USCCB 2024 Mental Health Campaign

Everyone who needs help should receive help. This is the message of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) National Catholic Mental Health Campaign. While this campaign is a year-round initiative, efforts increase beginning October 10, World Mental Health Day, and continue to the feast of St. Luke, patron of health care, on October 18.

The goal of this initiative is three-fold: to raise awareness of the mental health crisis and decline in access to care, to combat stigma surrounding mental health, and to advocate for all those impacted by this crisis. This year’s focus is mental health as a universal right.

The USCCB campaign hopes to mobilize the Catholic Church in responding to the mental health crisis through actions that lead to positive change. This task may seem daunting, but those of us in the Diocese of Green Bay are not strangers to hard work! Through ministry and advocacy, the campaign provides several recommendations that address different aspects of the mental health crisis.

First, pray the annual mental health novena, which is structured to inform and encourage both prayer and action in response to nine of distinct aspects of mental health. Second, tune into USCCB-hosted virtual roundtables with bishops and other key Catholic leaders where they will discuss how mental illness touches all our lives and how to assist our communities in improving the crisis. Third, all Catholics are encouraged to advocate for legislation and policies that address lack of resources concerning prevention and treatment of mental health conditions. To access these resources and see upcoming opportunities, please visit https://www.usccb.org/mentalhealth.

Currently, there are many faith-filled people striving to improve the mental health crisis. Praise God! Keep all those who make it their profession or ministry to help others struggling with mental health in your prayers. Also, lift up the Catholic institutions and groups that are leaders in providing mental health services within our parishes and communities.
We pray for the intercession of St. Dymphna and St. John of God, patron saints of persons experiencing mental illness — that our advocacy, action, and prayers lead to meaningful aid and compassion to all those who seek services and comfort.

Kim Connelly is the Director of Mental Health Counseling with Catholic Charities.