Healing Ministries

One in four people will be affected by a mental health problem at some point in their lives, yet the stigma surrounding mental health silences many and prevents faith communities from responding compassionately and effectively (The Sanctuary Course for Catholics).  May is Mental Health Awareness Month and May 15 is the Feast Day of St. Dymphna, patron saint of nervous and mental disorders.  Find ways to provide outreach and promote awareness in the month of May HERE

Many people who experience depression or anxiety, grief, loss, or trauma find great relief through psychotherapy.  Licensed mental health providers in the State of Nebraska have both training in research-based techniques and experience in using them to help people address such symptoms and the circumstances, thoughts, and emotions that underly them.   While some providers do specialize in treating severe or profound mental illness, most work with individuals who do not have such diagnoses, but rather, find themselves struggling with stressful life events.  When we are in the midst of such stress it can be difficult to see our way out.  Working with a provider provides a "third eye" - someone in our life who is not in the middle of what we are dealing with and can see from a new perspective.  

When fear, isolation, or hoplessness are part of our struggle it is especially helpful to work with a provider who shares our faith and can offer insights from a faith perspective.  There are Catholic providers who live and work throughout our diocese.  Many maintain a connection with the diocese and are committed to approaching there work through a Catholic lens.  You can find a provider near you by contacting the diocesan Chancery Office at 308-382-6565.  

In addition to local providers, there are Catholic providers across the country who provide telehealth services.  CatholicCounselors.com and the Catholic Psychotherapy Association
both provide referral information.

General Assistance
Nebraska Resource Referral System 
CNCAP Central Nebraska Community Action Partner
Nebraska Family Helpline 888-866-8660
Nebraska Rural Response Hotline 800-464-0258

Crisis Counseling
SAMSHA Lifeline 988
The Upper Room - Catholic Hotline  1-888-808-8724
BoysTown National Hotline 1-800-448-3000

Food
Nebraska Resource and Referral System - Food Pantry Directory
Commodities Supplemental Food Program (age 60 & older)
Commuity Food Pantry (Salvation Army)
Woman, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Christmas Gifts
US Postal Service Operation Santa
Salvation Army Angel Tree
Toys for Tots
 

Every county in the Diocese of Grand Island is identified as a Health Professions Shortage area for Behavioral Health.   This designation comes from assessments by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy and is based on statistics like the number of available providers per 100,00 residents and travel time to the nearest source of care.   The United Health Foundation’s 2021 Annual Report found that almost 17% of Nebraskans experienced symptoms of depression,   12% of adults reported frequent mental distress, and 13% of Nebraska’s children faced two or more adverse childhood experiences, yet the number of mental health providers in the entire state is fewer than 2.9 per 1000 Nebraskans.   Access to care within the Diocese of Grand Island is especially challenging with increased distance to care compared to more urban areas of the state.  The Diocese of Grand Island is committed to improving access to mental health care.  On November 20, 2022 a special collection will be gathered to support access to mental health care within our diocese.  Your donation will help provide assistance for individuals seeking care, increase access to Catholic providers, and develop local mental health ministry programs to offer mentoring and support.

For more information about this special collection, or to find support and healing contact Healing Ministries at the Diocese of Grand Island at 308-382-6565 ext 212.

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• Gather at your parish to view The Sanctuary Course for Catholics together or view at home (available on Formed or at https://sanctuarymentalhealth.org/catholics/)

• Schedule a community Mental Health First Aid course at your parish. 

• Talk to your pastor about starting a Mental Health Ministry in your parish.  (learn more at https://catholicmhm.org/start-a-ministry or call the Diocese of Grand Island Mental Health Ministry at 308-382-6565 ext. 212)

• Participate in the monthly Day of Prayer for Mental Health with the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network and the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers the second Monday of each month (learn more at https://catholicmhm.org/click-to-pray )