We believe that Our Lord enters into the lives of those living with a mental illness and walks with them at every step, accompanying them in a special way through his living body, the Church. Together, let us build a community of warmth and affection where those who are suffering “will find support and a light that opens them up to life.”
PRAYER TO ST. DYMPHNA, PATRON SAINT OF MENTAL HEALTH
Good St. Dymphna, great wonder-worker in every affliction of mind and body, I humbly implore your powerful intercession with Jesus through Mary, the Health of the Sick, in my present need. (Mention it.)
St. Dymphna, martyr of purity, patroness of those who suffer with nervous and mental afflictions, beloved child of Jesus and Mary, pray to them for me and obtain my request.
(Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be.)
St. Dymphna, virgin and martyr, pray for us.
— The National Shrine of St. Dymphna is located at 206 Cherry Rd NE, Massillon, Ohio, in St. Mary Catholic Church. Visit natlshrinestdymphna.org for additional information.
USCCB Mental Health Novena - This Novena for Mental Health was prayed beginning on October 10, World Mental Health Day. It is a time when people from many nations are seeking to raise awareness and remove the stigma around issues concerning mental health.
HELP AND HEALING SERVICES
Suicide Help & Crisis Lifeline
Veterans Crisis Line
Catholic Charities Counseling Services
Saint Raphael Counseling
Catholic Therapist National Directory
Diocesan Catholic Marriage and Family Life Counseling Services
Red Bird Ministries - Serves ordinary families who have been given an extraordinary cross to carry.
MINISTRY RESOURCES
The Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers - We support Catholic parishes and dioceses in establishing mental health ministries. Mental health ministry provides vital spiritual accompaniment for people experiencing mental health challenges and mental illness, as well as those who care for them.
Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries - How can a church become a sanctuary—a place where individuals living with mental health challenges feel safe, supported, and a sense of belonging? The Sanctuary Course for Catholics was created to inspire and equip communities of faith that are asking this important question. Developed in consultation with mental health professionals, theologians, and people with lived experience, this eight-session study guide explores key mental health topics and examines meaningful ways to offer companionship, support recovery, and promote wellbeing.
Pastoral Response to Persons with Mental Illness - Why is mental health ministry important to my parish community? Do people with mental illness feel welcome in my parish? Is recovery possible? Check out A Pastoral Response to Mental Illness to learn more.
Mental Illness Theological Framework - The National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) sets forth the following framework as a guide to the Church’s ministry for and with people with mental illness.
USCCB Roundtable on Mental Health - Bishop Robert E. Barron, Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, discusses the mental health crisis among young people with two Catholic psychologists, Dr. Young Hoang, the President of the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement, and Dr. Helena Orellana, the Director of Clinical Training and an Assistant Professor at Divine Mercy University.