“I WOULD LIKE TO remember our brothers and sisters who suffer from mental illness, and also victims— often young people—of suicide. Let us pray for them and their families, so that they are never left alone, or discriminated against, but instead are welcomed and supported.”
The remarks from the late Pope Francis on World Mental Health Day in 2021 still resonate in our mission as a Church to come alongside all those who are facing a mental health concern and their families. Pope Francis himself would often remark on some of his own struggles in mental health, especially as a young man and would often bring the intentions of Mental Health related pastoral needs in his Worldwide Prayer Network. With the Holy Father’s entrance into eternal life this past April, these words particularly speak into this Jubilee year as we seek to be “Pilgrims of Hope” throughout the world.
Mental Health is an area that impacts all of our lives. As SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) notes,
■ One in 5 American adults experienced a mental health condition in a given year.
■ One in 6 young people have experienced a major depressive episode.
■ One in 20 Americans have lived with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression.
■ Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, it was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24.
■ People with severe mental illnesses are over 10 times more likely to be victims of a violent crime than the general population.
This May, we honor Mental Health Awareness Month, which is often symbolized with lime green ribbons, the national awareness color, along with various programs offering education and solidarity in our communities. And here in our Diocese, we embody the Body of Christ and live out our Social Teachings by having a particular alignment to come alongside all those in need as people of faith. In addition to the various support, prayer and education our over 12 parish Mental Health Ministries provide throughout the year, there are a few special events this month that all are welcome all to attend that may inspire and guide you in this call. Here are a few opportunities:
On May 6 at 6pm, St. Nicholas parish in Laguna Woods will be hosting a “Mental Health & Spirituality” presentation- topics addressed include the neuroscience of prayer, the benefits of spirituality in recovery and more.
On May 15, St. Martin de Porres parish in Yorba Linda will have its annual St. Dymphna Feast Day Mass and Rosary at the parish.
On June 7, Our Lady of Fatima in San Clemente will host an Anointing Mass.
There are many ways that you can continue to make a difference as the hands and feet of Christ. In their statement from 2018, our California Catholic Conference of Bishops state, “Mental
illness is neither a moral failure nor a character defect. To suffer from a psychiatric disorder is not a sign of insufficient faith or weakness of will. Christian faith and religious practice do not immunize a person against mental illness.”
In this way, consider how your parish, family, workplace and community can continue reaching out, providing resources, accompanying those in need and helping to destigmatize mental health.
For more resources and to learn how to start or join a Mental Health Ministry at your parish, visit: rcbo.org/mental-health. Starting on Laudato Si’ Week (May 24-31), look out for ways we will be launching how being in Creation impacts the mental wellness of our families with a fun adventure challenge!
And please Save-the-Date for “At your Side: Whole Person, Whole Spirit Whole, Heart, a Trauma Awareness Symposium” on the Christ Cathedral campus on March 14, 2026. For more information check out:
https://catholicmhm.org/orange
https://www.usccb.org/mentalhealth
https://cacatholic.org/resources/
mental-health/hope-and-healing/
New Hope Peer-to-Peer Support Line
714-NEW-HOPE/ (714) 639-4673
Over 50 years at the Cathedral! The support line’s operating hours are:
Mon – Fri | 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sat – Sun | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
New Hope Counseling Services-Catholic Charities Orange County
(714) 347 – 9625.
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call, text, or chat 988- 24/7 (English & Spanish)