Emmaus Companions Newsletter - November 24, 2023
Hello Everyone,
Near the end of October, I was blessed to be invited to participate in a pre-conference meeting held by the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHAS). The main presentation featured Deacon Ed Shoener and Ms. Maricela Campa, both of whom work with Bishop John Dolan in the area of mental health for the Diocese of Phoenix AZ. The Diocese of Phoenix is helping to pioneer a Catholic response to mental health care, particularly through a small spiritual support group model similar in approach and intention to our Emmaus support groups.
One exciting development from this has been the Addition of our Emmaus Family Support Ministries to Deacon Ed's Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers site as their first Canadian partner in mental health ministry!
As a follow-up, Melissa and I have been engaged in a few additional meetings with Peter Oliver of CHAS and Deacon Ed to discuss what an expansion of mental health ministry in our Archdiocese and throughout Saskatchewan might look like. Please keep us and this valuable ministry in your prayers as discussions continue.
Learn more about the Office of Mentral Health Ministry in Phoenix at Office of Mental Health Ministry - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix (dphx.org)
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
Emmaus Support Group:
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:
Communities of Care: Catholic Teachings Shape Mental Health Peer Support
Our parish communities are uniquely positioned to walk with others, offering prayer-filled support that can rebuild self-esteem and confidence often undermined by experiences of mental illness through a focus on mutuality, self-determination, respect, dignity, equity, and belonging.
Busted Halo: Blue Christmas - Interview with Paul Jarzembowski
The holiday season is filled with joy, but can also be a difficult time of year for many people. Father Dave welcomes back friend of the show and USCCB Associate Director for the Laity, Paul Jarzembowski to discuss his new book, “Hope for the Holidays: Finding Light at the Darkest Times of the Year.”
Mental Illness in Light of the Theophany Icon
by Joel Looper
We are all brittle, crazy glasses that will only be fully restored at the restoration of all things. Only on that day will I perfectly reflect the light of Christ. Only then will I be who I was made to be. Yet, this is also particularly true of Lawrence and those who struggle with mental illness.
by Joel Looper
We are all brittle, crazy glasses that will only be fully restored at the restoration of all things. Only on that day will I perfectly reflect the light of Christ. Only then will I be who I was made to be. Yet, this is also particularly true of Lawrence and those who struggle with mental illness.
Mental Health and the Spiritual Life: How Catholic Faith Practice Builds Mental Health Resiliency
Dive into the intersection of faith and mental health with Deacon Eric Gurash and wife Melissa of Emmaus Family Support Ministries. Gain valuable insights as they draw from personal experiences to explore how our Catholic faith can be a powerful tool in navigating mental health challenges.
Dive into the intersection of faith and mental health with Deacon Eric Gurash and wife Melissa of Emmaus Family Support Ministries. Gain valuable insights as they draw from personal experiences to explore how our Catholic faith can be a powerful tool in navigating mental health challenges.
Discover the synergy between faith practices and clinical therapies, and uncover strategies to build resiliency.
Join us at Holy Family Parish - 1021 McCarthy Blvd, Regina, SK - for this Faith & Fellowship event on Monday, November 27, from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm for an engaging discussion and Q&A blending faith and practical insights over snacks and refreshments. For more information, contact Holy Family's Spiritual Enrichment Committee using the button below.
Help Other Caregivers Connect
Forward this email to family, friends, or other caregivers you know. Have you received this from a friend? Click the link below for your own monthly subscription to our Emmaus Companions newsletter.