Our Mission
We support Catholic parishes and dioceses in establishing mental health ministries. Mental health ministries provide vital spiritual accompaniment for people experiencing mental illness, as well as those who care for them.
Stay In Touch
Be the first to hear about events, resources, and more!
Prayers of Pope Francis for People with Mental Illness
Pope Francis has 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.” He encourages us to build a community of warmth and affection where they “will find support and a light that opens them up to life.” The Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers has worked with the Pope's Wordwide Prayer Network at the Vatican to develop resources that will help parishes respond to the Pope’s call.
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
Webinar: Mental Health Ministry is a Pro-Life Ministry
Add Fri, Jan 28 @ 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Our president, Deacon Ed Shoener and Sharon St Pierre, LCSW, will present our January monthly webinar, “Mental Health Ministry is a Pro-Life Ministry,” on Fri, Jan 28 from 2:00-3:00pm ET.
Webinar: Walking with People Toward Healing
Add Wed, Feb 9 @ 3:00 PM
3:00pm EST
Join a panel of experts as they discuss overcoming the stigma of seeking help for mental illness, how to recognize the signs of mental health distress, and much more.
Save the Date: Mental Health Ministry Conference
Add Thu, May 19 - Sat, May 21
at Jesuit Retreat Center - Los Altos, CA
Building a Culture of Community - Equipping Leaders for Mental Health Ministry
Latest News
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Father Rutilio Grande: the (future) patron saint of breaking mental health stigma?
Rutilio Grande, S.J., who will be beatified on Jan. 22, was a deeply committed priest with extraordinary pastoral gifts. This was apparent particularly in his efforts to empower the laity and bring…
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Eliminating mental health stigma in society and within the Church
The support and resources offered by entities like the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers are a concrete step toward overcoming the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide,…
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Living the Call Podcast with Deacon Charlie Echeverry
Latino Leaders & Faith
Episode 31
Deacon Ed Shoener: The New Evangelization Of Mental Health -
Realization of need for mental health ministry growing in Church
NEW YORK – Jeri McNulty remembers early on in the COVID-19 pandemic the anxiety attacks and stress that came with shifting her reading classes for young students online, and the general…
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ACMHM: Offering people with a mental health disorder a place of belonging
In this exclusive interview, the President of the Association, Deacon Ed Shoener, explains how the Church can become a place of openness where people who live with a mental health disorder or illness…
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Message from Card. P. Turkson for World Mental Health Day, Prefect of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development
World Mental Health Day is celebrated on 10 October. This year's theme is Mental Health in an Unequal World, and aims to draw attention to the inequalities that exist in the treatment and care of…
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Stress and suicide high among those in the farming industry
Called “ag stress,” it refers to pressures felt by farmers or those within the agricultural industry. It can lead to depression, despair and even suicide.
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Grants Available to Support Catholic Mental Health Ministries
The Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers (ACMHM) announces the availability of their next round of seed grants to start or grow mental health ministries in Catholic parishes, dioceses, and…
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World Mental Health Day
Prayer of Pope Francis on World Mental Health Day: I would like, to remember our brothers and sisters affected by mental disorders and also the victims, often young, of suicide. Let us pray for them…
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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…
Order Free Prayer Cards
We provide free prayer cards in both English and Spanish for use in your ministry!
Books
Winner of the Resource of the Year award and a first-place in resources for ministry from the Association of Catholic Publishers and a third-place award in pastoral ministry books from the Catholic Media Association.