Pompton Lakes workshop sparks deeper conversations about mental health #Catholic - <img width="150" height="150" src="https://beaconnj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MentalHealth_2428-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" /><p><strong>About 40 people attended “Mental Health Matters,”</strong> an interactive workshop held March 5 at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, N.J. They discussed common mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma.</p>
<p>The Paterson Diocese in New Jersey hosted the Mental Health Association of New Jersey (MHA-NJ) for a workshop. Presenters clearly explained mental health to attendees, including those who support others. The workshop aimed to build audience confidence in supporting people experiencing these challenges.</p>
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<p>Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney opened the workshop with a prayer. Lynette Sheard, director of the MHA-NJ’s New Jersey Mental Health Players, led a skit with her team about a person experiencing a mental health crisis, then discussed the situation in character with the audience.</p>
<p>John Cammarata, executive director of St. Paul Inside the Walls Evangelization Center in Madison, N.J., and director of diocesan Youth Ministry, coordinated the event with Salesian Sister Theresa Lee, the diocesan chancellor and delegate for religious.</p>
<p>“Experiencing the N.J. Mental Health Players opened the door to deeper conversations about mental illness and the role faith can play in comfort and healing. The evening was an important first step toward understanding, compassion, and hope for those who need it most,” Cammarata said.</p>
<div style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 24px"><strong>BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI</strong></div>
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<div> [<a href="https://beaconnj.org/pompton-lakes-workshop-sparks-deeper-conversations-about-mental-health/">See image gallery at beaconnj.org</a>] </p>
</div> - <img width="150" height="150" src="https://beaconnj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MentalHealth_2428-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" />About 40 people attended “Mental Health Matters,” an interactive workshop held March 5 at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, N.J. They discussed common mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. The Paterson Diocese in New Jersey hosted the Mental Health Association of New Jersey (MHA-NJ) for a workshop. Presenters clearly explained mental health to attendees, including those who support others. The workshop aimed to build audience confidence in supporting people experiencing these challenges. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney opened the workshop with a prayer. Lynette Sheard, director of the
About 40 people attended “Mental Health Matters,” an interactive workshop held March 5 at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, N.J. They discussed common mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
The Paterson Diocese in New Jersey hosted the Mental Health Association of New Jersey (MHA-NJ) for a workshop. Presenters clearly explained mental health to attendees, including those who support others. The workshop aimed to build audience confidence in supporting people experiencing these challenges.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney opened the workshop with a prayer. Lynette Sheard, director of the MHA-NJ’s New Jersey Mental Health Players, led a skit with her team about a person experiencing a mental health crisis, then discussed the situation in character with the audience.
John Cammarata, executive director of St. Paul Inside the Walls Evangelization Center in Madison, N.J., and director of diocesan Youth Ministry, coordinated the event with Salesian Sister Theresa Lee, the diocesan chancellor and delegate for religious.
“Experiencing the N.J. Mental Health Players opened the door to deeper conversations about mental illness and the role faith can play in comfort and healing. The evening was an important first step toward understanding, compassion, and hope for those who need it most,” Cammarata said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
Pompton Lakes workshop sparks deeper conversations about mental health #Catholic –
About 40 people attended “Mental Health Matters,” an interactive workshop held March 5 at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, N.J. They discussed common mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
The Paterson Diocese in New Jersey hosted the Mental Health Association of New Jersey (MHA-NJ) for a workshop. Presenters clearly explained mental health to attendees, including those who support others. The workshop aimed to build audience confidence in supporting people experiencing these challenges.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney opened the workshop with a prayer. Lynette Sheard, director of the MHA-NJ’s New Jersey Mental Health Players, led a skit with her team about a person experiencing a mental health crisis, then discussed the situation in character with the audience.
John Cammarata, executive director of St. Paul Inside the Walls Evangelization Center in Madison, N.J., and director of diocesan Youth Ministry, coordinated the event with Salesian Sister Theresa Lee, the diocesan chancellor and delegate for religious.
“Experiencing the N.J. Mental Health Players opened the door to deeper conversations about mental illness and the role faith can play in comfort and healing. The evening was an important first step toward understanding, compassion, and hope for those who need it most,” Cammarata said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
![Pompton Lakes workshop sparks deeper conversations about mental health #Catholic - About 40 people attended “Mental Health Matters,” an interactive workshop held March 5 at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, N.J. They discussed common mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
The Paterson Diocese in New Jersey hosted the Mental Health Association of New Jersey (MHA-NJ) for a workshop. Presenters clearly explained mental health to attendees, including those who support others. The workshop aimed to build audience confidence in supporting people experiencing these challenges.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney opened the workshop with a prayer. Lynette Sheard, director of the MHA-NJ’s New Jersey Mental Health Players, led a skit with her team about a person experiencing a mental health crisis, then discussed the situation in character with the audience.
John Cammarata, executive director of St. Paul Inside the Walls Evangelization Center in Madison, N.J., and director of diocesan Youth Ministry, coordinated the event with Salesian Sister Theresa Lee, the diocesan chancellor and delegate for religious.
“Experiencing the N.J. Mental Health Players opened the door to deeper conversations about mental illness and the role faith can play in comfort and healing. The evening was an important first step toward understanding, compassion, and hope for those who need it most,” Cammarata said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
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