For centuries, the church has ministered to the sick and suffering. Confession served as the precursor to therapy. Churches have established hospitals, homes for the dying, and retreat centers. This Cathedral ministered to AIDS patients during the AIDS epidemic and cared for the sick during the Yellow Fever outbreak in Jacksonville. Jesus healed, and the St. John's community felt called to follow him into healing and wellness.
Today the country faces a mental health crisis, with suicide rates at an all-time high. People are isolated, detached from community, and often experience anxiety and depression. Over the years, the Cathedral has established various support groups for grief, cancer, divorce, and addiction recovery. Yoga classes began almost a decade ago, and last year, a PhD candidate in psychology started offering free counseling services.
After much discernment and prayer, we felt called to open The Center for Wellbeing on the third floor of Cathedral House. Here, we will continue to offer counseling, support groups, and yoga while expanding our offerings to include classes in financial wellness, nutrition, vocational wellness, and other essential areas. The Center for Wellbeing will open in October 2024.The Center for Wellbeing Leadership:
- Paige H. Hakimian, PsyM, PhD Candidate
- Patrick J. Kimball, MSSW, LCSW (Retired)
- Kell Owen, Gero MS, PhD Candidate
- Louis Russo, M.D., Emeritus Professor of Neurology, University of Florida
- Jacqueline M. Stoll, MS, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
