Who cannot be horrified by the violence we are witnessing in the Holy Land? Day by day we witness it unfolding before our eyes. If what we have seen is not bad enough, it would seem escalation is imminent.
We were all invited by the Patriarch of Jerusalem and our bishops here in the United States to a day of prayer, fasting, and abstinence this past Tuesday, October 17, 2023.
Let us continue our prayer, fasting, and abstinence for peace there, and throughout our world. We are not helpless in the peace that the Lord can bring. Let us be the agents of peace and justice through our faith, our prayer, and whatever we might choose to do to invoke God’s powerful grace.
Almost exactly one year ago we initiated/launched our Mental Health Ministry at Saint Helen. About fifteen of our parishioners attended a virtual program called The Sanctuary Course for eight weeks.
The course is a resource for parishes designed to raise awareness and start discussions in churches regarding mental health through a Catholic lens. This ministry was launched by members of our parish staff, Liz Greenop (our Echo Apprentice), Liz Migneco, and Nicole Murphy.
Mental health awareness has been heightened during the past few years.
Everyone wants to love and be loved. We know that relationships and community play a huge role in supporting individuals who need support.
So, this Sunday, October 29, 2023, from 9:00AM-1:30PM, we will hold a Mental Health Ministry Open House in the Gym of the Msgr. Meaney Parish Center called Self-Care Sunday.
We have invited some excellent resources from our local community who will have information tables set up in order to provide knowledge about various forms of self-care.
There will be light refreshments available. It is important that we prioritize mental health and help each other thrive. Please join us.
God Bless You All,
Msgr. Tom
