mental illness called to respond

DATE: January 9, 2001

                                                          NEWS RELEASE
                                                                             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                                                             For More Information, Contact:
                                                                             Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
                                                                              bbunce@archdpdx.org

MENTAL ILLNESS AND THE CHURCH: CALLED TO RESPOND

An opportunity for parish leaders and parishioners to learn more about the call in
the Church to respond to the needs of the mentally ill will take place on Saturday, February
3rd. The workshop will be held at St. Philip Neri Parish in Portland (2408 SE 16th
Avenue) in Carvlin Hall. The workshop will run from 9:15 a.m. until 3:45 p.m.
Pope John Paul II addressed health care workers in 1997 stating:

"Whoever suffers from mental illness 'always' bears God's likeness in himself, as does
every human being. In addition, he 'always' has the inalienable right not only to be
considered as an image of God and therefore as a person, but also to be treated as
such…. It is everyone's duty to make an active response: our actions must show that
mental illness does not create insurmountable distances, nor prevent relations of true
Christian charity with those who are its victims."
~ Pope John Paul II, International Conference for Pastoral Assistance to Health
Care Workers, November 1997.

The workshop "Mental Illness & the Church: We Are Called to Respond" will help
participants learn more about taking a crucial first step to responding, that is to learn
about the realities, needs and gifts of people with mental illness. Speakers will
present information on the topics of:

> What is mental illness?

> What community supports are currently available to help people with mental illness
and their loved ones?

> Why is the Church concerned and what is the role of the parish?

Representatives from agencies and parishes will share models of outreach and support
to parishioners with mental illness. Small groups will consider what parishes can do to
make a difference.

The workshop is sponsored by the Justice & Peace Commission of St. Philip Neri
parish and the Archdiocese of Portland Office for People with Disabilities. The cost of
the workshop is $15 if registered by January 30, and $20 at the door. Registration
includes lunch (please note any special dietary needs at time of registration).
Scholarships are available by contacting St. Philip Parish 503-231-4955. To register,
contact St. Philip Neri Parish, 2408 SE 16th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214, or call 503-
231-4955.
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