(From the Archives)

As some of you may know, I have started a ministry that partners my work with those living with dementia. It is called the St. Dymphna Dementia Ministry. Today May 15th is St. Dymphna’s feast day. She lived in Ireland in the 7th century and in addition to being known as a patron saint of psychologists, and those living with mental disorders, she is also the patron saint of those living with dementia. You may read more about her here.

This ministry was put in place to help those with dementia and their families continue to live their faith, in whatever faith they may live.  It is important to never strip away one’s faith because of a dementia diagnosis, yet we some sometimes don’t know how to help them practice their faith. That is where I am here to help you. I work through this ministry with parishes and other places of worship, and faith-based organizations as well as with families, guiding them through the process of helping loved ones and fellow members of the community practice their faith in this moment of their journey. I provide training, consultations, as well as faith-based life enrichment programming to help all living with dementia, live with dementia in faith. While I myself speak from the Catholic lens, I have connections with other faith leaders throughout the New York City area, as well as throughout North East Wisconsin.

Faith-based programming needs no research to back it up. Simply by willing the good of the other and helping them continue to seek and grow in faith in whatever capacity that may be, we are adding an unmeasurable amount of meaning and hope to their life.

So, if you, your faith community, or your loved ones are living with dementia and seek to learn about ways to continue practicing your faith with dementia, unsure how to go about it, please reach out to me. I am here to help you, to pray with you, to connect you with others of similar faith, and to support you.