08/01/2026
Mental Health Ministry Meetings – August 3, 2026 – WELCOME BACK EVERYONE! We hope you had a good break during the month of July!
A PRAYER FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Heavenly Father, I come to You today seeking guidance. I strive to be stronger, but I cannot do so without acknowledging my own weaknesses first. Lord, help me to overcome these battles my mind has challenged me with. I know You are always with me, and my hurdles I face can be conquered with Your grace. My mental health is not at its best, but I know this suffering is not permanent. This too shall pass, and I pray that You will continue to watch over me and fortify me with your love. In Jesus name, Amen.
Monday, August 3, 2026, at 7 pm at Patrick’s Center Dining Room - we will continue the series with session 7 of the very faithful and informative "Sanctuary Course for Catholics." In video # 7 you will meet Katrina who lives with Bipolar 2 disorder. Her story illustrates the importance of self-care, boundaries, and self-compassion. She tells us about the unique stresses and challenges faced by caregivers and her story will reflect on the theological implications of self-care.
Monday, August 10, 2026, at 7 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Center Dining Room - we will conclude the very faithful and informative "Sanctuary Course for Catholics." In the final video # 8 you will meet Brian who has experienced post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a disorder triggered by the experience of TRAUMA and characterized by unwanted memories and flashbacks, heightened physical or emotional reactions, and negative changes in mood. This film is not graphic but it references military experience and Su***de.
Monday, August 17, 2026, at 7 p.m. at St. Patrick's Center Dining Room - we will show Diocese of Phoenix, International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers (IACMHM) Chaplain, Bishop John Dolan’s introductory video from the June 2026 IACMHM Conference in Washington DC titled “Building a Culture of Community: Equipping Leaders for Mental Health Ministry.” The IACMHM is a global leader in helping parishes and dioceses build a culture of community, compassion, and mental-health awareness within the life of the Church. Through training and resources and ongoing formation, the Association equips clergy, lay leaders, and ministry teams to accompany those facing mental health challenges with completeness and pastoral sensitivity.
We will also talk about his personal story and history of family loss to su***de. As an introduction to the Sanctuary’s “When a Loved One Dies by Su***de" series, will share Bishop Dolan's article “A Ministry of Human Fragility,” that tells why he established the Office of Mental Health Ministry in the Phoenix Arizona Diocese.
Thursdsy, August 20, Our Ministry may be featured on the panel in another "Mins Matters" mental health event! More info to come!!!!
Monday, August 24, 2026, at 7 p.m. at St. Patrick's Center Dining Room - we will begin the very faithful and informative Sanctuary 8-video Series “When a Loved One Dies by Su***de.”
VIDEO #1 - A Message for Sibling Survivors of Su***de Loss: Learn to Share Your Story
Who is this resource for?
Though this resource is intended primarily for those who have lost loved ones to su***de, others may find it helpful and informative.
Su***de and mental health challenges impact countless communities, and we are all called to the ministry of accompaniment.
Listening to stories of su***de loss can cultivate greater compassion within us and prepare us to encounter suffering with grace.
It is a grief support resource for those experiencing su***de loss. It is based on the book, When A Loved One Dies by Su***de: Comfort, Hope, and Healing for Grieving Catholics, which was written by and for Catholics who have experienced su***de loss. Now, the stories sensitively and honestly shared within these pages have been turned into the compelling films featured in this resource.
You will hear from fellow Catholics—both clergy/religious and laity—as they share about their loved ones, their journey with grief, and the comfort and hope they have found in faith, community, and the Church.
Su***de is often misunderstood and insufficiently discussed in the Church, even though it is a major cause of death. When a Loved One Dies by Su***de aims to dispel misconceptions about Church teaching on su***de and offer support to individuals journeying through grief towards healing.
Topics addressed include:
• receiving solace, hope, and healing through the rich traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church
• engaging in prayers of comfort and encouragement
• sharing your story, if and when you are ready to do so
• understanding the nature of psychological pain
• exploring opportunities for growth and invitations to loving service
Monday, August 31, 2026 - Sanctuary’s “When a Loved One Dies by Su***de.” VIDEO #2 – A Grief Revealed and Redeemed: The Su***de of My Sister, Mary Anne Pope
Monday, September 7, 2026 – NO MH MINISTRY MEETING – LABOR DAY MONDAY
Monday, September 14, 2026 - Sanctuary’s “When a Loved One Dies by Su***de.” VIDEO #3 - The Su***de Death of My Daughter, Katie
Monday, September 21, 2026 - Sanctuary’s “When a Loved One Dies by Su***de.” VIDEO #4 – Praying After Su***de Loss
