World News
Workshops, DVD aim to raise awareness of mental illness in parishes
Published: June 19, 2009
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A new, multipronged initiative by the National Catholic Partnership on Disability is aimed at helping parishes meet the social, emotional and spiritual needs of people with severe mental illness. The project, designed by the organization's Council on Mental Illness, includes one-day awareness workshops around the country; the launch of a 30-minute DVD called "Welcomed and Valued: Supporting People with Mental Illness in Parish Life"; a three-day advanced training for those interested in conducting awareness workshops in their own area; two interfaith conferences; and online opportunities for learning and sharing information about mental illness. Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, episcopal moderator of the Washington-based National Catholic Partnership on Disability, praised the new initiative as an "important and necessary venture to help parishes welcome, include and serve the spiritual needs of Catholics with mental illness." The "Support and Hope" awareness workshops will take place at three locations in July, with different presenters at each location. More information is available at www.ncpd.org.
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