Reflection on Mental Health Care during Lent and the Need for a Catholic Mental Health Ministry As the season of Lent draws near its culmination, the Church invites us into a period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in preparation for the joyous celebration of Easter. This time of reflection and penance, while deeply spiritual, also calls for us to examine our relationship with God, ourselves, and the world around us. During Lent, we reflect on our humanity, our weaknesses, and our dependence on God’s grace. It is a season that deeply acknowledges the struggles of the human condition, making it an opportune moment to consider the growing importance of mental health care in our communities, especially within our Catholic parishes and dioceses.

For centuries, the Church has been a place of solace, support, and guidance for individuals facing life’s difficulties. The pastoral care offered by clergy and lay ministers has addressed many facets of human suffering—be it physical, emotional, or spiritual. Yet, in recent years, there has been an increasing awareness of the challenges posed by mental health issues, which affect an ever-growing number of individuals across all demographics. In the midst of Lent, a season traditionally focused on repentance and healing, it becomes apparent that there is an urgent need to recognize the importance of mental health care and to establish a dedicated Catholic Mental Health Ministry within our parishes and dioceses.
Mental health is often misunderstood, and there can be a significant stigma surrounding it, even within the Church. While physical ailments are often visible and easier to address, mental health struggles—such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and others—remain largely invisible and can be misinterpreted. Unfortunately, mental health is frequently seen as a sign of weakness or even a lack of faith. This misconception can deter individuals from seeking the help they need, fearing judgment or misunderstanding from others in the community. The fact that many people continue to suffer in silence is a tragic commentary on how our faith communities, while generally open to helping the marginalized and suffering, may not always provide adequate support for those struggling with mental health.

Lent, however, offers an important counter-narrative to this. During this time, the Church emphasizes that suffering is part of the human experience and that God meets us in our brokenness. Jesus’ journey through the wilderness, his temptation, suffering, and ultimately his death on the cross, is a profound reminder that God does not abandon us in our darkest moments. Lent reminds us that Christ’s sacrifice was for all people—those suffering physically, spiritually, and emotionally. By placing a spotlight on human suffering, the Church invites us to see the value and dignity of each person, irrespective of their mental or emotional struggles.

Given this theological framework, the establishment of a Catholic Mental Health Ministry becomes a natural extension of the Church’s pastoral mission. Just as there are ministries dedicated to addressing issues of homelessness, hunger, and poverty, the time has come for the Church to consider mental health as a pastoral priority. A Catholic Mental Health Ministry would serve as a place of healing, hope, and refuge for those struggling with mental illness. It would not only provide resources for counseling and mental health care but also foster a community where individuals feel safe and supported. Such a ministry would integrate spiritual, emotional, and psychological support, helping individuals find healing in both their faith and mental well-being.

The importance of a Catholic Mental Health Ministry lies in its ability to bridge the gap between faith and mental health care. The Church has long held that spiritual well-being and emotional health are intertwined. For many individuals, their faith provides a source of strength, and it can be transformative in the healing process. A Catholic Mental Health Ministry could offer a framework in which mental health professionals who share the same faith could provide care in alignment with the principles of Catholic teaching. This approach would allow individuals to address their mental health needs in a manner that respects their faith and provides a holistic approach to healing.
Additionally, such a ministry could play a crucial role in raising awareness and education within the parish community. Many people remain unaware of the mental health challenges faced by their neighbors, and without open dialogue, stigma can persist. A Catholic Mental Health Ministry could provide educational programs that foster empathy, reduce stigma, and inform parishioners about how to support loved ones who are struggling with mental illness. This approach not only makes the Church a more inclusive and compassionate community but also helps those suffering from mental health issues feel seen, heard, and valued.
In this season of Lent, as we are called to reflect on the state of our hearts and minds, it is an opportunity to consider how we, as a Church, can be more attentive to the needs of those around us, particularly those struggling with mental health issues. If we believe in the transformative power of Christ’s love and sacrifice, then we must also believe that there is room for healing for those facing mental illness. The establishment of a Catholic Mental Health Ministry would demonstrate that the Church does not shy away from the full range of human suffering, but rather embraces it with compassion, offering the grace of Christ’s love and the care of the community.

As we draw closer to Easter, a season of resurrection and new life, it is fitting that we seek new life for those who have been suffering silently with mental health issues. Through establishing a Catholic Mental Health Ministry, we open the door for healing, restoration, and the possibility of experiencing the peace and joy that Christ promises, even in the midst of the most difficult struggles. Let this Lent be a time when we take concrete steps toward healing the mind, body, and soul, ensuring that the Church is a place where all can find peace—spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.

Dr Melese Shula, PhD
Director for African Engagement for the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers