In order to support persons with mental illness in your parish, it is helpful to be aware of statistics, treatments and supports. Browse Sanctuary Mental Health Ministry resources or take a Mental Health First Aid Course.
Take extra time to learn from those who experience mental illness. Check out Judy's story from the NCPD website, or invite members of your parish to share their story. Share NCPD’s Welcome and Valued video with your parish and use the Welcome and Valued manual for guiding questions and resources. Include the perspectives of parents, siblings, spouses, children, and extended family. Their experience with mental illness is also valuable for the parish community.
In addition to raising awareness about mental llness, it is important to devote extra time to prayer during mental health commemorations. Include mental health petitions in the Prayers of the Faithful or order these free Saint Dymphna prayer cards for your parish or prayer groups. Support your community on September 10 Suicide Prevention Day.
Announcements and bulletin notes about mental health can convey to parishioners with mental illness that they are welcome and valued. These posts can also remind the parish community of the prevalence of mental illness and urge them to address mental health concerns.
NCPD’s Council on Mental Illness created A Pastoral Response to Mental Illness to provide recommendations for parish leaders, as well as information about advocacy, recovery, suicide prevention, and addiction.