Diocese establishes Ministry of Mental Health

Raging suicide statistics have prompted Catholic dioceses in America to create Departments of Mental Health.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2020, more than double the number of people who died at the hands of others died from their own hands.

Suicide, once considered a mortal sin, is viewed much more sparingly today.

By bringing suicide to light, clergy, clinicians, and advocates want to do more to reduce its frequency and help those left behind.

The Diocese of Phoenix is ​​the latest US diocese to create a dedicated Department of Mental Health.

Phoenix Bishop John Dolan announced a new ministry at the Diocese’s Memorial Mass for the First Suicide Victim.

He himself was widowed in this way, and over ten years ago his brother and sister committed suicide in separate incidents.

At Mass, Dolan announces plans for a new office for the Catholic Ministry of Mental Health.

He later said a parish office dedicated to mental health had been his goal since taking office in August.

Its implementation was facilitated by donations from local foundations that support local religious and secular projects.

He said the new office will serve three purposes: education, caring for those in need, and advocating for better policies and funding from the government and other sources.

Education includes informing fellow Catholics about the depth of mental health problems, he says.

The ministry accompanies the struggling people in the parishes of the parishes and keeps them from getting lost. Instead, Dolan says they’ll know they have a place at the table.

It also includes accompanying people who are suffering from suicidal loss.

“You, a survivor of loss, hope that the church is here to reach out and let you know that you are loved and that your loved ones are not forgotten. .”

Each of the parish’s 15 deans hosts regular gatherings where people can share their stories and help each other.

The Department of Mental Health also promotes a spirit of advocacy.

We provide the voices of people struggling with mental health. I also ask leaders to ensure that mental health is always at the forefront of all our discussions.

The parish provides priests and deacons with a mental health “first aid kit”. This is to guide them in responding to public requests for help.

It is also important to inform congregations of how the Church’s position on suicide and mental health has evolved over the years.

“It’s not a lack of will. It’s a mental disorder. This is something we have to consider as we look ahead and continue our Catholic mental health ministry,” Dolan points out. .

For decades, church practice has not been to celebrate funeral masses for suicide victims.

“A lot of people are hurting,” says the woman helping set up the office.

“We need to be aware of it and talk about it.”

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