Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Summer 2014 Issue | Page 25

Spiritual Food: The Mind/Body Connection
This year during Lent, St. Stephen’s,
Catlett, focused its programming on the
connection between food to the mind,
body and spirit. Inspired by Bishop
Susan Goff to think outside the box
and approach church differently, the
parish launched two Lenten programs
exploring mindful and nutritious
cooking and eating. “We have to find
things and ways that will draw the
unchurched into something that maybe
the traditional service in the sanctuary
isn’t going to do,” said the Rev. Pati
Mary Andrews, rector.

“Mindful Eating for a Lifetime
of Health,” led by Elaine Shea, MSW,
LCSW; Ruth Fugee, RN, MSN; and
Andrews, focused on nutritious eating
coupled with the spiritual discipline of

being fully aware and present. About
eight participants learned exercises
for recognizing emotional eating and
triggers for unhealthy eating habits.
Participants created personal eating
plans with goals for well-being, spiri