Earlier this month Pope Leo shared his October prayer intention for mental health ministry to be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of people with mental illnesses.
In the Columbus diocese, the Vicariate of Catholic Social Doctrine has worked since January to animate Mental Health Ministry and support families, clergy, parishes, schools and communities facing mental health challenges.
Mental Health Ministry will be introduced to the wider diocesan community during an evening of prayer, hope and healing Saturday, Oct. 10.
All are invited to attend a 5:15 p.m. Mass of Anticipation (for Sunday Mass) celebrated by Bishop Earl Fernandes at Columbus St. Joseph Cathedral. The bishop will recognize individuals with mental health challenges, caregivers and mental health professionals. The faithful are also encouraged to join the U.S. Church in praying the Novena for Mental Health Oct. 10-18.
Watch: An introduction to mental health ministry
Statistics show one in four Ohioans have a diagnosed mental health condition. Many more likely experience mental health challenges, but fear of stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help.
A diocesan Mental Health Advisory Board was created this year, consisting of Catholic mental health professionals, persons with lived experience, and clergy.
“Our advisory board is made up of some amazing people with all sorts of different mental health backgrounds, trainings, certifications who are willing to come in and speak to a parish – and provide specifically the services and the education, the training and the organizational support … that the parish needs,” said Jack Dreher, the diocese’s Mental Health Ministry coordinator.
“The Mental Health Advisory Board has worked to create a coordinated, Catholic faith-based approach to support mental health and wellness throughout the Columbus diocese,” added Joe Geig, a licensed professional clinical counselor and executive director at Spirit of Peace Clinical Counseling, who is a member of the board.
“The goal has been to make it easier for individuals and families to find trusted mental health resources while also helping parishes become places where people can find compassionate accompaniment without stigma.”
READ: Vicariate of Catholic Social Doctrine animates mental health ministry
Mental health ministry is not a clinical resource and does not substitute for treatment or counseling. Treatment can include diagnoses, therapy and medication, and is a science-based approach to reduce symptoms.
Mental health ministry, unlike treatment, provides accompaniment and support. It recognizes the importance of spirituality in a person’s recovery.
“Mental health ministry is important because, as a Church, we are called to care for the whole person—body, mind and spirit,” said Maria Elliott, owner and counselor at Viribus Wellness & Counseling, who serves on the advisory board.
“We know there are people in every parish who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma or other mental health concerns, and we want them to know they do not have to struggle alone. Our parishes can be places where people feel supported, cared for and comfortable reaching out for help.”
The advisory board created the Mental Health & Wellness Resource Directory, a listing of vetted professionals who provide mental health treatment in alignment with Church teaching.
“The directory brings together vetted Catholic mental health professionals, counselors, organizations and other trusted resources that offer various types of support,” Geig said. “The board hopes this centralized resource simplifies providing referrals when people don’t know where to turn for help.”
The Mental Health Advisory Board also created a toolkit to establish mental health ministries in parishes. Teams of volunteers can be assembled and offer outreach that meets the specific needs of a parish community.
“It is about accompaniment—helping our parishes become places where people experiencing mental health struggles feel seen, supported, loved and reminded that they are not alone,” Elliott said of mental health ministry. “That is very much part of who we are called to be as the Church.”
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After receiving a pastor’s permission, the Vicariate of Catholic Social Doctrine encourages parishes to start a mental health ministry by screening the Sanctuary Course for Catholics, an eight-part video series designed to foster conversations about mental health.
The course – open to people with questions about mental health, their loved ones, established professionals and individuals facing mental health challenges – explores how churches can help people with challenges feel safe, supported and a sense of belonging.
Parish volunteers can facilitate sessions, and no previous training or expertise is required.
Following the course, designated volunteers can complete Accompaniment and Connection Training (ACT), facilitated by the Vicariate of Catholic Social Doctrine. ACT helps parishes build sustaining ministries that provide education, awareness and accompaniment.
To start a parish ministry, complete the SIGN-UP FORM.
To register for the Mental Health and Wellness Mass on Saturday, Oct. 10 at St. Joseph Cathedral, visit Mass for Mental Health & Wellness Registration Form.
Following Mass, a brief program with light refreshments will be held in the cathedral undercroft. Advisory board members will offer an informational session for anyone interested in learning more about the ministry and how to become involved.