Mental Health Ministry

By Fr. Christopher Foeckler, MJ • Phoenix, AZ

February 11th, the memorial of our Lady of Lourdes, was designated in 1992 by St. John Paul II as World Day of the Sick. Its purpose is to bring greater awareness to the plight, as well as the human dignity, of those suffering from physical illnesses of all kinds, but especially those suffering with long term illness or who have little recourse to medical aid. While this awareness is of such great importance in the on-going practice of healthcare throughout the world, there is another illness that has more recently received much needed awareness – that of mental illness. 

The prevalence of mental health illness is growing in our modern society with many indicators and for many reasons, which need to be identified and addressed for a long term-remedy to the crisis we now face, but the most urgent need is for a greater acknowledgment of the crisis along with a greater awareness of the need to properly accompany, support and help those afflicted with some form or degree of mental illness in our families and communities.

The Church has recognized the need for increased ministry to those with mental illness and has created whole offices and ministries in various dioceses and countries to increase education and advocacy. In the Diocese of Phoenix, for instance, Bishop Dolan has created a special office dedicated solely to the ministry of increasing awareness and education, as well as advocacy, for those who suffer from mental illness. 

The Catholic Mental Health Ministry is an effort to offer compassionate faith-filled support and resources for people with mental health struggles, combating stigma by recognizing mental illness as a health issue, not a spiritual failing, and connecting parishioners with both prayerful accompaniment and professional help, emphasizing Christ’s healing presence for all. As the office clarifies, the Diocese of Phoenix does not diagnose or treat mental illnesses, but serves as an avenue for education, accompaniment and advocacy. 

Bishop Dolan has a deep personal commitment to the outreach and care of those who suffer from mental illness, either directly or vicariously in a loved one who suffers with it, having lost three siblings to death by suicide. Regarding the ministry he established, he said, “I think many people were not able to cry out. I think they felt as though they were alone. But they’re not alone. This office will help people realize that they are not alone and that they can communicate this reality that is facing us all in our society.”

While the month of May has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Month, February has been identified as a transitional month at the end of the holiday season and the peak of the dark and cold winter time that engenders in many a “seasonal affective disorder” (SAD), which is a type of depression that can occur in the fall and winter seasons. Let us accompany, support, and pray for anyone we know who may be suffering from any form or degree of mental illness. For more information on how to support and accompany someone you know and find appropriate resources to do so, you may contact dphx.org/mentalhealth/.

St. Dymphna, patroness of people living with mental illness, pray for us!