1st Sunday of the Month

Each First Sunday at the 11:00 am Mass will be the St. Dymphna Mass. This special service aims to provide spiritual support and healing for individuals and families affected by mental health issues.
 
The Mass will include specific prayers and intercessions seeking St. Dymphna’s guidance and comfort. As a community we ask for you to pray intentionally for those suffering with anxiety, depression, addiction, and/or just struggling emotionally or mentally in anyway. We also hope to lift up the family and friends of those who are on this difficulty journey with them.  

You may choose to offer this Mass for a specific person or family you know struggling, Click on the St. Dymphna Prayer Card and print it out or send an electronic version to your loved ones and  let them know you have prayed for them.

By regularly offering this Mass we as a community acknowledge the importance of mental well-being and the Church’s role and ours as disciples of Jesus to offer solace and hope to those in need.

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Select the PDF file below, print on a 7 x10 greeting card to be folded into a 5 x7.

St. Dymphna Greeting Card 

We specifically seek the intercession of St. Dymphna as she is the patron saint of Mental Health and Illness.  Born in Ireland, her father struggled with mental illness. As his mental health deteriorated, he sought to harm his daughter, Dymphna. She fled and eventually set up a hospital for the poor and sick. Soon her father found her and demanded her to return home. When she refused, he beheaded Dymphna.
 
Sometime later, the town’s people collected their remains and laid them to rest in what is known today at Geel, Belgium. Over the centuries, many miracles have been attributed to St. Dymphna here and is the current is site of the Church of St. Dymphna.
 
As word spread of her patroness many set out on a pilgrimage from far places to visit her burial site. Gradually the pilgrims exceeded the capacity of the town, and soon pilgrims with various mental, emotional, or psychological issues were invited to stay in family homes. To this day, each local home welcomes into their family any who struggle with their mental health, addiction, illness, and more. 

Generations of Gheel townsfolk have passed down their remarkable spirit of charity and continue to testify to the Christlike love for all. St. Dymphna and her influence on these townspeople symbolize hope and healing for those who struggle; and a mentor to families, friends, and our community to emulate.

Lord,

We honor St. Dymphna, patron of those who struggle with addiction, mental, or emotional pain. Help us to be inspired by her example and comforted by her merciful help. 

Amen.

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