Our 2021 Lenten Appeal Charity

You will, I am sure, be aware of the impact of the pandemic on mental health, and I am delighted that your Chapter have designated the Cathedral Counseling Center as this year’s Lenten charity. Many of you will know that the reason this organization is named ‘Cathedral’ is that it was created by St James in 1974, and for a number of years operated out of the cathedral as part of our own ministry. For a long time it has been an independent body based in the Loop, but continues to be faithful to its original mission to offer psychotherapy of the highest quality on a sliding fee scale basis.

 

In the five and a half years I have served St. James as Dean, my colleagues and I have referred a considerable number of people to Cathedral Counseling, and have done so in utter confidence of them receiving expert clinical support, irrespective of their financial/insurance situation. At a time of such increased anxiety across the face of the world, supporting Cathedral Counseling feels a deeply relevant and important outreach opportunity for us, and I hope you will use this Lent as a time to display the generosity that is so characteristic of the St. James community.

 

As we journey through what I hope are the final stages of the pandemic, may this Lent be a blessing and a true gift from God for you.

 

Your priest and friend,

Dominic Barrington