This was not just an auspicious Sunday. It wasn’t just a celebration of the second anniversary of the Mental Illness Ministry or a time to have lavishly iced ‘birthday’ cupcakes (although they were pretty great). No. It was a time for the true essence of the ministry to be personified. It was about empowerment, and saying “I’m good enough “, “Heck, I might even be better than that”. The Welcome Giver, The Speaker, the Singer and Composer each started by saying –“Hello I have a mental illness.” And each one went on to say, sing and show that was not who they were; not by a long shot.

There was no place for the stigma that surrounds mental illness on a day like this or in a place like this. There is no room for stigma with people like this. This morning, they are our teachers and from the cheers and clapping, the smiles on people’s faces, there were willing students.

On Sunday Getchen Alexis gave the welcome with vivacity and warmth that grabbed the congregation, Theresa Dolata(right) told her story of pain, despair and final triumph, (see her story and poetry on the website). Francis Mark sang the song he had written for his mother who sat quietly and watched from the fourth row. Finally, Francis sang a song based on care for animals and held his own dog during the last chorus. “Ooooooh” responded the congregation.

Gretchen Alexis gave the welcome and is a member of the MIM Task Force

Later people were heard to say, “The speakers and singer were outstanding. The people did not stop clapping!”; “ The clapping was saying, ‘You are part of the family! This is your home. We are family”. Someone else said, “I’ve always liked the word embrace rather than welcome – it’s so much more from the heart”. Sunday SJA reached out and embraced Theresa, Gretchen and Francis, and all those with mental illness, for their courage, their honesty and their struggles.” For the members of the MIM Committee it was a day for ‘somersaults’ high-fives and general rejoicing.

As I listened to the presenters during Mass, I heard the echo of Mary Paradis’ voice saying, at the early stages of the ministry “It’s about empowerment, about believing—it’s not about us, it’s about ‘them’, and ‘them’ and ‘us’ being one as we walk the walk together.”. The Consumers who at St. Joan renamed themselves Pursuers of Wellness, took their place: on the Task Force, as facilitators and contributors to the monthly meetings. Mary always knew what was at the heart of the ministry. Wellness. Strength. Empowerment – not for just a few but for all of those who suffer the ups and downs of mental illness, their parents and friends and all whose lives are touched in any way. Mary’s energy and devotion is the humming, drumming engine that drives it all and Roseann Rogers provides the whole hearted support and attention that gives the Ministry wings.

Members of the Ministry were at the tables in the back of the gym, greeting everyone and passing out the multitude of brochures that discussed all phases of brain disorders, and to end the morning, passed out the birthday cupcakes. Like every MIM get together, it’s the work of a team of people dedicated to each other and to removing the stigma of mental illness.

Sometimes the Pursuers of Wellness and their family members do not feel well enough, or confident enough, or sure enough to come to join in the second Monday meetings. When they can come, all are welcome. It is a festive time – stars are given to anyone who wants to acknowledge what they have accomplished the previous month and amid loud applause and cheers, sparkling rings are given to the birthday celebrators. A fine speaker gives voice to information that educates and comforts. Please come when you can, even if your only reason is to understand better the paths others follow.

The MIM Ministry gratefully welcomes you whenever you come, wherever you are on your journey. And to quote Father Harvey Egan , “It doesn’t matter if you were here yesterday, it doesn’t matter if you are here tomorrow – it only matters that you are here now.” So come, whenever you can. Come.

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Ronnie Angelus says: "There are three things that make my life work: Talking to my daughter who opens vistas to me and makes me laugh; being in the circle of the Divas, my writing group, who shout "go girl" and give me standing ovations with their smiles and tears; sitting next to Mary and Claude Paradis during Sunday Mass at St. Joan of Arc, which is as close to pure goodness as I will know in this lifetime."