April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
Donations come back to parishes
The training was done by professionals from the Albany diocesan Consultation Center, one of many departments that receives funding through the Bishop's Appeal and, in turn, assists parishes throughout the Diocese.
Contributions to the 45th Bishop's Appeal help support pastoral services provided by such offices as the Consultation Center, Office of Prayer and Worship, Family Life Office, and Pastoral Planning Office.
Counseling
The Consultation Center is a non-profit mental health center that provides therapeutic services within a Christian environment and respects the unity of body, mind and spirit. There are three kinds of services provided by the Consultation Center, according to Rev. Anthony Chiaramonte, director and one of its therapists:* Counseling assists individuals, couples and families to deal with such issues as personal growth, interpersonal relationships, depression, marital difficulties, loss, anxiety, stress, and other psychological and spiritual issues.
* Group therapy includes a general therapy group; men's, women's and couples groups; a group for adult children of addictions; and groups in psychodrama, dream therapy, wellness and grief.
* Educational opportunities are offered through lectures and workshops in various areas of mental health and personal growth. Program topics include assertiveness, self-esteem, depression, anger, anxiety, co-dependency and stress management. Other educational opportunities include psychological testing and assessments to help religious communities in the evaluation of their candidates, and consultative services for individuals, churches and other agencies and groups.
Serving parishes
Contributions to the Bishop's Appeal help support the Consultation Center, which employs full-time clinical staff members, group facilitators, consultants and professors. They help parishes throughout the Diocese, such as lay ministers at St. Pius X in Loudonville, but they also reach out to the neediest members of society because of the Bishop's Appeal, Father Chiaramonte pointed out."It helps us offer services to people who can't afford psychological services and don't know where to turn," he said.
As this year's Appeal continues, parishioners are being asked to follow the theme of "Love With Sacrifice...The Greatest Gift of All. Be Christ to One Another" and give generously to the Appeal, which supports diocesan departments, parishes, schools and institutions.
The recommended giving plan for those donating is at least $5 weekly, or $260 for the year. Every family is asked to consider a five-payment pledge plan, with an optional down payment during the Appeal and four more payments in July, September, November and January.
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