What happens at the psychological level when one chooses to move from a native culture to another, to work or study, or is forced to emigrate? A whole series of reactions begins even before we move, before we board the plane or boat that will take us to our new home, far away from our usual cultural milieu.

Acculturation Stress refers to the reaction we have to being suddenly immersed in an environment which is different or new.  The stress comes from the fact that the vast range of values, attitudes, and behaviors which guide us and provide security in our own home culture and which for the most part we follow unconsciously, are not transferable to the new environment. Different sets of behaviors govern life there. The differences are sometimes quite obvious; at other times very subtle. In either case, they can cause strong emotional responses; anger, anxiety, insecurity, depression, and sometimes isolation.     

What coping techniques can we use to guide us during the stages of the adjustment process, or "culture shock", as it is often referred to? What new resources can we discover within ourselves that can become important in the  transition? How can we help members of our family, community, and friends who may be struggling?

Dr. Mary Ann Bellini, a licensed clinical psychologist, has practiced in Florence for many years. She specializes in psychotherapy, student counseling, cross-cultural couples counseling, as well as hypnosis for anxiety, panic, trauma, and chronic pain. 

She is a member of the Italian Society of Psychosomatic Medicine, and the Italian and International Societies of Hypnosis. She has extensive training both in the USA and Italy. 

Lenten Schedule 2014

Every Thursday at 7.30 pm in Lent we will offer a simple, free dinner, hosted by the various ministries in the church, closing with Compline in the Church. The dates are :

March 6:  The  Vestry 

March 13: The Ushers and LEM's 

March 20- The Choir,

March 27: Youth

April 3 : Sunday School 

April 10: African Community

Come with family and invite friends!  

Every Sunday in Church, the St. James Foodbank is collecting donations of food. Please support this important ministry by donating any of the following items: small tins of canned beans(packs of 3),  500 gram packages of pasta, 1 kilo packages of rice, 80 gram and 160 gram cans of tuna, crackers, small boxes of juice, and especially baby food (fruit) and baby formula.

The shopping cart will be at the back of the Church, waiting to be filled!

Grazie di cuore! 

St. James' Town House, in the heart of Florence, is the perfect place to stay with friends or family. We are centrally located near the train station, the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and many other favorite places to visit. We accept reservations for a minimum of 1 week and a maximum of 3 months. Your stay with us is considered a donation to St. James Church. Contact us for availability and further information. Everyone is Welcome at St. James' Town House!

St. James' Town House is a three story apartment with its own entrance on via Bernardo Rucellai, next to the church rectory and part of the parish complex. It is a spacious 3-bedroom, 3-bath apartment, furnished with antiques, and overlooking the church and the rectory garden. It is fully equipped with linens for both bed and bath, along with kitchen supplies. There is satellite television that includes many English language programs, a washing machine, microwave oven, and iron. The bedrooms and living room are air conditioned. Off- street parking within the grounds of the church for one car.

Coming soon- Information on St.James newly renovated Carriage House  

Palazzo Strozzi will be hosting from 8 March to 20 July 2014 a major exhibition entitled

                                                                                                                       Hymn 128 

 Words and Music :John Henry Hopkins, Jr. (1820-1891)