Through the endeavours of modern science, we now know that our mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing are inextricably linked. It is important that we take care of ourselves in an holistic sense. Along with our regular services and activities, we also offer other services to help with the spiritual stuff.
We are not mental health practitioners or trained therapists, but we have provided some links below to organisations that may be able to help!
Spiritual Counsel
Seeking spiritual counsel is a tremendously constructive thing to do. It keeps our journey with God in a healthy place. Many people seek spiritual counsel from time to time. Everyone should. We all accumulate baggage as we walk the journey of life and sometimes we need help to see the hand of God guiding us. He is always closer than we think he is!
Nonetheless, the baggage we carry can move us away from God and each other. This is why spiritual counsel is so important to keep our spiritual journey on course.
Confession
Sometimes, we also need someone in whom we can confide and help us explore more honestly the burdens we carry- someone we know will not betray our trust by engaging in malicious gossip or slander. This is why parish priest’s are bound by their office to adhere to confidentiality. We are able to offer confidential spiritual guidance whenever you may need it. Individual confession is also sometimes important in order that our consciences may be clear and our souls pure, we offer and encourage this too. If you would like to explore any of these further, please contact Fr Rob on boxriverrector@gmail.com
Retreats and Quiet Days
Retreats and quiet days are encouraged as a way of stepping back and reconnecting to God. It is in the silence of our hearts that we often hear God’s still small voice. It is advised that you should think about taking a quiet day frequently, somewhere away from your normal surroundings.
It is also really helpful to take a retreat once a year. This could be for a few days, a week or more, whatever fits in with your other commitments. You can book on an organised guided retreat or just go alone to find the space and stillness you need. Here are some places that might be just what you are looking for to find that little bit of stillness to recharge.
The Retreat Association https://www.retreats.org.uk/
The Community of All Hallows, Suffolk https://www.all-hallows.org/
Clare Priory, Suffolk https://www.clarepriory.org.uk/
Walsingham, Norfolk https://www.walsingham.org.uk/contact-us/
Quidenham Carmelite Monastery https://quidenhamcarmel.org.uk/
The Community of the Resurrection, West Yorkshire https://mirfield.org.uk/
Malling Abbey, Kent http://mallingabbey.org/
Quiet Waters Retreat House, Suffolk https://www.quietwaters.org.uk/
Mental Health
One of the best ways to improve your mental wellbeing is to spend time with other people, friends, family, neighbours, others in community. We offer a whole host of services and activities to help you build friendships and support networks in community. So do take the time to come along. You will find our more in our weekly news sheets and publications (see the home page). You would be very welcome indeed.
Alongside this, it is okay, fine, encouraged even, to get help with your mental health. It is not bad or strange to feel like you are struggling sometimes. It is very normal. In fact, it would be far more concerning if you didn’t struggle from time to time. It is totally normal not to be okay. So please do get help if you need it. Here are some helpful links to people who may be able to help. Alternatively, contact you GP who will also be able to guide you further:
Mind Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/
NHS Mental Health: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/
Counselling Directory: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk
If you are at risk of significant physical harm, please call 999 immediately.
The Box River Benefice 