| Monday 10th - Wednesday 12th November 2025 | Metrepole Hotel Llandrindod |