Providing ‘balm’ for the soul
A look at Catholic Family Services
A look at Catholic Family Services
One ministry supported by the Diocesan Annual Appeal for Ministries is the often-overlooked Catholic Family Services (CFS). Due to their very nature, Catholic Centers of Concern get a great deal of “attention” because they provide economic relief in a very tangible and concrete way. We, however, at CFS administer to the poor in spirit.
One ministry supported by the Diocesan Annual Appeal for Ministries is the often-overlooked Catholic Family Services (CFS). Due to their very nature, Catholic Centers of Concern get a great deal of “attention” because they provide economic relief in a very tangible and concrete way. We, however, at CFS administer to the poor in spirit.
For those that might be wondering, not everyone who comes to us has a mental health diagnosis. A great deal of the time, we see such cases as a mother grieving the loss of a child or a wife needing to know how to navigate a divorce. Simply, we see “life” issues, and people just need a safe place to talk about them.
Let’s face it, everyday life issues can really put a ding on hope — increased anxiety, increased stress, increased grief, discord, or estrangement with families. With all of those proverbial “dings” affecting so many, I strongly believe our mission is to provide the balm for the soul, so to speak, that is administered through Catholic counseling.
In light of Jubilee 2025 and the theme of the upcoming annual appeal, I truly do believe the “balm for the soul” we provide helps build back hope, and it is made possible through the diocese’s annual appeal. That support enables CFS to participate in such programs as 211 Alabama. Through the partnership, CFS is accessible to any individual who calls 211 and expresses the need for help. If they are in dire straits, need someone to talk to, and don’t have any money, the program will link them up with us, so we can provide professional counseling at only $5 a session.
Low-cost counseling is, no doubt, a blessing to those who need it, but we are also in a position to bring our faith into the conversation. Being able to incorporate the spiritual, for us as Catholic counselors, may be something as benign as encouraging Mass attendance or even suggesting a visit to an adoration chapel, but that component, which is so often taken for granted, gives us the leverage to foster hope by linking the individual back to Christ. And what greater hope can there be than to know the love of Christ! To all those who so selflessly give to the annual appeal, thank you for making that possible!
Cathie McDaniel is the director of Catholic Family Services in Huntsville. She has a master’s degree in clinical counseling from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, and is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Alabama.
