Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This November, Pope Leo XIV invites us to pray for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. His intention calls us to be a compassionate presence in our communities, offering support, care, and love to those in pain. As we reflect on the communion of saints and the hope of eternal life, may we help others rediscover the beauty and sacredness of life, and remind them they are never alone.
November is also National Caregivers Appreciation Month, a time to honor those who embody Christ’s compassion through their daily acts of love and service. In the quiet moments of tending to others, caregivers reflect the mercy and strength of Jesus, offering dignity, comfort, and hope. Whether you are a caregiver yourself or you know someone who is caring for a loved one, I invite you to pause and reflect with these prayers, Beatitudes for Caregivers and A Caregiver's Prayer.
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.
Retreat Opportunities
The Life-Giving Wounds Online Healing Retreat
Wednesday evenings, October 1 to November 12, 8:15 - 10:00 p.m.
This retreat is a unique and powerful opportunity for adult children of divorce or separation (ACODs) to deeply reflect on the wounds caused by their family’s breakdown, and find healing alongside other peers who truly understand this pain.
Location: Online
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.
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
Learning Opportunities
A Compassionate Journey of Accompaniment
Grace in Grief: Hope After Loss Video Series
As Catholic Ministers, this is your opportunity to be equipped, empowered, and renewed to offer care for those struggling with grief.
Sign up now for A Compassionate Journey of Accompaniment!
Sign up now for A Compassionate Journey of Accompaniment!
Whether you’ve lost someone dear or minister to those who have, this series is for you.
Grace in Grief offers a space to explore grief through the lens of faith, healing, and community.
Through multiple episodes and guided breakout sessions, presenters Paula Staab Polk and Christine A. Gerety will journey with you to:
1. Discover the FIAT Program’s Active Listening Model (McGrath Institute for Church Life)
2. Watch real stories of loss and resilience
3. Share your own experiences in small groups
4. Learn how to support the bereaved—especially during the holidays
5. And more...
1. Discover the FIAT Program’s Active Listening Model (McGrath Institute for Church Life)
2. Watch real stories of loss and resilience
3. Share your own experiences in small groups
4. Learn how to support the bereaved—especially during the holidays
5. And more...
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.
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.