Trauma is such an ugly word.  it immediately conjures up thoughts horrible, life changing events.  Catastrophes that fall upon us without warning.  situations that are complex, emotional, and stressful.  And then there’s all the recovery and healing that adds to the ongoing impact and difficulty.  We endure the trauma and its aftermath and either grow bitter because it just doesn’t make sense to us or seems unjust, or we use it strengthen us in wisdom and compassion.

What I find fascinating about Cathy’s work, is that she finds as she conducts workshops that a rapidly increasing number of attendants report that they realize after Cathy’s workshops that they see evidence of trauma in their own lives.  And they’re surprised by how it has been impacting them and their behavior without any awareness.

Cathy Lins worked as a consultant for many years by assisting numerous not-for-profit organizations to raise money to do work in communities with desperate needs.  She has also given speeches and conducted workshops around the country specializing in fundraising techniques as well as help trauma survivors recover.  Her current full-time project is Gather My Lost Sheep, which focuses on helping trauma survivors return to Catholic parishes and to restore their faith in Christ.  She did this as a result of realizing that Priests aren't always trained in this and aren't sure what to do.  In addition, stigma keeps the laity from talking about mental health issues. This results in Impacted families feeling isolated.  Cathy became convinced that this isn't who the Church is meant to be.   Gather My Lost Sheep strives to teach people to ask "How do I accompany someone who is hurting? How can I be Christ to them?"

Over 70% of the population has experienced trauma. The events and isolation in 2020 have simply added to the strain on our mental health. Cathy decided to rethink evangelization and pastoral care when she saw the impact on people living with trauma and their mass exodus from the Church. As a national speaker working with US bishops and priests, she has talked about leadership in the Church at the parish and diocesan level. She brings technical knowledge and lived experience to this conversation.

Thanks for listening. Please check out our website at www.forsauk.com to hear great conversations on topics that need to be talked about. In these times of intense polarization we all need to find time to expand our Frame of Reference.