By Halle Beranek | For On Mission
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay is now a member of the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers (ACMHM), with the goal of supporting parish communities across the diocese. This initiative complements our clinical mental health counseling services by providing resources for parish leaders who wish to start or enhance mental wellness support and ministry groups. Many parishes already offer grief support, mental health groups, and other ministries that foster community and care. Our goal is to equip parish leaders and ministers with the tools, resources, and training they need to continue this important work.
Deacon Jim Hoegemeier, pastoral leader at St. Paul Parish in Plainfield, Wisconsin, and board member of the ACMHM, shared: “Our diocese will benefit greatly from the creation of mental health ministries, and I’m ready to support my fellow pastoral staff in establishing them at the parish level. We want to be prepared for those who come to us in times of mental health challenges — so that when they turn to the Catholic Church, they find compassion, understanding, and supportive resources.”
Please mark your calendars! Catholic Charities will host the Diocesan Mental Health Ministry Retreat on Wednesday, June 17, at the Norbertine Center for Spirituality in De Pere, Wisconsin. Deacon Ed Shoener, founder of ACMHM, will be the keynote speaker. This retreat will be open to parish and school staff, ministry members and anyone interested in grief, mental health, or prayer ministry. Participants will enjoy workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, along with celebration of the Mass and lunch.
Coming soon! Catholic Charities will also be adding a section to its website dedicated to mental health ministry, providing resources for those seeking support groups and for those interested in getting involved with mental health ministry in the future.
Stay connected! To learn more about mental health ministries and join our mailing list, email charitiesgb@gbdioc.org with the subject line “Mental Health Ministries.”
Beranek is the parish and community outreach coordinator for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay.
Read more about our Mental Health Ministry in On Mission.