Program Details
Priests/Religious too can Face Challenges
Now the question arises, do priests have such problems? The reality is that even among the clergy and religious there are people who experience mental health problems, emotional problems and social problems along with personality problems and burn out management issues. When a priest or a religious shows symptoms of depression or mania, people do not understand why he/she is behaving in this manner. They come to the conclusion that he is a bad priest or she is a bad sister. But what is most tragic thiing in the current scenario is that they have practically no one or nowhere to turn to for competent, confidential professional help. DeCare is committed tofill up this vacuum by offering a program that is oriented towards psychosexual integration and affective maturity of the clergy and religious, animated by well qualified and experienced hands in the field. Uncompromisingly it guarantees a homely and humane atmosphere, where our residents can feel at home and live without fear and apprehension, with utmost focus on promoting spiritual growth and emotional wellbeing.
Philosophy of the program
The name DeCare (DeSales Center for Accompanied Renewal and Empowerment) itself reveals the philosophy of the program. We have a holistic approach and integrated treatment plan to help the clergy and religious and those in formation to priesthood and religious life who are in need of professional help. We genuinely seek to create an atmosphere of gospel compassion, a non-judgmental atmosphere, and a safe environment where healing and growth can happen. This will be a center where personal growth and spiritual renewal go hand in hand. The program focusses on psychologicaly sound spiritual care and spiritually integrated psychotherapy.
Structure of the program
The treatment has both outpatient program and residential program. Within the residential program there will be residential treatment program and sabatical program. In-patients are admitted after proper assessment, and the duration of each one’s stay would depend on each individual’s need and situation. The outpatients come with prior appointment and would have only day-program.
The program is also intended to provide assitance to the seminarians by way of evaluation of the candidates for priesthood at various stages of their formation, and timely guidance to those semianrins who are experiencing crisis and challeges in their vocation.