Most Rev. John P. Dolan
Auxiliary Bishop and Moderator of the Curia, Diocese of San Diego, Chaplain, Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers
The Opening Keynote Address, May 19th to the Conference attendees of the Mental Health Ministry Conference held at the Jesuit Retreat Center, Los Altos, CA
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The Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers can help a parish community increase its mental health literacy by presenting a “Mental Health First Aid” training course at the parish at no charge to the parish.
What people in a parish know and believe about mental illness will have a direct impact on a parish’s ability to minister to people with a mental illness and their families. If people mistakenly believes that mental illness is due to a moral failing or character fault then that will only serve to increase the stigma, shame and discrimination that individuals who live with mental illness all too often have to deal with. On the other hand, if there is a broad understanding the parish community that mental illness is, in fact, an illness that is not the fault of the person with the mental illness, then more compassion, empathy and companionship can be found in the parish community.
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One in four people will be affected by a mental health problem at some point in their lives, yet the stigma surrounding mental illness silences many and prevents faith communities from responding compassionately and effectively. This eight-session course—designed for use in small groups—explores the realities of mental health and illness, as well as the vital need for faith-based community conversations about these topics.
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Participants will be introduced to the revolutionary Companionship Model, that has five very important tenets: Hospitality, neighboring, side-by-side, listening, and accompaniment. The 3-hour workshop will provide participants an understanding of how to move from a transactional exchange model to a relational engagement model that enables substantial change when helping others. Workshop participants will also learn the importance of integrating Companionship into their organizations and communities.
Click Here to the endorsement and forward to the guidebook from our Chaplain, Bishop John Dolan, and our President, Deacon Ed Shoener.
Applications Due: June 3rd.
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