What is the Sanctuary Course?

Would you like to discover what God, Scripture, and the Church say in light of the experiences of mental health challenges? In these times of heightened anxiety, it's good to have a space to connect with and support one another in meaningful ways.

The Sanctuary Course is a nine-part course designed to raise mental health awareness. The next offering at Archangel Gabriel Parish will be facilitated by Father Al Morris and Mary Stevens and will meet:

Thursday Nights, Beginning February 17
7:00 - 8:30 PM
Via Zoom

If you'd like to register for the next AGP Offering of Sanctuary or learn more about the program, please fill out the interest form below.

Who should participate in this course?

The Sanctuary Course for Catholics is designed to raise awareness and start conversations in local parishes regarding mental health. Your group might include:

• People with questions about mental health
• Mental health professionals with a wealth of knowledge to share
• Leaders or religious educators who want to engage their community in mental health conversations
• People supporting loved ones with mental health problems
• People living with mental health issues

The Sanctuary Course for Catholics is for anyone who wants to learn about faith and mental health. It requires no previous training or expertise—just a willingness to engage in dialogue with your faith community. 

What does this course cover?

Over the course of the nine weeks, participants will explore topics such as:

• Understanding mental health and illness
• Challenging stigma
• The recovery journey
• Companionship
• Self-care
• The role of community in mental health recovery
• The anxiety exacerbated by the pandemic

Each topic is explored from a psychological, social, and theological perspective.