Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston trains 130 parish leaders on mental health

More than 130 clergy, catechists, and lay leaders from the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston recently completed a two-day training session on disability and mental health. The training, held in partnership with the National Catholic Partnership on Disability, included representatives from approximately three-quarters of the archdiocese's parishes.

The program addresses challenges such as suicide, trauma, family stress, and disability inclusion. This training expanded from the Hope and Healing initiative led by Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, which originally focused on mental health literacy for priests. The expansion follows requests from parish staff and ministry leaders for more training.

Melissa Alvarez, the associate director of faith formation for persons with disabilities, said the training is a step toward welcoming all persons with disabilities into the life of the Church.