GAYLORD -- The Diocese of Gaylord will offer a spring conference titled "Restoring the Spirit; Removing the Stigma: Ministering to people coping with mental illness."
The one-day conference will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with an additional evening presentation at 7 p.m. on May 15 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center.
The conference will focus on the importance of spirituality in the recovery process of persons living with mental illness. Keynote speaker will be Deacon Tom Lambert, who serves on the Commission on Mental Illness through the Archdiocese of Chicago.
An additional featured speaker will be Rev. Bob Malloy, chaplain and director of pastoral care at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit.
A breakout session in the afternoon titled "In Our Own Voice: Removing the Stigma," will offer participants the opportunity to hear from individuals living with mental illness. In addition, artwork and stories created by those with mental illness will be on display courtesy of the anti-stigma campaign by Northern Lakes Community Mental Health. The artwork also will be on display at the Diocesan Pastoral Center between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays during the conference and two weeks prior to the event.
Registration is $10 before May 5 and $15 after that date. The fee includes continental breakfast, materials and lunch. There is no charge for attending the evening session; however registration is appreciated.
Materials from local mental health agencies will be available, and the Diocesan Pastoral Center Bookstore has ordered specific books on the topic as suggested by the presenters.
The conference is open to anyone who would like to attend regardless of religious affiliation. For details or to download a registration form, go to www.dioceseofgaylord.org or call (989) 732-5147.
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