Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Pope Leo XIV recently addressed the young people of Chicago and around the world, offering hope to those facing depression, anxiety, or loneliness. His words tie in closely with the themes of our June and July Mental Health Minutes. I encourage you to view his message below.
In Christ,
Natalie Morales, M. Ed
Director
Natalie Morales, M. Ed
Director
Each month you will receive a "mental health minute" which will include facts surrounding mental health, as well as, insights from the Catholic Church. You are encouraged to share the information with your parish communities via Narthex monitors, parish Flocknotes, bulletins or simply in conversation.
Are you a Licensed Mental Health Professional?
Join the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Mental Health Referral Network. The Archdiocese is seeking local clinicians who would like to support Catholic families and individuals seeking mental health care that aligns with and respects our Catholic beliefs and values. We are especially in need of therapists who can provide services in various languages.
A therapist seeking to be referred by the Archdiocese is required to submit the following for the vetting process:
- current license information
- proof of insurance,
- curriculum vitae/resume,
- a letter of good standing from his or her pastor (or other Catholic ministry leader).
If you are interested in joining or for more information about this program, please contact Natalie Morales, Director of Office for Persons with Disabilities at namorales@archphila.org.
Workshops & Other Opportunities
Healing Retreat for Adult Children of Divorce
September 12-14, 2025: Life-Giving Wounds Retreat
No matter your age when it happened, the effects of your parents’ divorce or separation are deep and long-lasting. Life-Giving Wounds is a national ministry specifically for adults (18+) whose parents are divorced or separated — providing a unique opportunity for men and women who are the children of divorced or separated parents to give voice to their pain and experience Christ’s transformational healing, together with peers who know the challenges that broken homes cause.
Sponsored by: Office for Life and Family, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Location: Malvern Retreat House, Malvern, PA
More info and registration: Cost is $350, scholarships available;
NAMI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy for individuals affected by mental health conditions and their loved ones. They raise awareness, offer resources for individuals and families, provide education, and offer both crisis hotlines and help lines for anyone in need.
Testimonials of local parishioners who have found support through NAMI:
“The NAMI family support groups saved me.” - Lisa, St. Eugene, Primos, PA
"I feel so blessed to have found the Havertown NAMI Family Support Group. The facilitators are excellent and it is a great group of compassionate and caring people. My initial experience with NAMI Mainline was through the Family- to- Family classes in the Spring of 2015, and from there began attending the monthly support group meetings.
Our son was experiencing unusual behavior, had several hospitalizations and we were at a loss at how to help him. These meetings allowed me to talk freely about my feelings without fear of judgement. As a group we share our experiences and I’ve been able to find resources that otherwise I wouldn’t have known are available.
My son is doing very well now and I am so grateful for this group at NAMI who have supported me throughout this journey. It is a wonderful resource for those in need."
- Karen, St. Cornelius Church, Chadds Ford, PA
Connect with your local NAMI:
These events and resources offer valuable support however, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia does not guarantee the effectiveness or appropriateness for any individual's specific needs. These events and resources are not intended to replace professional mental health treatment.