“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:17-18
Everyone has problems. They’re a part of living. Usually they are things that we can quickly overcome. These problems or issues happen to normal people living normal lives – all the time.
But occasionally problems seem to put us in an impossible situation. They seem difficult to solve by ourselves, because they are so overwhelming or because we have no experience with them. Things like the loss of a loved one, health problems, financial difficulties, issues with anxiety or other feelings, failing or broken relationships, come upon us, and sometimes we don’t see a clear path to follow to deal with them. It’s not that we are necessarily at fault in these situations; it’s just that we can’t see a clear path through them.
Catholics have a responsibility to minister to others out of our gifts and our experiences. In the Parish of St. Ann, we take this responsibility very seriously. One of the chief missions of our parish is to be present to and to serve those in need.
If you need help, please reach out to us!
I’m having trouble making ends meet
Have you or your family run into a financial emergency? Sometimes, even when you do everything right, it isn’t always possible to avoid a financial crisis. Jobs are done away with. Hours are reduced. People become ill. Accidents occur.
Your income may be less, but your expenses are not: Money for rent, utilities, groceries, medicine is still needed.
Until you can get back on your feet, perhaps we can help in some small way. There are groups within St. Ann Parish who would like to assist, as well as groups in the larger church and public community who may be able to help.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Catholic Charities
Casa San Francisco Center
Christian Storehouse
Delaware WIC Program
Housing Alliance Delaware
Meals onWheels
Division of Social Services – Pyle Center
I need to talk to someone about my faith
Going through a time of doubt can be an alienating experience. You may not feel the presence of God in the same way that you had in the past. You may even feel that he has abandoned you. You may feel empty inside.
Or there may be a particular aspect of your faith or of the Church’s teaching that you just cannot understand. Sometimes we feel that having faith means that we simply accept what we are told, and that we can have no doubts or questions about it.
Everyone experiences doubts about their faith at times. But faith and belief are not the same. As Pope Francis said in 2016, such doubts can be “a sign that we want to know God better and more deeply.”
Let us help you. Call the Parish office at (302) 539-6449 and ask to make an appointment with someone with whom you can discuss your doubts. Whatever your problem, we will address it with you in a safe, caring, and non-judgmental environment.
We care, and we want to walk with you.
I’ve lost or am losing someone close to me
Bereavement literally means “to be deprived by death.” The death or impending death of a loved one is one of the greatest sorrows that can occur in one’s life. Despite our belief in the continuance of our spirits and the eventual resurrection of the dead, losing someone close to us can cause a major emotional crisis. Your feelings may include disbelief, anger, helplessness, guilt, and denial. You may feel that God has abandoned you. You may experience loss of appetite, lethargy, or sleeplessness. Grief and bereavement are normal reactions that we experience in response to a loss.
Grieving is a very individual experience, and there is no “right” way or normal timetable in which to grieve. Your reaction is based on the particulars of your relationship, and all relationships are different. There may be no right way to grieve, but there is a wrong way: to withdraw from others. You may pride yourself on being strong and self-sufficient, but grief can feel very lonely. Even when you have loved ones around,sharing your sorrow with others who have experienced similar losses can help.
Below are some resources that may be helpful. St. Ann Parish has a bereavement group who would like to assist, and there are other agencies and groups in the larger church and in the public domain who may be able to help.
St. Ann Parish Grief and Bereavement Group
St. Ann Parish Bereavement Luncheon Ministry
Safe Harbor Christian Counseling
I’m struggling with an addiction
No one ever plans to become addicted. There are countless reasons why someone would start using an addictive substance or engaging in addictive behavior: curiosity, peer pressure, stress, family history, emotional problems, failures in life, and other factors.
While it can be tempting to try a drug or addictive activity for the first time, it’s all too easy for things to go south. Anyone can develop patterns of abuse or risky behaviors, no matter their age, culture or financial status. Many individuals with addictive disorders are aware of their problem, but have difficulty stopping on their own. Over 20 million Americans over the age of 12 struggle with an addiction.
An addiction heavily impacts the way a person thinks, feels and acts. They do not want to put themselves or others in harm’s way. They may be confused by their condition. They may berate themselves for their inability to stop, and when they don’t love themselves, they can’t love others. And, they begin to doubt that God’s love and forgiveness are real.
If you or someone you know has a problem with substance abuse, you are not alone. Recovery requires time, motivation, and support. And there is help available; below are just a few resources that are available.
Southern Delaware Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous
Delaware Al-anon
Gamblers Anonymous
Catholic Charities Behavioral Health
Sussex County Counseling Services
Help Is Here – Delaware
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
I’m dealing with an unexpected pregnancy
Finding out that you are pregnant, especially if it’s unintended, may cause many emotions. You may feel afraid, worried, and confused. Your pregnancy might represent a challenge due to age or marital status or because of other factors. Perhaps you feel like you’re all alone. Perhaps you are overwhelmed with feelings about the baby’s father, your parents, and/or other family members.
Having these feelings is natural, but left unattended, they may result in sleeplessness, pain, stress, and even panic.
You may feel that there is no one you can talk to, that there is no safe refuge. But you do have options, and there is help available to guide you through those choices.
You may need advice and assistance in carrying your child to term with dignity, while making well-thought-out decisions for you and your baby. You may be questioning whether or not you wish to raise the child yourself, or to consider adoption for your baby.
Whether or not you decide to parent your child or to pursue adoption, there are options available. If you are experiencing a crisis pregnancy or are grieving after an abortion and need to talk to someone about it, some of the contacts below can help you:
Important resources for you:
Catholic Charities Pregnancy Counseling services
Sussex County Office
404 S Bedford Street, Suite 9
Georgetown, DE 19947
302-856-9578
24-hour toll-free hotline 877-225-7870
Birthright of Wilmington
24/7 Free Helpline: 1-800-550-4900
A Door of Hope 302-998-9000
Free help to women who are making decisions about their pregnancies
Mom’s House, Inc. 302-658-3433
1718 Howland St., Wilmington, DE