Gaylord, MI 49735 
Former Astronaut James Irwin led several non-space expeditions. What was he looking for?
Diocese to host Conference on
Spirituality and Mental Illness
Preparations are being finalized and registration materials are now available for the Diocese of Gaylord’s Spring Conference — “Restoring the Spirit; Removing the Stigma: Ministering to persons coping with mental illness.” This one-day conference will be held at the Pastoral Center in Gaylord on Thursday, May 15 which is also the feast day of St. Dymphna, patron saint for all those suffering nervous and/or mental afflictions. We all know individuals and families who struggle with depression, bi-polar disorders, the aftermath of a suicide, or some other form of mental illness. This conference will help equip each of us with insight and tools to better minister to those living with these issues in our parishes and communities.
Designed to also share the importance of spirituality in the recovery process and in living with a mental illness, presenters will discuss how we can become caring congregations for those who suffer with mental illness and their families.
The keynote speaker will be Deacon Tom Lambert who serves the Archdiocese of Chicago on their Commission on Mental Illness. He is also Chairman of the Board of Faith and Fellowship, a faith-based outreach program for persons with a mental illness and is co-chair of the National Council on Mental Illness.
Deacon Lambert offered this about his keynote address, "We’ll explore what mental illness is and how it affects the person and their family as people of faith. How do we as Church proactively minister to and with people with mental illness to meet their spiritual needs? How does that enrich our own faith and the life of the Church?”
Deacon Lambert also plans to address what our Catholic Social teaching tells us about addressing the justice issues facing people with mental illness and their families especially the dignity of the individual, the priority of those in need and the right to adequate healthcare. He will also discuss specific ministry models for parishes and individuals for welcoming, offering spiritual support for people with mental illness and their families, and advocating for justice.
Deacon Tom and his wife, Rita, will also present a special evening presentation which will offer hope to families and friends of those living with mental illness. The couple has four daughters; one of whom suffers with mental illness.
During the evening presentation Deacon Tom and Rita will share their insights from their personal experience including: What to do when a person in your family has a mental illness; recognizing and reacting to symptoms; how to get help; how to support our loved one; how to draw boundaries that are healthy for the person and the rest of the family; and how to draw strength from God to meet our spiritual needs in a time of crisis and throughout the illness.
The evening session will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be free of charge and is open to all.
Another featured speaker at the day-long conference will be Rev. Bob Malloy, OFM-Cap. Fr. Bob works as the Chaplain and Director of Pastoral Care at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit. He is also a member of the mental illness council of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability in Washington, D.C. Fr. Bob will offer a session specifically for priests regarding the Sacrament of Reconciliation for those who struggle with mental illness. In a second breakout session, open to everyone, he will speak on topics particularly geared for parish staff and parishioners regarding how to respond to people with mental illness and their families.
“In Our Own Voice: Removing the Stigma” is the title of another breakout offered in the afternoon. This enlightening session will include an opportunity to hear directly from individuals living with mental illness about the stigma associated with it and how spirituality is so important to their continual recovery. In addition, artwork and stories created by those with mental illness as part of a special anti-stigma campaign by Northern Lake Community Mental Health will be on display.
“Recognizing the Signs: Renewing Hope” will be lead by Joe Garant, MA, LPC, CAAC, from Catholic Human Services. This workshop will focus on recognizing the signs of mental illness and deciding when to refer someone to a mental health professional. He will also address the subject of suicide and ministering to families coping with the grief and confusion which follows.
The day-long conference will begin with continental breakfast and registration at 9:30 a.m. with the conference officially beginning with an opening prayer at 10:00 a.m. followed by the keynote address. After lunch, the various workshops will be held and the day portion of the event will conclude at approximately 4:00. The evening session with Deacon Lambert will begin at 7:00 p.m. and conclude at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Due to the generous donations to the Catholic Services Appeal, as well as support and assistance from Northern Michigan Hospital and Catholic Human Services, the registration fee for the conference is only $10 if received before the registration deadline of May 5; $15 after that time. The fee includes a continental breakfast, materials and lunch.
For more information, call the diocese at 989.732.5147 or download a registration form below.
Please plan to attend and encourage others to participant in this unique and timely event in our area.