Walking along side and lending spiritual support to those individuals and caretakers affected by mental unwellness or daily stressors. Helping parishes to meet people where they are in their journey while lending support through prayer, understanding, and connection to community resources as needed.
“We are one body with many parts. But all its many parts make up one body.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12
Wellness from “the Well”
What is a “Well”?
- A Well represents the gospel of John 4:1-42 where Jesus engages as a transformative, active listening figure where he models attentive and compassionate engagement with an ostracized woman without judgement. The Well at the parish represents that same spiritual space where a person can go and bring their burdens.
- A Well and its surrounding space can be thoughtfully designed to reflect the distinct atmosphere, needs, and location of each parish. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to this.
Examples of Support Offered at Wells
- Examples of external Community Resources for support include, but are not limited to: grief support for both adults and children, addiction, military & first responder, immigration, incarceration/prisoner reentry, those experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, elderly issues & dementia, caretakers, human trafficking, poverty related issues, single parent, etc.
Accompaniment Ideas for Parishes
Share the Mission
- Consider sending staff or parish representatives to the Diocesan Mental Health Ministry Quarterly Meetings.
- Take advantage of local mental health seminars and educational opportunities.
- Set aside one day each year for a staff retreat and spiritual direction.
- Set aside a time to volunteer in the community together.
Get Mobile
- Equip your “well” with wheels, especially for parishes with limited space. Also beneficial for any dedicated Masses or prayer services for mental health. For example, the Well can be wheeled into the church, parishioners can write their intentions on a piece of paper and then place them into the Well at the front of the church.
- Develop a resource booklet that parishioners can take with them that highlights the specific services needed in your community
A Well is Powered in 4 Ways
CONNECT: Connect with the Diocesan Office of Mental Health Ministry.
DEVELOP: Work together on developing the structure for your mental health ministry.
TRAIN: Plug into educational opportunities that provide a solid foundation of mental health literacy.
ENGAGE: Serve the needs of your community.
Your ministry is a rocket and these are the booster engines propelling it forward. You can get the rocket moving with any one of the boosters, but it takes all four to have maximum effect.
Office Contact
Richard DiCarlo – Accompaniment Program Manager
(602) 354-2401