St. Dymphna Mini-Retreat: Servant Hearts Encounter Christ
May 15, 2025 1:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Location: Catholic Pastoral Center, 601 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309
Understanding the principle that you can't give what you don't have (Nemo dat quod non habet), this afternoon retreat is an invitation for those currently serving in mental health ministry—or those who wish to begin—to encounter Christ in a deeper way, refresh their souls, and strengthen their ability to accompany those they serve.
St. Dymphna has inspired people for centuries as the patron saint of mental health. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking solace and healing.
Born in Ireland in the seventh century, Dymphna was the daughter of a pagan king and a devout Christian mother. After her mother’s passing, her father’s mental health deteriorated, leading him to delusionally propose marriage to his own daughter. Fleeing for her safety, Dymphna eventually was found by her father, who, upon her refusal to return with him, tragically took her life.
Despite the sorrow of her story, St. Dymphna continues to offer hope and healing. A church was built in her honor in Geel, Belgium, which has since become a sanctuary for those with mental illness, where they are treated with dignity and integrated into community life.
St. Dymphna’s story reminds us that our response to mental health challenges should be rooted in empathy, love, and compassion while upholding the dignity of every person.
If you have a request for accommodations, please contact Patty Origer at poriger@dmdiocese.org or by calling (515) 237-5073.
Retreat Schedule:
- 1:00 PM - Retreat begins with an opening prayer and welcome remarks from Fr. Nick Stark & Barbara Graham
- 1:15 PM - Session #1 "Love Others" with Fred Shellabarger
- 1:45 PM - Session #2 "Listen to Others" with Julie Storr
- 2:15 PM - Break
- 2:30 PM - Session #3 "Prayer" with Julie Nelson
- 3:00 PM - Stations of the Cross for Persons with Mental Illness with Fr. Nick Stark
- 3:30 PM - Reflection & small group sharing
- 4:15 PM - Light dinner is served
- 4:45 PM - Closing remarks and sharing of mental health resources
- 5:30 PM - St. Dymphna Mass at St. Ambrose with Bishop Joensen
About the Speakers
Fred Shellabarger: With over 18 years of ministry experience, I am living proof that no wound is too deep and no heart too distant for Christ’s redeeming love. My greatest joy is walking alongside others as they discover the boundless mercy, healing, and hope found in Him. Blessed with 20 years of marriage and six incredible children (with three in heaven), family life is my greatest adventure, filled with board games, road trips, and endless fixer-upper projects. At the heart of everything I do is a passion for bringing people together, creating spaces where they feel loved, valued, and seen. As a co-host of Draw Near, I’m grateful to journey alongside others in faith, praying that together we may draw closer to Christ.
Julie Storr is a convert to the Catholic Faith who is in awe of the depth of the relationship with God that can be found in the Catholic Church. She is a graduate of St. John Bosco program at Franciscan University, earning a certification in Director of Religious Education. After graduating from Encounter Ministries, Julie has been involved in inner healing ministry for over two years. She fulfilled her desire to be a monk when she be came a monk in the world as a Benedictine Oblate. Julie loves to speak and teach others how to flourish in their own friendship with God. She and her husband live in Pocahontas, Iowa.
Julie Nelson is a wife of 42 years, mother to four adult children, a former nurse, a certified spiritual director, and a co-host of Iowa Catholic Radio's show "Catholic Women Now." In my sojourn of the faith life, I was introduced to these words, 'I am an adopted daughter of God'. While these words edify and uplift, I desired to know the Father in a more intimate relationship. Through this journey, God has made known His call in my life to speak to others. I share my stories, practical wisdom, and prayer to know and love more deeply your Father in Heaven. When not speaking, you will find Julie searching for new show topics on the internet, sewing, and spending time with her adventurous family zip lining in a jungle or hiking an Alaskan glacier.