Image Cloister

Self-Guided Sacred Images for Life Stress

Sacred image with Scripture and a simple step-by-step booklet

Book Mockups

Published Study: PLOS Mental Health on Black Catholics

Financial stress predicts heart-risk.

Image Cloister cards turn these findings into faith-rooted, self-guided reflections—pairing sacred images with Scripture to relieve life stress.

More Than an Image: Reflection That Leads to Action

Image Cloister cards draw on the VREMT model developed in doctoral research.
Each card pairs Scripture with a simple step-by-step reflection that helps people reframe their situation, name obstacles, and choose concrete next steps.

The result is a faith-rooted, non-clinical practice that eases mental stress and restores hope—beginning with financial-stress cards, with more topics to follow.

How Image Cloister Works In Your Parish

Quiet reflection that leads to action.

Each parish receives a display rack with reflection cards. Every card features a Bible-based image, a short Scripture, and a simple reflection booklet guiding parishioners through one of five major life stressors—financial strain, grief, strained relationships, work or education barriers, and health burdens.
Guests quietly take a card home. They keep it. They reflect privately—no forms, no sign-ups, no counseling sessions. When the supply runs low, we simply replenish the rack with new cards, including fresh themes as the series grows.

What Guests Recognized About Themselves

Insights from 44 participants in a two-phase reflection model

Quiet Reflection. Directed Action

Calm, image-based sessions grounded in lived experience and designed for personal clarity.

Through a guided visual method, guests explore real-world stressors — financial, relational, medical, and more — and identify how they wish to respond. The goal is not just awareness, but movement..

  • 79% recognized harmful myths after a single session
  • 100% of participants in some groups shifted views in key areas like belonging and personal agency
  • Highest change occurred when starting insight was lowest — guests who needed it most, benefitted most

Peer Reviewed Research, Florida State University

“It moved me—I saw myself in the story and found hope again.”

— Guest, SVDP

“I left with a clear next step and lighter heart.”

— Guest

“Reading this helped my heart. It reminded me there’s still good in people—helping hands—and that God is still with me.”

— Guest, SVDP

“This image strengthened the faith I carry.”

— Guest, SVDP

Upcoming Image Cloister Sessions

Art Encounters Rooted in Story, Stillness, and Response

Pilot a Rack at Your Parish

Free for Black Catholic parishes and ministries serving Black communities.

We’ll mail a sample reflection card + booklet so you can try it in private. If it’s a fit, we’ll send an orientation kit and guide you through setup for your display rack.

The Science & Scripture Behind Image Cloister

Explore the method, message, and meaning behind our work.

The Social Ecological Model

Understanding behavior in context

Determinants of Health

Five Key Stressors

Cognitive Flexibility

Helping guests shift perspectives

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