Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The USCCB's annual National Catholic Mental Health Campaign (NCMHC) launch is upon us. The NCMHC is a year-round initiative of the USCCB in response to the ongoing mental health crisis across the United States. Each year, the U.S. Bishops engage in a concerted effort beginning on World Mental Health Day (October 10) and continuing to the feast of Saint Luke, patron of health care (October 18).
The NCMHC is an opportunity to begin the conversation, pray the annual novena and to share the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign Suggestions for Parish Engagement, which includes suggested bulletin/pulpit announcements and liturgical prayer opportunities, with your pastor and/or parish leaders. More information on the campaign can be found below.
Finally, in this month of the Holy Rosary and many popular saints, including Saint Teresa of Avila, I leave you with this article: Encouragement from Saint Teresa of Avila for Anyone Struggling with a Mental Illness.
May God bless you,
Natalie Rivera, M. Ed
Director
James Flanagan,
Program Coordinator
The USCCB recommends that each U.S. parish promote the annual novena for mental health within their communities. The novena officially goes from October 10, World Mental Health Day to October 18, 2024, the feast of Saint Luke, patron of health care. The daily texts for the novena can be found online at www.usccb.org/mentalhealth.
The message of the Campaign is simple: Everyone who needs help should receive help. Dioceses and parishes are welcome and encouraged to use the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign as an impetus to promote existing local mental health programs; the Campaign may also act as a starting point to launch a local mental health resource at the diocesan or parish level.
For local Catholic support for mental health, please visit: www.archphila.org/support
Office for Persons with Disabilities & The Deaf Apostolate
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
222 North Seventeenth Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Office: 215-587-3530
Video Phone: 267-507-1215
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