Our Mission
The Association for Catholic Mental Health Ministers is a Lay Association of the Christian Faithful whose members are called to be a healing presence in the lives of people with mental illness. We provide the tools, methods and insights that allow leaders in the Church to confidently minister to people with a mental illness without fear or prejudice.
Pope Francis said that we need to “fully overcome the stigma with which mental illness has often been branded and … ensure that the culture of community prevails over the mentality of rejection.” We work to build a community of warmth and affection in the Church for people living with mental illness.
May Our Lady guide us so that those who live with a mental illness will know that they are surrounded by her and her Son’s healing presence and remember that they are never alone.
Stay In Touch
Be the first to hear about events, resources, and more!
Video
The Sanctuary Course for Catholics
Compelling films that that feature the stories of Catholics living with mental health challenges, along with the insights of archbishops, theologians, and psychologists.
Mental Health Ministry and the Diaconate: Christ Heals Our Wounds
The Role of the Church for the Mental Health Community, Bishop Kevin W. Vann, JCD, DD
What a Mental Health Ministry Team Can Do in a Parish, Father Anthony Saroki, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Diocese of San Diego
Upcoming Events
Abortion & Mental Health Webinar
Add Tue, Oct 19 @ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Presenter: David C. Reardon, director of the Elliot Institute and widely recognized as one of the leading experts on the after-effects of pregnancy loss on women.
Save the Date: Mental Health Ministry Conference
Add Fri, Feb 25 - Sat, Feb 26
in San Francisco, CA
Building a Culture of Community - Equipping Leaders for Mental Health Ministry
Latest News
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Responding to Suicide Named ACP 2021 Resource of the Year
Responding to Suicide: A Pastoral Handbook for Catholic Leaders authored by Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers and edited by Deacon Ed Shoener and Most Rev. John P. Dolan from Ave Maria…
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Houses of worship offering mental health support
Faith communities are connecting with families dealing with mental health issues on multiple fronts.
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The Religious Leaders on the Front Lines of Mental Health
by Clare Ansberry, Wall Street Journal, July 22, 2021
Priests, pastors, rabbis, imams and deacons have witnessed waves of anxiety, depression, fear and grief. People who never… -
Destigmatize mental illness says pope
Pope Francis has said that it is necessary to destigmatize mental illness. In a message to participants at a conference on mental health organized by the Italian health ministry, Francis said it was…
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Survey: Religiosity seems to be 'buffer' against some pandemic stresses
The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on participation in religious services just as it did on workplaces, but a new survey indicates strong emotional resilience from those who consider their faith vital…
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A Catholic Response to the Mental Health Crisis
Behind the statistics, facts, and figures on our nation’s mental health crisis are human beings—all children of God. How the Church and we, as people of faith, respond can save lives and…
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Clergy education focuses on mental health, suicide prevention
Priests and deacons of the diocese were invited April 23 to participate in a continuing education course on mental health and suicide awareness.
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How churches can respond to the COVID-19 mental health crisis
With concerns that suicide rates are rising in communities of color during the pandemic, Catholic mental health workers say the Church can play a key role in response.
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Were some saints mentally ill, or holy, or both?
While in the confessional with a struggling novice in a lay consecrated community, the late Puerto Rican-born physicist, priest and writer Lorenzo Albacete recommended reading St. Teresa of…
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Grant funds help train parish mental health teams to guide others to care
Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Rockford has received a grant to develop mental health ministries in Catholic parishes — a ministry that will be a part of the Catholic Charities’…
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Depression, Lent, and Easter
I am always relieved when the end of Lent arrives. Not because I found the giving things up part difficult. For the depressed person, giving things up is relatively easy. Neuroscientist Robert…
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Bishop Conley discusses extended sabbatical for mental health
Following a nearly year-long sabbatical to attend to his mental health, Bishop James Conley of Lincoln explained his experience with depression, seeking help, and his return to his duties as a bishop.
Order Free Prayer Cards
We provide free prayer cards in both English and Spanish for use in your ministry!
Books
Recognized for excellence in publishing by the Catholic Publishers Association as finalists
in the 'General Interest' and 'Resources for Ministry' categories.
