Finding Peace Within: Online Conference Explores the Intersection of Mental Health and Divine Fulfillment
This December, Catholic leaders and therapists come together for an innovative conference exploring the profound connection between mental wellbeing and spiritual practices.
The Divine Fulfillment Conference, running December 27-29, promises a unique approach to mental health, weaving together insights from leading experts in the field. The three-day virtual event is hosted by Souls of the Christian Apostolate (SOCA), a Denver-based lay Catholic organization.
“We want to offer hope and healing,” stated Kevin Roerty, SOCA’s founder, emphasizing the urgent need for a faith-based approach to the mental health crisis.
Archbishops and Bishops
Amongst prominent speakers scheduled to participate are Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland, Oregon, Archbishop Nelson Perez of Philadelphia. Other notable speakers include: Bob Schuchts, a Catholic therapist and author, and Father Timothy Gallagher, a priest known for his work on Ignatian spirituality.
“The idea truly resonated,” explained Daniel Coleman, conference spokesperson.
The conference acknowledges the increasing recognition of mental health within the Catholic Church. It aligns with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ initiative to raise awareness about mental health.
Practical Guidance and Expert Insights
While exploring the nexus of faith and mental wellbeing, the conference provides practical guidance designed to empower individuals.
“We want to provide tools for mental and spiritual peace,” Coleman emphasized.Attendees can expect to gain tools for cultivating stillness and deepening their spiritual life.
Beyond the conference sessions, participants will have access to professional mental health resources and opportunities for ongoing discipleship.
“In a world forgetting God,” Roerty said, “our aspiration is to share the truth that true healing comes from the depths.
Registration
The conference is free and open to all. To register and access the full lineup of speakers and events, visit:
The Divine Fulfillment Conference offers a unique approach to navigating challenging times, fusing faith and personal wellbeing.
How does the intersection of spirituality and mental health relate to the Divine Fulfillment Conference?
## Finding Peace Within: Interview with a Conference Organizer
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show today! We’re discussing an intriguing upcoming event: the Divine Fulfillment Conference, focusing on the intersection of mental health and spirituality. Joining us is Alex Reed, a key organizer for the conference. Thank you for being here.
**Alex Reed:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** The conference sounds fascinating. Can you tell us more about the unique approach it’s taking?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely! We believe that true mental well-being encompasses both our emotional and spiritual selves. The Divine Fulfillment Conference brings together Catholic leaders and therapists to explore this connection in depth. We’ll have presentations, workshops, and discussions examining how faith practices can support mental health, offering practical tools and insights for navigating life’s challenges.
**Interviewer:** It’s certainly a relevant topic these days, where mental health is increasingly discussed openly. How does the conference contribute to this conversation?
**Alex Reed:** I think it’s important to acknowledge that the connection between spirituality and mental health is being recognized by the medical community as well. As [[1](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2755140/)]mentions, organizations like the Royal College of Psychiatrists are now recognizing the importance of spirituality in mental health practice. Our conference provides a platform for individuals to explore this connection within a faith-based context, drawing on the wisdom and support of both religious leaders and mental health professionals.
**Interviewer:** That’s powerful. What can attendees expect to gain from participating in the conference?
**Alex Reed:**
We hope attendees will leave feeling a renewed sense of hope and empowerment. They’ll gain valuable insights into how their faith can support their mental well-being, learn practical coping strategies, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals.
**Interviewer:** The conference is hosted by Souls of the Christian Apostolate (SOCA). Can you tell us more about their work?
**Alex Reed:** SOCA is dedicated to promoting the spiritual growth and well-being of Catholics. This conference is a perfect example of their commitment to addressing the holistic needs of individuals.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for sharing this information with us today. We encourage our listeners to visit the Divine Fulfillment Conference website for more details and registration information.
**Alex Reed:** It was my pleasure. We hope to see you there!