Sanctuary Videos
-
The Sanctuary Course was created to equip churches as they seek to become sanctuaries where individuals with mental health challenges feel safe, supported, and a sense of belonging. Each session explores key mental health topics, drawing upon the insights of mental health professionals, church leaders, and people with lived experience. Below find the videos for each session.
-
SESSION 1: INTRODUCTION
This session explores the psychological, social, and theological components of mental health.
Who feels welcome in your local parish? Are clergy and laity comfortable discussing mental health? Are there resources available for people experiencing mental health problems? In this session, you will learn about the opportunity for faith communities to engage in the broader mental health conversation and offer meaningful support.
SESSION 2: MENTAL HEALTH
Over the course of our lives, we will all experience periods of flourishing and languishing mental health—a reality that helpfully frames our understanding of mental health, mental illness, and suffering. In this session, you will learn about the mental health continuum and its implications for your faith community.
SESSION 3: MENTAL ILLNESS
Have you ever wondered whether poor mental health is a sign of weak faith, or wanted to hear the Church’s position on medication? In this session, you will examine the complexity of mental health and engage with some of the tough questions that Catholics ask when faced with mental illness.
SESSION 4: STIGMA
Stigma is often misunderstood or neglected in discussions about mental health, yet a majority of those living with mental health problems report experiencing it in one form or another. In this session you will reflect on the gospel’s ability to break down the lies that stigmatize mental health problems and fracture faith communities.
SESSION 5: RECOVERY
In our parishes, practices such as praying for the sick and holding healing Masses serve as a reflection of the belief that God can bring about physical restoration. In addition, the sacrament of Anointing the Sick also mediates healing. However, for many people living with mental health problems, the journey of recovery is long and complex. In this session you will learn about the resources of grace and nature that are available to us all.
SESSION 6: COMPANIONSHIP
You don’t need to be a counselor or a psychologist in order to support and accompany those living with mental health problems. In this session you will reflect on the scriptural understanding of friendship and the gift of personal presence.
SESSION 7: SELF-CAREChrist has called us to lay down our lives for one another. How should we understand this call in light of the demonstrable need for self-care? In this session you will reflect on the unique stresses and challenges faced by clergy, caregivers, and those in helping professions.
SESSION 8: THE CHURCH
Meet Brian, who has experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—a disorder triggered by the experience of trauma and characterized by unwanted memories and flashbacks, heightened physical or emotional reactions, and negative changes in mood.
-