People suffer silently from many forms of mental illness and ignorance in the community creates stigmas surrounding this type of illness.

We work to educate parishes and communities, train staff and volunteers, and accompany those who are struggling and their support person/s.

Parish Ministries

Mental Health and Wellness ministries aim to:

• Promote mental wellness through our Catholic faith;
• Increase awareness and understanding of mental illness in an effort to accompany those who are struggling and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness;
• Advocate for all people to be participants in faith communities and to live out their lives of discipleship.

Check out your parish bulletin or ask to see if your parish has a mental health ministry.

The APD offers trainings, resources, and materials for starting or continuing a mental health ministry, along with a $500 St. Dymphna (a Patron Saint for those who struggle with mental illness) Grant for mental health ministries.

Contact us to learn more about the process of starting a mental health ministry today!

Mental Health First Aid

What is it? Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. (description from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing website). To learn more about Mental Health First Aid visit https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

Interested in becoming certified in Mental Health First Aid?

Email us at apd@madisondiocese.org or call our office to be added to our interest list, to host a course, or for additional questions/information. The course consists of a blended (online/in person) format with ~2 hrs of self-paced pre-course work, followed by an in-person course that is typically ~ 8 hrs (5.5 hrs of content with breaks and lunch). There is a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 15 participants per course per instructor.

Suicide Loss Grief  Series

Losing a loved one to suicide is a loss different than any other. Because of this, we felt it was important to have a group that brings together those who share this sad bond to process their grief informed by faith and an understanding the Church’s teachings regarding death by depression, bipolar disorder, addiction or other mental illnesses.

The next group will be meeting on Tuesdays, April 2, 16, 30 and May 14 at Holy Name Heights. There is an optional dinner offered starting at 5 pm, with the formal series beginning at 6 pm. The evening ends between 8 and 8:30.

For more information, please email apd@madisondiocese.org

Spring 2024 SLGG flyer 8.5×11

Please fill out the form below to register for the SPRING 2024 group.

Etiquette suggestions, and considerations for persons with mental health challenges: 

• Be sure to greet individuals kindly and calmly
• Give your name and ask theirs, but respect boundaries.
• Offer to sit with or near, but respect wishes to be alone.
• Ask a person if there are any accommodations they would like to request and be honest in your ability or inability to make those accommodations.