Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Navigating the landscape of mental health resources can feel overwhelming, especially when you're unsure of what to ask or where to begin. But you are not alone. One vital resource available to everyone is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Whether you or someone you care about is experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, substance use concerns, or simply needs someone to talk to, trained counselors at 988 are available 24/7 to offer compassionate, confidential support.
As the 988 Lifeline approaches its third anniversary, it has already made a profound impact, responding to over 15 million calls, texts, and chats across the United States.
A recent study led by Madelyn Gould revealed that 98% of callers felt their crisis call was helpful, and 88% reported that the call prevented them from taking their own lives. These are powerful reminders of the importance of reaching out and the strength found in community and connection.
As Catholics rooted in faith, compassion, and the dignity of every human life, let us continue to support one another. If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t hesitate to call, text or chat with 988.
In Christ,
Natalie Morales, M. Ed
Director
Natalie Morales, M. Ed
Director
Each month you will receive a "mental health minute" which will include facts surrounding mental health, as well as, insights from the Catholic Church. You are encouraged to share the information with your parish communities via Narthex monitors, parish Flocknotes, bulletins or simply in conversation.
12 Ways Parishes Can Support People
with Mental Illness
From preaching to political activism, Catholics can show solidarity to people with mental illness in a variety of ways.
Are you a Licensed Mental Health Professional?
Join the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Mental Health Referral Network. The Archdiocese is seeking local clinicians who would like to support Catholic families and individuals seeking mental health care that aligns with and respects our Catholic beliefs and values. We are especially in need of therapists who can provide services in various languages.
A therapist seeking to be referred by the Archdiocese is required to submit the following for the vetting process:
- current license information
- proof of insurance,
- curriculum vitae/resume,
- a letter of good standing from his or her pastor (or other Catholic ministry leader).
If you are interested in joining or for more information about this program, please contact Natalie Morales, Director of Office for Persons with Disabilities at namorales@archphila.org.
Workshops & Other Opportunities
Healing Retreat for Adult Children of Divorce
September 12-14, 2025: Life-Giving Wounds Retreat
No matter your age when it happened, the effects of your parents’ divorce or separation are deep and long-lasting. Life-Giving Wounds is a national ministry specifically for adults (18+) whose parents are divorced or separated — providing a unique opportunity for men and women who are the children of divorced or separated parents to give voice to their pain and experience Christ’s transformational healing, together with peers who know the challenges that broken homes cause.
Sponsored by: Office for Life and Family, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Location: Malvern Retreat House, Malvern, PA
More info and registration: Cost is $350, scholarships available;
Healing Retreat for Women Healing from
Betrayal Trauma
This retreat is for women healing from sexual betrayal trauma due to an intimate partner’s infidelity, pornography use or sex addiction. Through unique, facilitated healing encounters, we listen for the Holy Spirit’s promptings as He reveals the wounds, the memories, the circumstances that caused dis-integration within us. With Him, we are gently invited into a fully integrated experience – mind, heart, body, spirit, soul. Come…and let Him Restore you!
Retreat Leaders: Father Allen Hoffa of the Diocese of Allentown PA, De Yarrison of You Are Made New Ministry and Laura Ercolino of Hope’s Garden
Location: St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, PA
More info: https://youaremadenew.com/restore-retreats-betrayal-trauma/ or email De at de@youaremadenew.com.
NAMI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy for individuals affected by mental health conditions and their loved ones. They raise awareness, offer resources for individuals and families, provide education, and offer both crisis hotlines and help lines for anyone in need.
Testimonials of local parishioners who have found support through NAMI:
“The NAMI family support groups saved me.” - Lisa, St. Eugene, Primos, PA
"I feel so blessed to have found the Havertown NAMI Family Support Group. The facilitators are excellent and it is a great group of compassionate and caring people. My initial experience with NAMI Mainline was through the Family- to- Family classes in the Spring of 2015, and from there began attending the monthly support group meetings.
Our son was experiencing unusual behavior, had several hospitalizations and we were at a loss at how to help him. These meetings allowed me to talk freely about my feelings without fear of judgement. As a group we share our experiences and I’ve been able to find resources that otherwise I wouldn’t have known are available.
My son is doing very well now and I am so grateful for this group at NAMI who have supported me throughout this journey. It is a wonderful resource for those in need."
- Karen, St. Cornelius Church, Chadds Ford, PA
Connect with your local NAMI:
These events and resources offer valuable support however, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia does not guarantee the effectiveness or appropriateness for any individual's specific needs. These events and resources are not intended to replace professional mental health treatment.