Thomas Konopka
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Navigating Grief and Joy in Life’s Milestones
This week is a week of memory for me. On Tuesday, June 2, I was ordained a priest in 1990. On June 5, 1978, my father died after a yearlong battle with cancer. I am always aware of the dichotomy… Continue reading
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The Trinity: Love Beyond Words and Theology
If we ever want to see a concrete expression of who God is, then we only need to see parents interact with their children. When one of my god daughters was born, the next day I went to see her… Continue reading
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Navigating Life’s Changes: Embracing New Beginnings
Change is something that no one likes. It can cause hard feelings if the change is imposed from without, no matter if it is a needed change or not. Some changes happen because of life, like aging, health issues, accepting… Continue reading
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Mental Health Awareness in the Church: A Call to Action
The Church’s response to Mental Health issues Rev Thomas Konopka, LCSW-R I became serious about ministry with mental health issues a long time ago. I have a BA in Psychology. My project for my MDiv revolved around Erik Erikson’s stages… Continue reading
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Mental health awareness month 3
HOW TO DEAL WITH A FAMILY MEMBER’S MENTAL HEALTHRev Thomas Konopka LCSW-R Many families will deal with a family member’s mental health issues by not saying anything. An organization like NAMI is a great resource. The hardest part will be… Continue reading
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Reflections on the Priesthood: Embracing Imperfection
We celebrated the ordination of three deacons and one priest for the Diocese of Albany yesterday. Two of the deacons will be ordained priests next year. I was not able to make the last couple of ordinations. I forgot how… Continue reading
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i will send you the advocate
Jesus has assured us from the beginning that we, His Church, will never be left alone. He has sent us the Divine Spirit of God to lead and guide us. There is a catch. We have to want to be… Continue reading
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mental health awareness 2
BURNOUT Rev. Thomas Konopka, LCSW-R Many people will say they are burned out; but are they? According to the Mayo clinic, “job burnout is a type of stress linked to work. It includes being worn out physically or emotionally. Job burnout… Continue reading
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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
The Experience of Mental Health Issues “Get over it” “Just be happy” “It is not that bad” “You are still grieving.” It has been six months since he/she died, the divorce ended, etc..” “Stop lying, there is no one there.” … Continue reading
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Priesthood of All Believers: Serving Like Jesus Homily 5th Sunday of easter
Last week, we heard about the Shepherd who takes care of the flock. In all the readings this weekend, we are shown some of the ways. In the apostolic church, the apostles quickly realized that they could not do everything… Continue reading