St. Clare Church on Staten Island will host a mental health and spirituality seminar for Sunday, October 20, at the parish, “a wellness fair with little workshops” that Mass participants can attend after each liturgy.

The Self-Care Fair is being organized by the parish Adult Faith Formation Committee along with Freedom From Fear, a Staten Island nonprofit wellness clinic led by a former St. Clare parishioner. The event, which will include guest speakers, will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Since COVID-19, there has been an increase in health problems and mental health problems,” Mary Guardino, who leads the Freedom From Fear group, told The Good Newsroom. “And I feel compelled to do anything that I can to teach them how to take better care of themselves…We’re going to have psychologists who are Catholic and will talk about the importance of spirituality in self-care.”

Guardino noted that “when you have religion you have more hope in life. It is a vehicle to decrease stress. It’s important for people to know that because stress can cause many illnesses, like heart disease and mental illness…Attendees will have the opportunity to learn what things they can implement in their everyday life that can be vital in helping to decrease illnesses, family disturbances, drug addiction – I can go on and on.” Guardino is a parishioner at St. Matthias in Somerset, New Jersey.

Organizers said attendees will learn how to identify stress, anxiety, and other health issues – and professionals will provide break-out sessions on safety, diabetes, cardiology, preventative methods for substance abuse, senior care, and other wellness advice.

Event speakers will include representatives from Northwell Health Hospital, Richmond University Medical Center, the Alzheimer’s Association, the YMCA, the NYPD, the Sisters of Life, Freedom From Fear, the Staten Island District Attorney Office (Richmond Bureau), and other agencies and organizations. Father Arthur Mastrolia, pastor of St. Clare, will be among the speakers.

In addition, there will be free prostate screening; free fit kits to detect colon cancer; and community agencies will provide brochures, giveaways, and additional health information for seniors. Organizers also invited attendees to bring their children and grandchildren for them to enjoy free face painting and Halloween goodies.

“Here at St. Clare’s, we have both ends of the age spectrum in need of self-care. Young adults are caring for elderly parents, spouses are taking care of each other, and grandparents are taking on significant roles in raising their grandchildren. Self-care applies to all,” said Deacon Richard Salhany, the parish manager.

The parish Adult Faith Formation Committee has two stated goals: “To form a parish that is vitally alive in faith. We seek to provide a parish climate and an array of activities and resources designed to help adults more fully understand and live their faith,” and “To form adults who actively cultivate a lively baptismal and eucharistic spirituality with a powerful sense of mission and apostolate. Nourished by word, sacrament, and communal life, they will witness and share the Gospel in their homes, neighborhoods, places of work, and centers of culture.”

The parish is located at 110 Nelson Ave., Staten Island. For more information: 718-351-1717 ext. 10.