Guilford Parish Offers Support for Those Living with Mental Illness

Story by Joe Pisani

Almost 25 years ago, Deacon Adam Michaele was moved by a heartbreaking situation when a young woman had her engagement broken and lost her friends because of mental illness.

“She had nothing and no one to go to, and we knew we had to do something,” he recalls. That’s when he and his wife Rose began a mental health ministry to offer people suffering from loneliness to depression, stress, autism and anxiety a place to turn for support. Since then, they have assisted dozens of people, most of whom had nowhere to turn.

The Mental Health Ministry Spiritual Support Group is hosted by St. George Parish in Guilford and has members from the shoreline parishes. Meetings are held on the campus of St. George Church.

“The group offers a safe and confidential environment where people who live with mental illness can meet and share their experiences, their concerns and their faith,” says Deacon Michaele. “It is not group therapy, and behavioral health professionals are not involved, but through support, prayer and reflections, members can grow closer in their relationship with our loving God.”

Deacon Adam is a certified Catholic mental health minister with a master’s degree in spiritual and pastoral care. He was a founding board member of the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, and three years ago received the Archdiocese of Hartford’s social justice award for his work.

Rose Michaele provides spiritual accompaniment and previously facilitated a group for caregivers.

“My wife Rose has been there every step of the way and offers a gentle touch and womanly perspective that I cannot provide,” Deacon Michaele says.

“People in the group offer support for each other, and a camaraderie has built up,” Rose says. “Some of them live alone and don’t have family, some can’t drive, and older members are lonely and feel their vulnerability. Many suffer from the stigma associated with mental illness and don’t want to speak about it because they’re afraid of being ostracized.”

Meetings begin with a prayer, and Deacon Michaele asks them to share their experiences while members offer suggestions when someone has a problem. Later, they discuss a spiritual reading or the Gospel. The meetings end with a blessing, and Rose gives them treats to take home.

The Michaeles also take members to events, such as the St. George Thanksgiving Day dinner and the parish annual carnival.

“We support them and try to get them out so they’re not home alone,” Rose says. “Sometimes we treat them to lunch and a movie, which they look forward to.”

Members are required to adhere to certain rules.

“We have rules about confidentiality,” Deacon Michaele says. “If they have a therapist, they can’t abruptly stop treatment without having a plan to get another one. They also can’t abruptly stop their medication.”

During the week, the Michaeles make themselves available to members.

“Anyone can come in any time and sit with us if they have a problem,” Deacon Michaele says. “We get calls and support them with our prayers and understanding. The door is always open.”

The Mental Health Ministry Spiritual Support Group meets the second and fourth Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Ruiz Center on the campus of St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St., Guilford. For dates and more information, contact St. George Parish, 203.453.2788.