By Jessica Goebel, a member of the diocesan mental healthy ministry team
Maggie Fresonke is passionate about health and wellness, both professionally and personally. When Deacon Randy Altstadt invited members of the Northern Cross Area Catholic Community to explore bringing a wellness-focused ministry to the parish, Fresonke was among those eager to participate.
What began as a series of conversations soon grew into a shared mission. During early meetings, a small group discussed the needs they were seeing within their communities, reviewed resources already available and explored practical ways the Church could respond. Together, they developed a mission and chose the name “Pathways to Wellness.”
Pathways to Wellness emerged from the Diocese of St. Cloud’s Mental Health Ministry, which was established to accompany individuals and families experiencing mental health challenges, as well as caregivers, loved ones and pastoral leaders. The diocesan initiative provides support, resources and spiritual accompaniment for those navigating mental health concerns, as well as support to parishes looking to start their own wellness ministries.
Recognizing that many valuable resources already exist within both the Church and the broader community, Pathways to Wellness does not provide counseling or replace professional services. Instead, the ministry serves as a bridge, helping people connect with trusted information, support networks, and existing resources that may otherwise be difficult to locate.
Since its formation, Pathways to Wellness has regularly shared resources, reflections, prayers and mental health information through parish bulletins. The ministry is also developing a local Suicide Remembrance and Healing Mass to support individuals and families affected by suicide.
In addition, the group will host a wellness-focused event featuring speaker David Mach on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 6:30 p.m. The free event is open to the public and will be held at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Perham.
“This work is especially significant as parish communities continue through the All Things New initiative,” Fresonke said.
She noted that periods of transition can often bring feelings of uncertainty, grief or isolation. Pathways to Wellness seeks to provide opportunities for connection and support while strengthening relationships across parish communities. By fostering both spiritual and emotional well-being, the ministry emphasizes the important role that faith and community play in overall mental wellness.
Accessibility is also a key priority. Pathways to Wellness is committed to ensuring that individuals of all ages and communication preferences can easily find the information and support they need. Resources are shared through parish bulletins, websites, digital platforms, and in-person events, all supported by a consistent name and visual identity.
Whether someone encounters the ministry online, in print, or at a parish event, the goal is to create “no wrong door” for accessing information, resources, and support.
For parishes interested in developing their own mental health ministries, Pathways to Wellness members recommend starting small. Sharing a resource, publishing a prayer or reflection, inviting a guest speaker, or creating opportunities for community connection can all serve as meaningful first steps.
With support from the diocesan Mental Health Ministry, parish leaders do not need to start from scratch or wait for the perfect plan. By identifying existing resources, listening to local needs, and building strong relationships, ministries can develop naturally and effectively over time.
Thinking about starting a ministry within your parish community? More information can be found on the diocesan website at Mental Health Ministry – Diocese of Saint Cloud.