• Massachusetts Parish hosts Seminar addressing pandemic's 'enormous toll' on mental & spiritual health 

  

  Addressing the twofold issue of spiritual well being and mental wellbeing as well as offering advice, encouragement  and practical strategies for prayer and self care, St. Mary's Parish, Brookline 

  hosted a virtual seminar.  Religious education director Dr. Chrsitine Nadjaran organized the event because the Parish sees "a deep need for it among community members" during the pandemic.

   

  Fr. Johathan Gaspar, the Pastor, points to the Psalms of which some arise out of a place of pain, yet ultimately express hope, calling upon God to intervene. Fr Johathan notes also the saints are able to find God in darkness, in the dark moments of life: "and that is what we are called to do today.   Dr Larua  Ferrer, Clinical Psychologist and parishioner,  presents ten strategies for improving mental health. She encourages identifying foundations including identifying five things necessary to feel "balanced" over the course of a week. The session closes with a question and answer session for those attending. 

   

  Check out a recording of the session below. And, if you know someone who is struggling, share the link with them. 

   

  facebook.com/groups/stmarysbrookline/permalink/3877584215620827

   

  If a loved one or you are coping with an intense struggle, including that life is not worth living, don't wait for it to pass, or refrain from "bothering" others. Find supports. In an emergency, go to a hospital ER. Crisis hotlines in MA:

   

  National Suicide Pervention Lifeline 

  1.800.273.8255

  availablle 24/7, talk or chat on-lnie

   

  Crisis Text Line

  text to HOME 741741

  available 24/7, text only 

   

  Samaritans Statewide Hotline

  877.870.4673

  available 24/7, talk or text

   

  Call 2 Talk 

  508.532.2255

  available 24/7, talk or text