St. Dymphna Ministry

Mission Statement and Goals

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
(Matthew 5:3).

One in four people will be affected by a mental health problem at some point in their lives, meaning that almost everyone in our parish has experienced mental health challenges or has a close friend or loved one who has.

The St. Dymphna Ministry of Ann provides spiritual accompaniment for people experiencing mental health challenges and mental illness, as well as those who care for them. Members of the Ministry see Christ in those who live with a mental illness and seek to make the parish a place where individuals living with mental health challenges feel safe, supported and have a sense of belonging.

Members practice a ministry of service and presence; like the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37), they do not look the other way or walk past those living with a mental illness but instead pour the oil and wine of the Gospel into their lives. Members walk with people living with a mental illness to help them find the pastoral support and services that they need.

We are inspired by Saint Pope John Paul II who wrote: “Christ took all human suffering on himself; even mental illness . . . whoever suffers from mental illness "always" bears God's image and likeness in himself, as does every human being. In addition, he "always" has the inalienable right not only to be considered as an image of God and therefore as a person, but also to be treated as such.”

We do not provide diagnosis, counseling, treatment, medical assistance or behavioral health support, but seek to accompany individuals living with a mental illness by listening compassionately to their stories and sharing our own.

The first effort of the Ministry will be to provide an eight session educational course on mental health and the Church. Titled the “Sanctuary Course for Catholics.” This course is open for anyone who wants to learn more about faith and mental health. It requires no previous training or expertise—just a willingness to engage in dialogue with other believers.

The sessions are accompanied by compelling films that feature the stories of Catholics living with mental health challenges, along with the insights of archbishops, theologians, and psychologists.

Developed in consultation with mental health professionals, theologians, and people with lived experience, this eight-session study guide explores key mental health topics and examines meaningful ways to offer companionship, support recovery, and promote wellbeing.

Topics that will be covered in the course include:

-Mental Illness

-Stigma

-Recovery

-Companionship

-Self-Care

-The Church

We will be meeting once a week at St. Ann to view the short films and discuss as a group: