https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog daily 0.75 2024-03-18 https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/the-call-of-marriage monthly 0.5 2024-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/24c19626-a08b-4911-9e3e-acc91486c7b0/marriage.jpg Blog - The Call of Marriage - 03/17/2024 - (This week's reflection is by Nicole Melchi of Sacred Heart Counseling) “Marriage is the call to give oneself to one’s spouse as fully as Christ gave himself to the Church.” (USCCB: Love & Life in the Divine Plan) We are nearing Christ's passion and Christ makes clear the purpose of the cross. He will soon experience torture, ridicule, humiliation, and betrayal. Despite his grave suffering, he chooses the way of the cross for us. Christ calls us to love others as he loves us. One significant way he does this is through the sacrament of marriage. What crosses must we endure in our vocation to marriage, and how do we respond to them? Love is self-sacrificing and as St. Thomas Aquinas so poignantly says, "love is to will the good of another." In marriage, there will be many crosses, and this is the sacrament at work. As a couple, we are to share in the cross together, grow in virtue, and suffer with Christ. This is the purpose of the sacrament to bring us closer in union with him. To turn to Christ in our vocation as a married couple, we must give ourselves completely to our spouse. In this, we give up our autonomy, that which is uniquely ours, and choose to do so freely. "Unless the wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest." In marriage, we must die to ourselves as well as to this world. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/0nenec5rjr6rvjcuhzzcfgn4rlk0r6 monthly 0.5 2023-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/2562653e-3911-4a91-b90a-4f3337b2a7f3/Leah Blog - Leah Moretz - FEMM Educator - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/c2leb1dnakd1pet00skqr7e4u0vhfm monthly 0.5 2023-03-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/e73cd668-adde-429c-8d63-986da8165b60/ben-white-vtCBruWoNqo-unsplash.jpg Blog - Jesus Meets Us Where We are in our Mental Health Recently, I was reflecting on the passage where St. Paul tells us to have no anxiety but to make our requests known to God through prayer and petition. I always found this passage frustrating because it sounded almost flippant about the pain of anxiety but, of course, that is not the intention of this passage. I often hear about this passage in my work as a counselor. People often tell me that the anxiety or other mental health problems that they are experiencing makes them feel like they are not holy enough or not praying enough. They think that their problems are an issue of holiness and if they just prayed right or prayed more, these problems would go away. While prayer is important, sometimes we need more than prayer, and that is OK. Today’s Gospel is a good example of God meeting someone where they are and not “when they are holy enough.” The Woman at the Well is in need of God’s love, mercy, and living water in the way that all of us are, no matter where we are in life, mental health problems included. Jesus meets her where she is in her journey and offers her love, guidance, and peace. He wants to do the same thing for us, no matter what problems we are experiencing. When I think of this Gospel passage, I have a difficult time imagining Jesus saying, “Your anxiety means you are not praying enough.” If you are discouraged due to anxiety or other mental health problems, reflect upon and take heart in today’s Gospel passage as a source of hope in God’s love for you. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/when-happiness-fades monthly 0.5 2023-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/d9b0aab2-3fed-4d25-8220-caab1a214475/transfiguration.jpg Blog - When Happiness Fades In the Gospel this weekend, we hear about the Transfiguration. I have always found Peter’s words to be fruitful to reflect on because of his desire to remain in the presence of the Transfigured Christ, Moses, and Elijah. The Transfiguration was likely the most joyful and heavenly experience that they had had at that moment and it seems like they wanted to never leave that experience and feeling. It reminds me of the very human desire to pause time when things are going well in our lives. We all probably have moments when things are peaceful, we are happy, and we feel like we are being flooded with God’s grace. When I have those moments, I wish that I could remain in them forever! However, the Fall has guaranteed that we will not be on this side of Heaven. To try and preserve these moments will ultimately fail and we will be disappointed. There will be good times and bad times, and that is perfectly OK. It is important to remember that if the moment has passed, it does not mean that God does not love you anymore or that you are necessarily doing something wrong. I think it can be tempting to think that because we do not feel good that something must be wrong or amiss in our relationship with Christ. Sometimes we feel bad because we have sinned in some way, but this is not always the case. Sometimes it is simply the result of our fallen world. This week consider praying with St. Peter and what it was like for him to be in that moment with Christ and then return to daily life. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/loving-our-enemies monthly 0.5 2023-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/05625e84-ff61-4247-b00b-4fd27fd1340e/james-PT-gOmCUlCY-unsplash.jpg Blog - Loving Our Enemies In this week’s Gospel, we hear that we should love our enemies and pray for those that persecute us. This is one of the hardest Gospel passages to hear, especially in our day and age. Whether it is sports rivalries, politics, or religion, the world is constantly encouraging an “us vs. them” mentality. It is a natural thing to take sides or pick teams when confronted with adversity and diversity. However, Christ is asking us to do the opposite. We need to remember that every soul on Earth was made for Heaven and God desires ALL of us for Himself. There are no teams or sides with Christ. C.S. Lewis wrote, “Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses.” This includes those we perceive as enemies. The world has everything to gain from keeping us on teams, sowing division, and making us look at each other as enemies. In counseling, I frequently hear people talk about how angry they become when scrolling social media or watching the news. Often clients find their mental health improving when they take a step back from these things. This week, consider reflecting on the teams and divisions that you perceive on a daily basis and how you can look past them so that you can truly do what Christ is asking of you in the Gospel today. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/wwjd-is-a-bad-question monthly 0.5 2022-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/3b834440-4b8c-4645-9d9d-d27069af9685/jesus+%282%29.jpg Blog - WWJD is a Bad Question - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/corrosive-pessimism monthly 0.5 2022-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/a3c9c507-b824-4275-ab7a-1e16ac00b905/pessimism.jpg Blog - Corrosive Pessimism - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/when-counseling-fails monthly 0.5 2022-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/e78dc69b-f7a0-4731-92ac-3637356cd6a7/counseling+fail.jpg Blog - When Counseling Fails… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/making-goals monthly 0.5 2022-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/92ac6da0-2c6e-46dc-934b-0455d6a0d788/Goals.jpg Blog - Making Goals - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/stigma-amp-counseling monthly 0.5 2022-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/205a7cfc-c3ea-495d-9e3f-32d089353f8a/stigma.jpg Blog - Stigma & Counseling - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/turning-outward monthly 0.5 2022-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/2d3cd21f-4317-4c1b-ae58-bc8ee5e5c138/turning+outward.jpg Blog - Turning Outward - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/divine-mercy monthly 0.5 2022-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/8d3c88ce-8d48-4769-9f1b-be46cfaf03c8/divine-mercy-sunday.jpg Blog - Divine Mercy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/rejoice-in-grace monthly 0.5 2022-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/50b6d390-3b94-4d21-8e65-97f46df2c5fa/rejoice.jpg Blog - Rejoice in Grace - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/embracing-silence monthly 0.5 2022-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/09a206aa-b1f7-4cb7-8b43-285b96b28a32/desert.jpg Blog - Embracing Silence - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/the-humanity-of-jesus monthly 0.5 2022-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/c3856856-7ab4-470d-8850-74d58e332972/human.jpg Blog - The Humanity of Jesus - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/trying-amp-failing monthly 0.5 2022-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/dbfcf0f8-8547-40ee-a0b5-1944c55e95d6/trying+%26+failing.jpg Blog - Trying & Failing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/boundaries-in-relationships-continued monthly 0.5 2022-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/ebb65587-fb09-41eb-a43d-47e28ae01327/friendship.jpg Blog - Boundaries in Relationships Continued - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/remaining-happy monthly 0.5 2022-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/e80cdfde-0f6a-4953-9960-98a78856df57/transfiguration.jpg Blog - Remaining Happy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/not-on-bread-alone monthly 0.5 2022-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/c353fa6b-26fe-4569-8222-26d131a4a4aa/bread.jpg Blog - Not On Bread Alone - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/the-plank-in-our-eye monthly 0.5 2022-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/ac3b8660-7cac-42c4-b780-e1fb1ebec99d/israel-barraza-PbfKavBDNWU-unsplash.jpg Blog - The Plank in our Eye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/loving-those-who-hate-us monthly 0.5 2022-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/453b9259-4e6b-4722-abc4-b0ee3fd204ed/mattia-ascenzo-thW2sk-646E-unsplash.jpg Blog - Loving Those Who Hate Us - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/valentines-day-disappointment monthly 0.5 2022-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/75cc4a59-0bba-4c2c-a2bc-e15c005f0054/Valentine%27s+Day.jpg Blog - Valentine’s Day Troubles - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/embracing-the-unexpected monthly 0.5 2022-02-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/9d965da8-a5e8-47b1-9dbf-1937ecb0c33b/photo-1553861085-32c158dcc996.jfif Blog - Embracing the Unexpected - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/a-call-to-listen-a-prophet-in-his-native-place monthly 0.5 2022-01-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/7bd6bf90-b093-4d1b-a37e-96d8e427411d/Gerrit_van_Honthorst_-_Childhood_of_Christ_-_WGA11656.jpg Blog - A Call to Listen - A Prophet in His Native Place - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/l72cp6boyxl45dv0axu583e5fzte9r monthly 0.5 2022-01-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/8266f50c-7186-40cb-994a-9d2e58dfd7ff/adrian-swancar-JXXdS4gbCTI-unsplash.jpg Blog - Comparison, Jealousy, & Seeking Peace - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/are-our-worries-too-small-january-16-2022 monthly 0.5 2022-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/074c9335-b6fc-404e-af67-ace97f9195c3/worries Blog - Are our worries too small? - January 16, 2022 I’ve always found it interesting that Jesus’ first miracle took place at a wedding. And that his first public display of his power was to create more wine for this celebration. It seems like his first miracle would have been some sort of healing or even something like the multiplication of the loaves and fish for the hungry crowds. Running out of wine during the wedding celebration would have been embarrassing for the hosts, but it hardly seems like an emergency or matter of life and death. Upon reflection, it seems as if this first miracle of Jesus, while nice, wasn’t entirely necessary! https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/how-do-we-identify-ourselves monthly 0.5 2022-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/abf944a5-47b2-4170-9ddb-e0dd23b3341d/josh-applegate-mjn1LcoU1Cw-unsplash.jpg Blog - How Do We Identify Ourselves? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/new-years-resolutions-are-overrated monthly 0.5 2022-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/6999dd5c-8064-45c6-9a55-d30469b1f169/tim-mossholder-I-_7kNyN-JE-unsplash.jpg Blog - New Year’s Resolutions Are Overrated - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/reflections-on-the-holy-family monthly 0.5 2022-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/b2cba970-d741-40e1-abbc-04a3bc0e2fb4/debby-hudson-CkPaDW2lEvM-unsplash.jpg Blog - Reflections on the Holy Family - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/family-amp-the-holidays monthly 0.5 2022-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/2c774668-c62a-41c8-b006-c3482f8d0949/john-mark-smith-9QTQFihyles-unsplash.jpg Blog - Family & the Holidays - Part 1 (Published December 5, 2021) In past years, I have reflected on how difficult the holidays can be for some families. This year, I thought that it might be helpful to have a more in-depth reflection on navigating potential family problems during this holiday season. In my experience as a counselor, this time of year can be particularly difficult for families who have interpersonal conflicts and struggles with other family members. When these struggles are present, it can take away from the entire holiday spirit of generosity, hospitality, and focus on Christ. They can also leave us with deep emotional wounds and feelings of rejection. This can obviously have a significant impact on our mental health and spiritual lives. Today, I want to discuss preparing for family gatherings where tensions might arise. It is important to remember to stay focused on what we can control. It is too easy to worry and become angry about things that are outside of our control, but what can we do about things we cannot control? Nothing. The only thing we can control is our reaction to the difficult things we encounter. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/planning-for-heaven monthly 0.5 2022-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/76fa1c8f-1f57-417c-9946-6eed1343a785/frank-mckenna-ktQuuihh3_w-unsplash.jpg Blog - Planning for Heaven - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/fo9bzmkciusiqq0yhw1bie8y5qxpcj monthly 0.5 2022-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/d273474b-6a89-4fb5-8574-ea17933af7ec/alessandro-bellone-rvJBpwEX-1Y-unsplash.jpg Blog - Scandals in the Church and Mental Health - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/the-last-things-amp-other-difficult-realities-of-life monthly 0.5 2022-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/7ded3144-dd9f-4ea6-b803-30aa427a7234/kenny-orr-1AVTo_bdHWs-unsplash.jpg Blog - “The Last Things” & Other Difficult Realities of Life - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/0bgr3qy4onxfbup0ccqtnr8hr3ur5t monthly 0.5 2022-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/b52c92dc-eec1-446d-97b1-b82f7755b0f6/pavan-trikutam-71CjSSB83Wo-unsplash.jpg Blog - Communication Missteps - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/serving-others-part-3-of-3-october-31-2021 monthly 0.5 2021-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1635780882546-CQD6223XWB5MRA9KXRXC/nathan-dumlao-k-oS0iKn0Qg-unsplash.jpg Blog - Serving Others (Part 3 of 3) - October 31, 2021 In the last two weeks, we have discussed the importance of serving others as a way to focus less on ourselves, as well as ways to maintain the delicate balance of serving others and taking care of ourselves at the same time. This week, I thought it might be useful to discuss serving and loving God, which is also mentioned in the Gospel this weekend. How do we love and serve God? When I reflect on serving God, it reminds me of how frequently we can forget the one-on-one intimacy that God is calling us to with Him. It is useful to imagine God like we would any relationship in our life. Imagine a friendship or spousal relationship in your life. Would it be loving to serve them by cleaning their home, washing their car, and serving them food, but then never sitting down to talk to them and spend time with them? https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/serving-others-boundaries-part-2-october-24-2021 monthly 0.5 2021-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1634561670812-KE9U8RTMG6BS8EA33UKO/Serving+others+2.jpg Blog - Serving Others - Boundaries (Part 2) October 24, 2021 - Last week, we discussed reflecting on ways to serve others as a way to focus more on others than we do on ourselves and answer the call of Christ. However, sometimes we can take the good of self-sacrifice to the extreme, to the point that it becomes unhealthy. In my line of work, I have met people who are so busy helping others that their own mental health and spiritual life are neglected in the process. These individuals frequently forgo sleep, prayer, rest, and activities they enjoy to instead provide the same things for the other people in their lives. While it is good to sacrifice for and serve others, the extreme is not what God is calling us to. One of the best ways to reflect on the merit of our behaviors and activities is to ask one simple question- is this bringing me closer to Christ, or away from Christ? https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/serving-others-part-1-october-24-2021 monthly 0.5 2021-10-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1634561154080-FBNNQL1PE3T64JPJ56Z9/Serving+others.jpg Blog - Serving Others (Part 1) - October 24, 2021 - Today’s Gospel reading reminds me of a parable I heard years ago. The parable starts with an image of Hell where there is an enormous banquet of delicious food and everyone present is ravenous. Everyone has utensils attached to their hands that are three feet long and so they cannot scoop the food into their own mouths. Consequently, everyone remains starving. Heaven is the same thing, except everyone is feeding the people around them. Christ tells the disciples that those who serve shall be first. When I reflect on today’s Gospel within the context of mental health, it makes me think about how frequently people benefit from focusing on serving others and serving a larger purpose. We are called as Catholics to live like Christ and serve others, but we often can lose focus of this call and instead focus too much on ourselves. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/the-rich-man-amp-attachments-october-10-2021 monthly 0.5 2021-10-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1633543828883-E9EAYDJDTHZ7ZBLWZZAX/Attachment.jpg Blog - The Rich Man & Attachments - October 10, 2021 - In this week’s Gospel, we hear the story of the rich man and how he is unwilling to give up what he is attached to in order to follow Jesus. Maybe it is just me, but it sometimes seems easy to look down at this man in the Gospel for being unable to give up his possessions. However, I am reminded of how similar I am to him when I reflect on attachments that I need to give up to be holier or to improve my mental health. Attachments that get in the way of our holiness extend beyond just possessions and can take the form of ideas, habits, and affiliations. Accepting that I needed to stop sleeping in and start praying in the morning was very difficult. I will admit that I was very attached to that extra hour or two of sleep every day. I was also admittedly angry and annoyed when I felt God calling me to this sacrifice. However, it has brought me closer to Christ and improved my mental health in the process. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/scrupulosity-october-3-2021 monthly 0.5 2021-10-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1633543220212-N9ZOCUN4I8APGIG0W2TB/Scrupulosity.jpg Blog - Scrupulosity - October 3, 2021 - Scrupulosity is an issue that has long been present in those that are pursuing a life of holiness. If you struggle with scrupulosity, you are not alone- many saints in history had the same struggle. In summary, scrupulosity is the intense fear of sin and an overly concerned focus on violations of religious or moral teaching, which can result in severe anxiety. When we are scrupulous, we are so focused on the rules and laws of the church that we forget about the message of mercy that we learn about in the Gospel. The rules and laws of the church are good things and help us to avoid evil, but sometimes we become so hyper-focused on them that we are filled with shame and despair instead of hope and mercy. A balance needs to be present between laws and mercy. If you struggle with scrupulosity, I would like you to try the following exercise. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/if-your-hand-causes-you-to-sinseptember-26-2021 monthly 0.5 2021-10-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1633542999295-1QOWUGV7NXZIYUQP2QEC/jorge-rojas-792DVvbiBBo-unsplash.jpg Blog - If Your Hand Causes You To Sin…September 26, 2021 - In these examples, both the internet and the bar might be the hands and feet that Christ is challenging us to cut off. Just like hands and feet, social media and a bar are not intrinsically evil things, they are just a catalyst for destructive and sinful behavior. When we encounter these sorts of triggers, it can be difficult to give up something we see as good to prevent an evil. However, this is exactly what Christ is calling us to do. The internet and social groups are both good and useful things, but maybe Christ is calling us to either manage them more effectively or get rid of them entirely. We need to be honest about whether these things are leading us closer to or away from God. The first person can be more intentional about how much time they are spending on the internet and use internet filters, while the second person can suggest a location for the social group that does not involve alcohol. These are good things to do until we are in a better place where we have more self-control and discipline. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/jealousy-september-19-2021 monthly 0.5 2021-09-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1631994472704-CN6NL8Z2EE28QPWIV3BM/muizur-RTVIvk6-nNA-unsplash.jpg Blog - Jealousy - September 19, 2021 Today’s readings remind us of the dangers of “jealousy and selfish ambition.” In the second reading, we are told that jealousy leads to disorder and a lack of peace. I think that many of us can find examples in our own lives, as well as in the world around us where we see the truth of this message. When we become focused on what we do not have (or think we do not have), it becomes harder and harder to find peace with our situation in life. Feelings of jealousy can blind us to the many good gifts God has already given us. We see this in the experience of the Apostles in today’s Gospel. We hear how the disciples argue amongst themselves as to who is the greatest. They have all been given the tremendous gift of being called to follow Jesus in a unique and intimate way. Shortly before their argument, we hear that Jesus even entrusts the message about his coming passion, death, and resurrection to them! And yet, this privileged closeness with Christ is not enough, and each disciple seeks to place himself ahead of the others. Jesus sees the danger in this jealousy and pride and reminds them about the meaning of true greatness: to be servant to all. This is a great lesson to us as we seek to root out the jealousy we may find in our own hearts. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/measure-in-small-steps-august-29-2021 monthly 0.5 2021-08-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1630118831015-PK8VU2LXH2D2I4S0RGLN/progress.jpg Blog - Measure in Small Steps - August 29, 2021 I will never forget what one of my professors in graduate school said, “If we measure in small enough increments, everyone is getting better.” He was referring to clients attending counseling services and how slow progress can be at times. Now that I am out of graduate school and in the field, I see what he means. It is easy to get frustrated with ourselves and with others when we do not see the results that we desire or expect. We likely all know people where a change seemed to happen overnight, but it is important to remember that this is not the norm. When we are struggling with something such as depression, anxiety, or addiction, it is important to remember that these problems have sometimes been present for years or even decades. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/perfect-happiness-is-elusive-august-22-2021 monthly 0.5 2021-08-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1628955388629-LEP4WHMM4BF6O8YJTN6Y/priscilla-du-preez-vOeB66Yoriw-unsplash.jpg Blog - Perfect Happiness is Elusive - August 22, 2021 In my work as a counselor, people often come to meet me with the goal of being happy. Happiness is an interesting concept, especially given our fallen nature. I have not found a Scripture yet that promises permanent happiness to us on this side of Heaven. Sometimes we think that if we find the perfect job, significant other, or prayer practice that we will find lasting happiness. If you have that outlook, you will likely only discover disappointment at the end of your searching when you realize that what you thought would completely fulfill you fails to do so. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/imperfect-parents-amp-mary-august-15-2021 monthly 0.5 2021-08-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1628955229992-4PCOYCKJ3APJUM9OHLC8/jon-tyson-zlf17V5sCRQ-unsplash.jpg Blog - Imperfect Parents & Mary - August 15, 2021 This weekend we are celebrating the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary! These occasions are a great time to reflect on our relationship with Mary and the ways that she can assist with our mental health. We all grow up with imperfect parents. No matter how good our parents are, they are human, and humans make mistakes. Some people have significant trauma due to poor relationships with their parents and have lifelong struggles due to their experiences. When we have these experiences, we need grace and healing to recover from them. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/mindfulness-august-8-2021 monthly 0.5 2021-08-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1628357246414-00I2I3YIWH2OPOJ67I1L/Mindfulness.jpg Blog - Mindfulness - August 8, 2021 Mindfulness is a topic that often has a bad reputation when discussed among Catholics. It’s often associated with Eastern religions such as Buddhism and therefore cannot be utilized within our prayer lives as Catholics. However, this belief is false. Mindfulness is the practice of remaining conscious of the present moment. God cannot be restricted to Sunday Mass or the times that we set aside for prayer. He is with us always and everywhere! https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/dont-lose-hope-august-1-2021 monthly 0.5 2021-07-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1627747961911-P0YDZGBCQTKNO9SIUZDO/grant-whitty-cYWGUjlA2n4-unsplash.jpg Blog - Don’t Lose Hope - August 1, 2021 When I talk to priests about the Sacrament of Reconciliation, they say that one of the most frequent things they hear in confession is, “I’m tired of coming back here week after week and month after month repeating the same sins.” It is easy to get discouraged when we are trying to change behaviors. We strive for virtue and holiness and yet it can seem like we are bogged down in a repetitive cycle of sins that will never change or improve. In these moments, we need to remember to have hope. Something that I think is very important when we are trying to change behavior is to journal our progress. When I meet with people who start tracking their progress, they are often caught off guard when they realize that their behaviors are changing. They start to realize that instead of falling into their sins such as sarcasm or anger every day, it is now every other day, or once a week, and then eventually once per month. If we do not have a way of tracking, it is easy to overlook our progress. When we overlook our progress, that is when Satan comes in and tells us that we have not changed, are not changing, and will never change. When we get discouraged and lose hope, that is when we stop trying and then we really are not changing or growing. This week, I would encourage you to keep a calendar or journal handy to write down the occasions of sin that you are trying to change. You may find that you are growing more than you realized! https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/bring-your-gifts-to-christ-july-25-2021 monthly 0.5 2021-07-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1626280906560-N7OMAP0UKLG22LSIMAT8/vicky-ng-yL9qjDDmmMU-unsplash.jpg Blog - Bring Your Gifts to Christ - July 25, 2021 - Gospel of John 6:1-15 Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. The Jewish feast of Passover was near. When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/giving-counseling-another-try monthly 0.5 2021-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1625687729212-CA80A9ZHSBGTE8Y9OHPQ/counseling+another+try Blog - Giving Counseling Another Try In my line of work, I have met many people who describe experiences of counseling that were not productive or helpful and that left the person thinking that counseling was a waste of time. Whether it is an individual, couple, or a parent bringing a child, some people leave with a bad experience that makes them want to write off the entire counseling field as unhelpful. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/the-importance-of-boundaries-july-11-2021 monthly 0.5 2021-07-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1625071018753-WQEG9J2VP7NR5YK4AZG1/matthew-waring-MJAoiige14E-unsplash.jpg Blog - The Importance of Boundaries- July 11, 2021 Sunday Gospel Mk 6:7-13 Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick— no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/july-4-2021-change-is-hard monthly 0.5 2021-07-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1624997921631-ZCHS1XJ2M5L4GVVDWXSR/noah-silliman-gzhyKEo_cbU-unsplash.jpg Blog - July 4, 2021- Change is Hard July 4, 2021 Gospel Reading Mk 6:1-6 Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/june-27-2021-what-is-normal monthly 0.5 2021-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1624997231656-NE1NL7D19IACRHA5A6SW/vanesa-giaconi-n1nwTr_-lH4-unsplash.jpg Blog - June 27, 2021- What is Normal? What do you think of when you hear the word normal? It is very common to look at the norms that we perceive in our environment and then compare ourselves to them. When we do this, we often see ourselves as being abnormal, falling short, or failing to live up to expectations. In some ways, it is good to look to others as an example. We have Christ, saints, and role models to look up to as inspirations for values or virtues that we admire and want to cultivate in ourselves. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/june-20-2021-be-still monthly 0.5 2021-06-29 https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/june-13-2021-making-goals monthly 0.5 2021-06-29 https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/uwmz4vk9bzu876s3azoj4mzq3btf9g-jxx5b monthly 0.5 2021-06-29 https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/uwmz4vk9bzu876s3azoj4mzq3btf9g-l6aj6 monthly 0.5 2021-06-29 https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/uwmz4vk9bzu876s3azoj4mzq3btf9g monthly 0.5 2021-06-29 https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/tag/be+still monthly 0.5 https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/tag/mental+health monthly 0.5 https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/tag/peace monthly 0.5 https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/blog/tag/goals monthly 0.5 https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/home daily 1.0 2025-06-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1624990076515-QAR88JI3RWJXP9KOMM31/Final+Logo+-+Copy.jpg Home - Who we are Sacred Heart Counseling, LLC is a counseling center in Northeast Ohio that provides holistic services accounting for body, mind, and spirit based in the Christian tradition. Our services integrate spirituality and theology to assist people from all backgrounds to find healing and peace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/fe77626a-c727-4b19-803e-358279af62ce/CT.COM+badge.png Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/8445fe36-9978-49bc-8654-e7a65053db9b/CPA+badge.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1615154389460-6QSUFA2DSLKRD4KKBKHE/About.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1615154551258-UYPSBSCO07M7PSMHJJJH/Contact.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1615154617728-QE0UUJQL8193UA23H9PP/Services.jpg Home https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/ourteam daily 0.75 2025-08-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/40820c54-b4fc-4d30-881b-666bdb2cfca1/20230723_121423.jpg Our Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/456c84e0-e466-4974-b5fb-ec3694499c8e/Melchi.jpg Our Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/d4e15452-e3a7-45cb-a76d-64cb6cddbae4/image0.jpeg Our Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/85756266-c4ef-4b12-a115-051e5d28d932/bio+headshot.JPG Our Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/d003c756-b4e5-43ed-9607-9f0e84891780/Headshot.jpg Our Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/da59c6f0-2c10-4b06-b6c2-d38751a8fddd/9c62db6d7b8ee20b3d8caa7105bb68b141d8ed07-1.jpg Our Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/db5ece22-3e92-448d-bc12-ffe916d2c0dc/Steven.jpg Our Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/79ef4ea0-3b32-4e91-8461-84d0ff7a8a40/Final+Logo+-+Copy.jpg Our Team - Holistic counseling services from a Catholic perspective. Sacred Heart Counseling, LLC is a counseling center based in Northeast Ohio that provides holistic services accounting for body, mind, and spirit based in the Christian tradition. Our services integrate spirituality and theology to assist people from all backgrounds to find healing and peace. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/services daily 0.75 2025-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1609530104685-21NDZ19D5WBQKLI0R60L/individual+counseling.jpg Services & Fees - Individual Counseling Our passion is to provide hope and healing to individuals struggling with mental health issues. In collaboration with the client, we seek to heal past wounds, strengthen the individual, and assist people in achieving their full potential by utilizing a holistic approach that integrates mind, body, and spirit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1609530759473-Y2FX7O0L7JGMMRT850EM/couples+counseling.jpg Services & Fees - Couples Counseling Every couple will experience difficulty at some point in their relationship. As with many things it is easy to put off addressing problems which only serves to make them worse. Couples counseling serves to strengthen the relationship, resolve conflict, and provide a catalyst to reconciliation and healing, which can result in a deeper emotional and spiritual bond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/6d6fc170-5180-47d1-80a7-9028092af72c/publicspeaking Services & Fees - Public Speaking With experience in many areas of mental health, our team is able to speak on many topics to your school, parish, and community. These topics can all be catered to specific age groups. Our topics include: Navigating Mental Health Children, Technology, & Mental Health Tackling the Issue of Pornography Assisting Loved Ones With Mental Health Managing Stress Drug & Alcohol Use Prevention To inquire about public speaking or to request a topic tailored to your community, please use our contact page. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/contact daily 0.75 2025-11-18 https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/resources daily 0.75 2025-05-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/db0b332f-6e5c-415b-91da-1f0082ffab1d/61wVMDP%2BjEL.jpg Resources - The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by Dr. John Gottman & Nan Silver A great book for examining examining and improving spousal relationships as well as how to communicate more effectively and resolve conflicts more quickly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/d9679e05-d3ea-4817-9799-198e0449b7e5/Boundaries Resources - Boundaries by Drs. Cloud & Townsend Healthy boundaries are often difficult to develop and maintain. This book offers insight and wisdom to create healthy boundaries in all relationships. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/a9c4cfdb-a3e4-43f4-b277-411f7a43308c/The+Mindful+Catholic Resources - The Mindful Catholic by Dr. Greg Bottaro A great book on mindfulness from a Catholic perspective and how it can apply to your daily life to improve peace and wellbeing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/d0352cfa-d791-4fff-973c-e3b1823313f8/The+Body+Keeps+the+Score Resources - The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk A book that helps navigate the impact of trauma, as well as how to navigate healing from and processing past instances of trauma. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/d8b71312-c8bb-400e-b09c-5f5295eca647/61ojcTeaThL.jpg Resources - Parenting with Love & Logic by Cline & Fay Parenting is difficult for everyone and it is not without big and small challenges. This book helps to navigate how to take care of ourselves as parents as well as how to effectively discipline and teach children of all ages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/f57756af-5726-450e-b0d9-a0d61257489e/jakob-owens-JYiADe-xsDw-unsplash.jpg Resources - Children, Technology, & Mental Health One of the most requested areas where we are asked for help is when it comes to protecting children in a world of technology, social media, and harmful narratives. Our goal is to grow this page with helpful tips and strategies for safeguarding children’s devices, protecting children from harm, and caring for our children’s mental health. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/links daily 0.75 2025-05-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/1624993254303-NMTOUS3TLR3VCKFG2FCO/side+by+side.jpg Links - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/technology-safety daily 0.75 2022-02-01 https://www.sacredheartcleveland.com/locations daily 0.75 2024-05-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/59e271aa-daf1-4899-a90b-50d3886242c9/stcharles.jpg Locations - St. Charles Borromeo Parish 5891 Ridge Rd Parma, OH 44129 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/5077509d-d6d6-42fe-8f9b-7b641491565a/st-leo-cleveland.jpg Locations - St. Leo the Great Parish 4940 Broadview Rd Cleveland, OH 44109 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/17442c0d-7b2c-4b83-a0f9-73c2cc95fa87/St+Francis+de+Sales Locations - St. Francis de Sales Parish 4019 Manchester Road Akron, OH 44319 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/4ca55aca-5b87-49bd-82ee-4b37e00ef81e/Hudson+Stow+office.jpg Locations - Hudson/Stow Area 4833 Darrow Rd Stow, OH 44224 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/0dcf1ec9-4967-457d-9e13-ba4eed5434ef/st-columbkille-parish.jpg Locations - St. Columbkille Parish 6740 Broadview Rd Parma, OH 44134 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb94cbb44603f4583d633d3/d68cff60-aad3-4535-aca8-61b77951eef3/youversion-Rn53LU1plZo-unsplash.jpg Locations - Telehealth With the convenience of telehealth, Sacred Heart Counseling is able to assist any clients within the state of Ohio. Some clinicians are available by telehealth to clients in West Virginia. Telehealth is easy, efficient, and great for those on the go. 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