A Catholic Response to the Mental Health Crisis

The webinar will share general information about mental illness, some of the misconceptions surrounding it and how our Catholic faith speaks to everyone’s mental health journey, along with practical ways that we can all help eliminate stigma and better support family, friends and community members who are experiencing mental health challenges.

May 2024 | SoCal Dioceses

In an insightful webinar on May 15 and 16, we welcomed over 80 participants to explore the mission of Catholic Mental Health Ministry and the resources available through CMHM's Learning Center.

The webinar highlighted the purpose and goals of the free online courses, providing attendees with practical knowledge and skills. Powerful testimonials from ministers and participants showcased the impact of CMHM's work, inspiring attendees to deepen their involvement in this vital ministry.

Through interactive Q&A sessions, attendees had the opportunity to address their questions and concerns, leaving them better equipped to take the next step in their ministerial journey.

Webinar Recordings and Resources

1. May 15, 2024: Recording
2. May 16, 2024: Recording
3. Learning Center: https://learn.catholicmhm.org
4. Learning Center sign-up process: Link
5. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/acmhm (All-in-one resources link)
6. Diocese of Orange: rcbo.org/mental-health
7. Diocese of San Diego: sdcatholic.org/mentalhealth
8. Youth Mental Health First Aid: https://shorturl.at/7kVOr
9. Adult Mental Health First Aid: https://shorturl.at/KuV8a
10. Resources by Topic: https://catholicmhm.org/resources-by-topic
11. A Pastoral Letter from the Bishops of California: https://catholicmhm.org/news/hope-and-healing (Available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese)
12. Parishes in Orange with active MHM Ministries: https://catholicmhm.org/orange
13. Resources in Spanish: Link
14. Resources in Vietnamese: Link

Cultivating Hope through Mental Health Ministry | October 2023

Join us to learn how and why St. Thomas the Apostle Parish began a mental health ministry in Naperville, Illinois.  What needs were presented, and how does the ministry meet those needs?  Hear the journey of this ministry, the victories enjoyed, and the challenges overcome.  You will take away ideas, tools, and wisdom you can leverage in your community's mental health ministry!

Webinar Resources
How to Start a Mental Health Ministry/CMHM
Mental Health First Aid Training
The Sanctuary Course for Catholics
Cultivating Hope Through Mental Ministry/St. Thomas
St. Dymphna Mass Homily/St. Thomas
Grief Ministry Book: Grieving: A Spiritual Process for Catholics/St. Thomas

Mental Health Ministry and Youth | June 2023

This is an enlightening presentation on mental health ministry and youth (under 18).  In this one-hour webinar, Dr. Chris Miller will unpack mental health ministry efforts with young people, including best practices around suicide, programming options, and special considerations such as mandated reporting. Attendees will leave with several mental health tools and support they can use to minister to and with young people effectively. Dr. Chris Miller is a religious studies teacher at a Catholic High School in the San Francisco Bay Area. He most recently worked for Catholic Charities Santa Clara County, supporting the Community Action Poverty Simulation program and serving as the youth and young adult coordinator at a 5,000-family parish in San Jose, CA. Chris is currently enrolled in a post-master’s Certificate in Spiritual Formation at Boston College and recently received a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Notre Dame de Namur University and a Graduate Diploma in Canon Law through Saint Paul University. He currently serves as co-chair of the Pastoral Care and Mental Wellness Ministry Network through the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, a member of the California State Mental Health Policy Workgroup, a member of the NAMI National FaithNet Steering Committee, and a member of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s Faith Communities Task Force. 

Webinar Resources
June Webinar PowerPoint File with Resource Links

An Advent Reflection and Journey to Wholeness November 2022

As we reflect on our unrealized hopes, dreams, and expectations that can result from experiences with mental illness, Deacon Adam Michaele (and CMHM Board Member) guides us in looking at Mary's journey.  How can Mary's response and actions during the Annunciation and her journey to Bethlehem help bring about a renewed sense of wholeness in our lives this Christmas Season?

Webinar Resources
Webinar Powerpoint
Opening Song: "The Gloria" by John Michael Talbot
Closing Song: "Psalm 131" by John Michael Talbot
Book Recommendation:  "The Journey" by Adam Hamilton
Additional Advent Song Recommendation: "Mary Did You Know" by Kenny Rogers