Emmaus Companions Newsletter - March 17, 2023
Hello Everyone,
Near the end of this Lenten season and brave the chilly Saskatchewan weather, I hope this newsletter finds you warm and well. March is a time of reflection and renewal, and as mental health caregivers, it's important to take care of ourselves as we care for others. Today, we also celebrate St. Patrick's Day, a day to embrace the spirit of joy and gratitude.
In this issue, we explore the intersection of mental health and religion, drawing from the wisdom of the Bible and the healing power of faith. We also discuss the benefits of pajama days, a simple yet effective way to practice self-care and recharge our batteries.
As we navigate life's challenges, let's remember to lean on our faith, our community, and our own inner resilience. May the luck of the Irish be with you, and may you find peace and comfort in the knowledge that you are making a positive difference in the lives of those you love and care for.
Peace and God Bless,
Deacon Eric
"While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him...they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them." - Luke 24:15-16;28-29
Our Emmaus Support Group have returned!
If you care for a loved one with mental health challenges and feel you could benefit from the support and prayers of peers with a similar lived experience, use the link below to find out how to register for our next meeting.
From The Emmaus Family Support Blog:
Mental health in the Bible: learning from the experiences of David, Elijah, Job, and Paul
Mental health challenges can be difficult for anyone to deal with, but they can be especially difficult for family members trying to support loved ones. You may feel like you are alone in your struggles. It can be helpful to note that many people throughout history faced similar challenges, including several biblical persons you may be familiar with.
Why searching for religion can help your mental health | Fr. Nick Monco | TEDxHopeCollege
Religion and mental health are two entirely separate and unrelated topics, right? Not so, says some of the scientific research. In this talk Fr. Nicholas Monco explains the connection between personal traumas, painful questions, and religious practice based on his own experience helping young people. He then lays a few simple steps to begin exploring how pursuing religion seriously can help your own mental health.
Why it is good and necessary to take pajama days
By Elizabeth Scalia
“The fields need their fallow times. And we humans need them too, for restoration. Even in Lent — perhaps especially in Lent, when we seek to reorient ourselves — it is good (and necessary) to take a pajama day. Check your calendar. Schedule a day of doing nothing. And then take it.”
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