Emmaus Companions Newsletter
- May 31, 2024
Dear Emmaus Companions,
Warm greetings to each of you! As we continue to journey together, we have been blessed with many moments that have deepened our understanding and strengthened our community. Even through these recent rainy and stormy days, we continue to expereince solace and comfort in one another, sharing experiences and offering heartfelt encouragement.
We were also thrilled to attend the Mental Health Ministers Conference in Chicago. It was both enjoyable and informative, offering us valuable insights and new strategies to support our mission. The camaraderie and knowledge gained there will surely benefit our community.
Many of the sessions were recorded and are now available to access freely from the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers. You can use the button below to access them.
Melissa and I continue to receive invitations to speak about this ministry and encourage other parishes and deaneries to take part. We're excited to speak about to the Moose Jaw/Gravelbourgh deanery near the end of June. We are honored to share our experiences and insights with a broader audience, and we ask for your prayers as we prepare for this opportunity.
We warmly invite you, your families, friends, and neighbors to join us for a Holy Hour of Adoration and prayer for mental health on Thursday, June 27, from 7:00-8:00 pm at Holy Trinity Parish, 5020 Sherwood Drive, Regina. This will be a special time of reflection, connection, and communal prayer.
Lastly, let's continue to lift up in prayer those in our Emmaus support and prayer groups. Your ongoing support and prayers are invaluable to those who are walking this journey with us.
Thank you for being a part of our Emmaus community and for working with us to create a spaces of hope, faith, and support for all.
Peace and God Bless,
Deacon Eric Gurash
"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:
Mutuality and Reciprocal Healing
The whole purpose and intent of the incarnation was a desire for mutuality, that the Triune Creator of All Things would be able to share human life with their human family, to grow in knowledge and wisdom together, to laugh, cry, and love together.
Building a Culture of Community Keynote with Bishop John Dolan
Bishop John P. Dolan, Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix and former priest of the Diocese of San Diego, shares his journey from a Catholic upbringing in San Diego to his current role. Despite a vibrant church community and family life, Bishop Dolan faced significant personal tragedies, including multiple suicides within his family. These experiences have shaped his dedication to mental health advocacy in the Catholic Church. His story underscores the need for compassionate pastoral care and the church's role in addressing mental health issues.
The Problem with Preaching Gratitude
By Heather Loeb
Sometimes, you will have days where counting your blessings feels impossible. This does not make you a bad person; it means you’re busy fighting to live your life. Not everyone sees this battle you wage in your body and mind. But I see you. There is a community that sees you. Keep fighting. Keep counting your blessings if it helps — and don’t count them if it doesn’t. The only thing you need to do is take care of you to the best of your ability, whatever that may be.
By Heather Loeb
Sometimes, you will have days where counting your blessings feels impossible. This does not make you a bad person; it means you’re busy fighting to live your life. Not everyone sees this battle you wage in your body and mind. But I see you. There is a community that sees you. Keep fighting. Keep counting your blessings if it helps — and don’t count them if it doesn’t. The only thing you need to do is take care of you to the best of your ability, whatever that may be.
The Care Ministry Podcast: Mental Health Awareness Month with Ike Miller
Ike Miller, is an author and pastor who shares his experience of the impacts of growing up with a parent with an addiction to alcohol. As he unpacks his story, we discover the beauty of God’s redemption, using our hurts and struggles for His glory. Now, Ike encourages others through his book, Good Baggage, to discover the same redemption.
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