Mental Health

OVERVIEW

Holy Spirit Mental Health & Wellness Ministry is for everyone.  Emotional health and an overall sense of well-being are something we all need, strive for, and work toward.  As human beings, we are composed of body, mind, and spirit/soul.  “Like Christ, we are called to tend to the whole person – body, mind, and spirit.” (Hope & Healing, A Pastoral Letter from the Bishops of California May 2018, pg. 7) Therefore, as a parish community, we are called to minister to one another’s physical, spiritual, and mental/emotional needs.

Our ministry stems from this call from our California Bishops.  Together with the Diocese of San Jose, we are working to bring programs that can allow others to accompany you on your mental health and wellness journey.  Our primary goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where people can share their stories and know that they are not alone.

UNDERSTANDING WHAT MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS MINISTRY PROVIDES FOR YOU

Our parish offers a faith-based Mental Health & Wellness Ministry (MHM).  These ministries are growing throughout our Diocese of San Jose.

We understand all of us have mental health needs and at times it helps to have a companion, a listening and compassionate ear, or someone to guide us to some of the available resources for professional help.

Our parish mental health ministry team consists of trained volunteers who participate in regular informational meetings designed to strengthen their ministry skills. Regardless of our ministers’ backgrounds or professional training, they will not provide any professional services.

WHAT MINISTRY TEAM MEMBERS CAN OFFER

• A prayerful listening ear. Team members listen actively and empathetically to validate the experience of those reaching out for help. They can reassure them that they are not alone, and, within the context of the Catholic faith, provide a non-judgmental, safe place for sharing.
• A listing of mental health service agencies and some individual mental health professionals whose services are located geographically near the parish can be provided.
• Our MHM team will continue to provide various educational events to promote mental health and wellbeing, as well as bring better understanding of how various psychological challenges affect people and how we can help them.
• The team also hosts group sessions designed to support those living with mental challenges and those who walk with them.  We have offered several small group programs created by Grace Alliance (www.mentalhealthgracealliance.org) and will continue to source or develop programs and events relevant to our Holy Spirit community.

HOW TO ACCESS A MINISTRY TEAM MEMBER

Contact Pastoral Care at merry.reardon@dsj.org to be directed to a member of the Mental Health Ministry Team.

JOIN THE MINISTRY TEAM

Contact Merry Reardon at merry.reardon@dsj.org or the ministry team directly at hsmentalwellness@gmail.com