MADISON — On October 23, more than 30 people, including members of both the laity and clergy, from four dioceses spent much of the day learning about and discussing how to develop mental health ministry programs at their parishes.
This learning opportunity was coordinated by the Apostolate for Persons with Disabilities-Diocese of Madison and the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers (ACMHM).
The primary presenters were: Bishop John Dolan, auxiliary bishop of San Diego and ACMHM’s chaplain; Deacon Ed Shoener of the Diocese of Scranton and ACMHM’s founder and president; Margery Arnold, Ph.D., mental health ministry coordinator, Diocese of Orange; Deacon Tom Lambert, founder of the Chicago Archdiocesan Commission on Mental Illness and co-founder of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability’s Mental Illness Council; and Wendell Callahan, Ph.D., counseling program director and professor of practice, University of San Diego.
Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison has expressed his desire to develop parish-based efforts to help meet the needs of the many people impacted by mental health challenges.
This presentation was an initial step in coming together as a larger community to discuss how to welcome and provide effective outreach to people with mental health challenges and their families.
Deacon Shoener was pleased to see the active interest and involvement of so many people.
“It is so encouraging to see the Diocese of Madison becoming a leader in mental health ministry. The parish leaders who attended the training were enthusiastic and committed to being instruments of Christ’s love in the lives of people living with a mental illness,” he said.
The Diocese of Madison, through the Apostolate for Persons with Disabilities, will continue to move ahead with efforts to develop and support mental health ministry at the parish level.
Anyone with an interest in mental health ministry is encouraged to become involved.
Contact the Apostolate at 608-821-3050 or APD@madisondiocese.org
For information on mental health ministry resources, visit the ACMHM website at www.catholicmhm.org