Emmaus Companions Newsletter - April 19, 2024
Hello Everyone,
I write this on a day when it seems as though the world has forgotten spring. Warm bright days have given way to gloom, chill and snow once again. Yet the forcast calls for hope, both in warmer weather to come, and through our Easter faith that reminds us of the risen Christ who walks with us in every trial and every fickle turn of life.
Indeed, in the area of mental health and faith in our Archdicoese, there is much hope. Our Emmaus Family has officially expanded to include a new Emmaus Women's Peer Support group now operating out of Holy Rosary Cathedral in Regina. In just a few weeks, another new Emmaus group will begin to gather in Saskatoon.
These are such welcome signs that our ministry desire to open conversations around mental health and create safe, supportive and healing spaces in our parish communities, is bearing much-needed fruit!
In the coming weeks, Melissa and I will be heading to Chicago for the Building a Culture of Community mental health conference being held by the Association of Mental Health Ministers at Mundelein Seminary April 25-27. Here we hope to expand our knowledge of mental health ministry, best practices, and Spiritual Peer Support as well as connect with others involved in this ministry.
On our return, I will be speaking to the Provincial CWL Conference in Assinaboia and Melissa and I will be speaking together at the Yorkton/Meliville Deanery Pastoral Council in Canora. In both saces we will be sharing about Emmaus Support Mental Health Ministries along with encouragements for others to set up Emmaus Support ministries in their own parishes and deaneries throughout the province.
PLease pray for us and for the growht of this ministry ofvital support for individuals living with mental health challenges and the family, friends and loved ones who accompany and support them.
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 Support Blog:
Spiritual Peer Support Breaks Stigma, Preserves Dignity Through Acknowledgment
In Spiritual Peer Support, acknowledgment is transformative, fostering empathy and understanding through active listening and non-judgmental attitudes. Participants validate each other’s experiences, reducing stigma and creating trust and connection.
Holding Sacred Space: Mental Health & Faith with Dr. Monica Coleman
The United Methodist Campus in Washington DC presents a workshop for students on navigating mental health challenges with the tools of faith; she dispels some of the unhelpful myths that we often carry from a misunderstood faith and several avenues for self-care and support.
Becoming an Attuned Listener with Dr. Jackie Perry
Dr. Jackie Perry is a seasoned Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Supervisor, a Counseling Professor, and the Founder/President of The SoulWell Center, a non-profit organization based in Western North Carolina. She brings helpful insight into developing the skill of listening. Learn how lay leaders can offer helpful and even preventative care through listening.
Dr. Jackie Perry is a seasoned Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Supervisor, a Counseling Professor, and the Founder/President of The SoulWell Center, a non-profit organization based in Western North Carolina. She brings helpful insight into developing the skill of listening. Learn how lay leaders can offer helpful and even preventative care through listening.
‘Christ wants to be with us’: how Catholic ministries are responding to the mental health crisis
By Kate Quiñones
In October 2023, the U.S. bishops announced the launch of a mental health initiative to address the high rates of anxiety and depression, especially in youth. In recent years, Catholic organizations and ministries throughout the nation have been dedicating more resources to address the mental health crisis.
In October 2023, the U.S. bishops announced the launch of a mental health initiative to address the high rates of anxiety and depression, especially in youth. In recent years, Catholic organizations and ministries throughout the nation have been dedicating more resources to address the mental health crisis.
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