Persons with Disabilities-Diocese of Madison. (Contributed image)
Since the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Francis has challenged believers to “reach out to the margins.” The Holy Father is exhorting us to not forget those who may be on “the periphery” of acceptance with the love of Christ.
While there are a number of individuals and groups that may fall into that category, those suffering or struggling with mental illness certainly need to be included.
Fortunately for those in southwestern and central Wisconsin, the Apostolate for Persons with Disabilities (APD), in partnership with the Diocese of Madison and Catholic Charities, has made a conscious commitment to provide resources to individuals, families, and faith communities to begin addressing the spiritual and practical needs of those struggling with mental health and wellness.
The APD’s mission is “to minister as Christ ministered: Seeing beyond disability to ability; nurturing and challenging each person’s abilities; and advocating on behalf of all so that they will be allowed full access and participation in all areas of their lives, in a special way as they strive to live out a life of discipleship and the sharing of God’s blessings on our Church, country, and community.”
With the recent hiring of a full-time mental health coordinator, the APD has expanded its offerings which now include annual Masses for spiritual support, Catholic resources on mental health and mental illness, a referral network of Catholic mental health providers, training and education for parishes on welcoming and ministering to parishioners with disabilities and mental illness, support to establish parish mental health ministry groups, and suicide loss support groups.
In the Gospel, our Lord reminds us that, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Mt 25:40).
Our mental health and wellness ministry truly responds to that challenge.
The initiative identifies three distinctive tiers — awareness, advocacy, and accompaniment — to work with parishes wanting to evangelize to those in the margins and who may feel unwelcome or even unworthy of God’s infinite love.
Local faith communities are invited to meet with APD staff to see what resources are available to them and how they might be able to incorporate them into their Go Make Disciples evangelical efforts. By working to create an awareness within the parish community, they can help dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding mental illness that affects 1 in 5 youth and adults.
To assist in creating a greater awareness, parishes are asked to host wellness events and mental health related talks or informative workshops.
The ADP can assist in identifying or scheduling speakers to come to address specific topics or to answer questions. In this way, awareness can lead to advocacy on behalf of those who struggle or suffer, as well as for their family and friends.
Ideally, what is hoped is that parish communities will name a parish mental health advocate and begin establishing a mental health ministry team to provide “Catholic care” on an ongoing and comprehensive basis.
Currently, Queen of Apostles Pastorate in Madison; Mary, Mother of Mercy Pastorate in Mazomanie and Sauk City; Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Madison; and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Madison have mental health spiritual support groups that meet on a regular basis to provide opportunities to pray, share, and express care, concern, and compassion.
We encourage those interested in finding out more to visit the newly renovated website — madisondiocese.org/mentalwellness
Visitors will find resources for oneself or a loved one, a referral network of Catholic mental health providers, resources for mental health ministry, information on events, support groups, and more.
Pope St. John Paul II taught, “Whoever suffers from mental illness always bears God’s image and likeness.”
May we strive to reach out to those struggling and suffering from this disability or challenge to manifest the Good News of hope, help, and healing!
Michael D. Wick is the director of mission for the Diocese of Madison.