Mental Health Ministry Takes Another Step
October 6, 2022
DIOCESE—The Rockford Diocese was recently granted a chapter in the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers. The Northcentral and Northwest Illinois Chapter covers the entire Diocese of Rockford.
Founding members are Cathy Weightman-Moore, director of diocesan Catholic Charities; Richard Parsons, program director of counseling and post-adoption search for Catholic Charities; and Mary Fuller, mental health ministry coordinator for Catholic Charities. It is the second chapter to be started in Illinois, after Chicago.
The new chapter is working to provide educational, prayerful, social and service opportunities throughout the Rockford Diocese to help break down stigma and provide hope for those who have mental health and substance use challenges and their caregivers. With leadership and resources provided by the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers (ACMHM), it is providing programs and training for all who are interested. Programs include: the Sanctuary Course for Catholics, Mental Health First Aid, and Mental Health 101 for Catholics and Companionship.
Living Rosaries are being prayed in parishes for suicide prevention and a Mass of Remembrance will take place Oct. 29, 9 a.m., at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Rockford. Mass attendees are asked to send the names of their loved ones by Oct. 25 to Mary Fuller at cmhm@rockforddiocese.org.
Editor’s note: Find information on Mental Health 101 for Catholics on page 14.
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