Chicago Support and Education

The following pastoral resources can be downloaded: 

• "Spirituality and Mental Illness" ( Reflection on how our spirituality is a major component of managing a mental illness. Includes scripture passages for reflection and a practical meditation )
• "Homily Notes and Ideas" (Homilies and Homily notes and ideas for homilies on Mental Illness and supporting people with mental illness and their families)
• "Novena to St. Dymphna" (May 6 - May 15th or as needed)
• "Life of St. Dymphna" (May 15th is her Feast Day)
• "Holy Listening" (One of the most healing things we can do to companion someone is to listen in a supportive way. Every person's story is sacred, Holy Listening gives some key points on listening to a person's life story. )
• "Holy Listening" (Spanish translation )
• "Outline of 5 session parish series on mental illness in English and Spanish" ( Parish series covers topics related to mental illness )
• "16 SPECIFIC ACTIONS FOR PARISHES - English" ( Parish outreach ideas for ministry to People with Mental Illness and their Families. Incorporating these ideas in your parish will help to let people know that a parish is a place they can find support)
• "16 SPECIFIC ACTIONS FOR PARISHES - Spanish" ( Spanish version of 16 specific actions )
• "Four Weekly Bulletin Articles in English and Spanish" ( Bulletin Articles for Raising awareness about mental illness)
• "Pastoral Support for People with Mental Illness and their Families" (A booklet describing the issues facing persons with mental illness and their families and providing ideas for churches to minister to them - Revised December 2021.)
• "Website List of Resources and Books" (List of helpful Resources found on the internet )
• "Justice Issues and Catholic Church Social Teaching" (Justice Issues affecting people with mental illness )
• "Inclusive Church is like a STAIN GLASS WINDOW" (Reflection on Inclusion that speaks to stigma and the faith community )
• "NAMI 12 Principles of Support with Scripture Applications" (NAMI 12 principles with supporting Bible passages put together by Judy Beckman along with Lucy Bell from Toledo, Ohio for use in their spiritual support group )
• "Dealing with Isolation and remembering Christ is always with us" (Coping skills and tools)