Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As summer comes to an end and a new school year begins, September invites us into a season of reflection, renewal, and deeper connection. September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, a time to lift up those who are struggling and reaffirm the sacred dignity of every life. As Catholics, we are called to be bearers of hope, offering prayerful support and compassionate presence.
May this month be a reminder that even in times of transition, God walks with us, lighting the way.
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.
For local suicide & crisis hotlines, visit: https://archphila.org/support/ - under the Emergency and Crisis Response tab
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.
Retreats, 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;
St. Peregrine Day - Patron Saint of Cancer
Saturday, September 13, 2025: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
St. Peregrine Day of Hope for families affected by cancer will be held on Saturday, September 13. Healing Service with the St. Peregrine relic, Free Health Screenings, grief counseling, Free Mammograms, special Memorial for those who we have lost to cancer, vendor fair, food and more. This is a free, daylong event.
Speakers: Various
Location: Resurrection of Our Lord parish, 2000 Shelmire Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19152
More info: Contact jenniecfranklin@gmail. - (215) 745-3211
Be Still Saturdays at Lake Nockamixon
Saturday, Sept 20, 2025 - 10:00am-1:00pm
Step away from the noise and hurry of life this summer and join us for Be Still Saturdays. This is a simple, sacred time to pause, pray, and open your heart to the ways God speaks through silence, stillness, and nature. Whether walking, paddling, or resting on the shore, allow the beauty of creation to draw you closer to the Creator. Brought to you by AFIRE Ministries, a 501 (C) (3) Nonprofit Catholic Charity, apeopleafire.org
Location: Lake Nockamixon State Park 1542 Mountainview Drive Quakertown, PA 18951
More info: A suggested donation of $10 per individual, $15 per couple, or $20 per family. Your donation helps AFIRE Ministries continue its mission
Website registration: apeopleafire.org/event
"Pray Hope and Don't Worry" A Weekend Retreat with Padre Pio
Friday - Sunday, September 26 - 28, 2025
Join us for a special weekend retreat as we explore the life and spirituality of Padre Pio, and discover how his example can inspire and enrich our own journeys of prayer and faith.
Speaker: Most Reverend Keith J. Chylinski, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; Father Pio Mandato, a Capuchin priest and missionary hermit known for his close association with Saint Padre Pio and his healing ministry; and award-winning author, editor, and presenter Elizabeth Scalia.
Join us for a special weekend retreat as we explore the life and spirituality of Padre Pio, and discover how his example can inspire and enrich our own journeys of prayer and faith.
Speaker: Most Reverend Keith J. Chylinski, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; Father Pio Mandato, a Capuchin priest and missionary hermit known for his close association with Saint Padre Pio and his healing ministry; and award-winning author, editor, and presenter Elizabeth Scalia.
Location: Saint Mary of Providence Center, 227 Isabella Rd, Elverson, PA 19520
More info: View the flyer; Questions? Email Jacqueline Guerra @ retreats@stmaryprov.or
More info: View the flyer; Questions? Email Jacqueline Guerra @ retreats@stmaryprov.or
Retrouvaille Weekend:
Rediscover the Love in Your Marriage
October 3 - 5, 2025
Some couples feel lonely, frustrated, or angry in their marriage, often feeling shut off from one another. Other couples experience severe conflict and never-ending arguments. Retrouvaille offers hope for all these marriages by teaching couples to communicate in a deeper, more meaningful way, healing hurts and rebuilding trust and intimacy. No relationship is beyond help.
Location: Malvern Retreat House, Malvern, PA
More Information: Visit HelpOurMarriage.org or call 215-766-3944 or 800-470-2230. All inquiries are strictly confidential.
Care for Loved Ones at the End of Life: What Everyone Should Know About End-of-Life Decisions and Suffering
Saturday, October 11, 2025 – 8:30 AM-1:00 PM
Dr. Joseph Meaney from the National Catholic Bioethics Center will present on several topics relevant to the end of life including the value of human life, preparation for eternal life, ordinary and extraordinary means of care, palliative sedation, hospice care, medical proxy, and others. He will also discuss physician assisted suicide as this is becoming a more important topic for our nation. Mrs. Susan Middleton from Thinkhope.org will talk about the value of suffering and the Red Rosary of Hope ministry. This is a free event (donations are welcome).
Speakers: Dr. Joseph Meaney, National Catholic Bioethics Center; Mrs. Susan Middleton, Thinkhope.org
Location: Nativity of Our Lord Church, 605 W. Street Rd., Warminster, PA
More info: Register at buckscountyprolifecoalition.org/events
Dr. Joseph Meaney from the National Catholic Bioethics Center will present on several topics relevant to the end of life including the value of human life, preparation for eternal life, ordinary and extraordinary means of care, palliative sedation, hospice care, medical proxy, and others. He will also discuss physician assisted suicide as this is becoming a more important topic for our nation. Mrs. Susan Middleton from Thinkhope.org will talk about the value of suffering and the Red Rosary of Hope ministry. This is a free event (donations are welcome).
Speakers: Dr. Joseph Meaney, National Catholic Bioethics Center; Mrs. Susan Middleton, Thinkhope.org
Location: Nativity of Our Lord Church, 605 W. Street Rd., Warminster, PA
More info: Register at buckscountyprolifecoalition.org/events
Healing Retreat for Women Healing from
Betrayal Trauma
This retreat is for women healing from sexual betrayal trauma due to an intimate partner’s infidelity, pornography use or sex addiction. Through unique, facilitated healing encounters, we listen for the Holy Spirit’s promptings as He reveals the wounds, the memories, the circumstances that caused dis-integration within us. With Him, we are gently invited into a fully integrated experience – mind, heart, body, spirit, soul. Come…and let Him Restore you!
Retreat Leaders: Father Allen Hoffa of the Diocese of Allentown PA, De Yarrison of You Are Made New Ministry and Laura Ercolino of Hope’s Garden
Location: St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, PA
More info: https://youaremadenew.com/restore-retreats-betrayal-trauma/ or email De at de@youaremadenew.com.
Mental Health Leadership: Transformation Through Innovation Harvard Course
November 17 – 20, 2025
This course is based on decades of real-world experiences of the lead Harvard faculty and encompasses a range of themes related to the core mission of scaling-up mental health care and realizing mental health progress. This interactive executive education course will introduce the reasons for the current state, key innovations which can transform mental health care and discuss how these might be scaled up both globally and in the United States.
Unbound: Freedom in Christ Conference
November 21-22, 2025
Unbound is a simple, gentle, & powerful prayer ministry that helps you break free from resentments, loneliness, addictions—anything that limits your life. Join the Heart of the Father team and take hold of the freedom you have been given in Christ!
Location: Victory Church, Audubon, PA
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.