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PARISH RESOURCES
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- Parish Sessions and Workshops
- The Sanctuary Course for Catholics
- Mental Health First Aid Training
- Referrals for Mental Health
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parish sessions and workshops
The Office of Mental Wellness Initiatives supports parishes by offering psychoeducation sessions and workshops that promote emotional and mental well‑being within faith communities.
These offerings can be tailored for children and teens in CCE, parents, adults, young adults, and other parish groups. While suggested topics are available, Parish Catechetical Leaders are welcome to request areas of support that best meet the needs of their community.
Please reach out after receiving permission from your Parish Priest.
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The Sanctuary Course for catholics
The Sanctuary Course is a free 8-video course for parish groups, designed to raise awareness and start conversations in local churches regarding mental health. It is guided with videos and a study/facilitator guide. It requires no previous training or expertise, just a willingness to engage in dialogue with other believers.We encourage parishes to offer this Course at their church, to raise awareness about mental health and the call to accompany those who are suffering. Parishes can select facilitators for this course who will be trained by our Office Staff.
All resources are available for free! Each parish can choose when they want to offer it at their parish.This Course will be offered by our Office in the month of July 2026, throughout four weeks, meeting for two hours each week. It is open to parish staff, catechists, parish volunteers, those who regularly accompany individuals affected by mental health challenges, and members of the wider community.Dates: Wednesdays July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22, 2026
Time: 10am-12pm Location: VIRTUALWeek 1: Introduction, Mental HealthWeek 2: Mental Illness, StigmaWeek 3: Recovery, CompanionshipWeek 4: Self Care, The ChurchSANCTUARY FACILITATOR TRAININGS:August 12th October 14th December 9thThe Sanctuary Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD2-NMSaGBw
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mental health first aidMental Health First Aid is an evidence‑based training program that teaches people how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges and how to respond effectively. MHFA equips participants with the skills to provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health concern or experiencing a crisis, such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, or substance misuse.Trainings are done by Tropical Texas Behavioral Health.Teen Mental Health First Aid Training: Designed for high school students (typically grades 10–12) to help them recognize signs of mental health challenges in their peers. The focus is on encouraging teens to seek help from trusted adults, reducing stigma, and promoting supportive peer relationships, while clearly reinforcing that teens are not responsible for diagnosing or counseling one another.*This Course can be offered at the parish with a maximum of 30 Teens per session. Sessions are divided into two half days or three 1.5-hour sessions. PCL or Parish Priest can request this course to be offered at their parish starting Sept. 2026- July 2027. One adult chaperone must be certified prior to offering this course.Youth Mental Health First Aid Training: Intended for adults who work with, care for, or support children and adolescents. Because youth often show signs of mental health challenges differently than adults, this training emphasizes early identification, supportive listening, and involving trusted adults and professional supports rather than expecting the youth to manage challenges independently.
*This Course will be offered through the Diocesan Office starting in September 2026.Adult Mental Health First Aid Training: Designed for adults (18 and older) who want to support other adults experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. The training focuses on recognizing common signs and symptoms, responding to crises such as panic attacks or suicidal thoughts, and connecting individuals to appropriate professional help.
*This Course will be offered through the Diocesan Office.
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referrals to the community
We are committed to referring parishioners to professionals who respect, encourage, and incorporate their Catholic faith as each person walks the path of healing.
A directory of Catholic and Faith-Based counselors will be available.
Parishioners and parish staff can contact our office directly via phone call or email to receive support finding support from a mental health provider.