Autoimmune Friends in Faith
Faith, hope, and healing provide a steadfast foundation for individuals navigating chronic illness such as autoimmune diseases.
Mission
Defined by Faith; Not by Limitations
Faith, hope, and healing provide a steadfast foundation for individuals navigating chronic illness such as autoimmune diseases. According to the Autoimmune Association, approximately 50 million Americans are living with an autoimmune disease – far surpassing coronary artery disease, COPD, Alzheimers disease, HIC, or individual cancers. And globally, autoimmune disease incidence is rising by an estimated 3-12% each year. Early diagnosis, stronger advocacy, with community, connection, and support is vital to a positive outcome.
Mission: Christ-Centered, Support/Connection, Advocacy, Outreach, and Service
· Christ-Centered: Empower individuals navigating autoimmune diseases to experience emotional comfort and physical wholeness through the grace and love of Jesus Christ and the power of a Catholic community.
· Support/Connection: Unite believers in a fellowship of unconditional love, mutual encouragement and shared prayer, ensuring that no one walks their chronic illness journey alone.
· Advocacy: Equip those facing autoimmune challenges with biblical encouragement and practical support, transforming their health journey into a testimony of faith, perseverance, and victory.
· Outreach: Extend our reach beyond the church walls by welcoming all into a supportive and caring Catholic community.
· Service: Encourage members to discover how to become the hands and feet of Christ so as to serve the Lord while going through your own unique abilities.
Benefits of Faith-Based Support:
· Validating Shared Experience: Connects you with believers who understand the challenges of living with invisible illnesses, often where family and friends may not understand.
· Prayer and Encouragement: Focuses on spiritual encouragement, helping members maintain a positive outlook and find purpose.
· Overcoming Isolation: Offers a community for people who feel isolated.
· Holistic Focus: Discusses both managing physical symptoms and maintaining a strong faith.
At St. Rose, we would like to create a safe, welcoming environment for members with autoimmune disease the opportunity to share their struggles and triumphs, find meaning and purpose in their circumstances, and learn about healthy coping mechanisms all in a faith-based Catholic ministry trusting in God’s all powerful love, strength and grace knowing He has a plan for us.
Autoimmune Friends in Faith
Meeting Dates 2026-2027
Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 3:30pm in the Fellowship Center
Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 3:30pm in the Fellowship Center
Saturday, January 9, 2027 at 3:30pm in the Parish Hall
Saturday, February 6, 2027 at 3:30pm in the Parish Hall
Saturday, March 6, 2027 at 3:30pm in the Parish Hall
Saturday, April 3, 2027 at 3:30pm in the Parish Hall
Saturday, May 1, 2027 at 3:30pm in the Parish Hall
Saturday, June 5, 2027 at 3:30pm in the Parish Hall