Diocesan Catholic Mental Health Ministries

As a Church, we recognize that mental health is a critical component of our overall health and well-being. Catholic Charities Fort Wayne –South Bend seeks to accompany those with mental health needs in our parish and school communities in a Catholic, sustainable, ethical, and meaningful way. The focus of this ministry is education, accompaniment, and advocacy.

This ministry is distinct from our counseling services but does not serve as a substitute for treatment or counseling with a qualified professional. These ministries serve as an avenue to provide literacy in mental health to promote the reduction of mental illness stigma, encourage conversations around mental illness, and create a safe environment for individuals to share and seek help surrounding their mental illness (Catholic Mental Health Ministry Guidelines, 2019). Our mission is to help create caring and supportive environments where people living with mental illness can meet, share their experiences and their Catholic faith with others, and to grow spiritually in their relationship with God.

Remember, you are not alone.

“I wish to emphasize the profound importance of mental health and the necessity of seeking treatment for those who struggle with mental illness. Our faith calls us to care for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Establishing and engaging with Catholic Mental Health Ministries in our diocese is vital. These ministries not only provide essential education and resources but also offer accompaniment and advocacy for individuals, families, and caregivers navigating the challenges of mental illness. It is our duty to foster a culture of understanding and compassion, breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, and ensuring that every person knows they are valued and loved by God. Together, let us build a supportive community where healing and hope flourish for all.”

- Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades

Education

Education | Accompaniment | Advocacy

Catholic Charities clinical staff and Mental Health Ministries provides training for clergy, parish ministry and school leaders and laity on the most current understanding of mental wellness and mental illness. With an emphasis on providing tools and resources, our leaders will be equipped to meet those in the community who are experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis with confidence, understanding, and care.

Request a Presentation or Mental Health First Aid Training

ACCOMPANIMENT

Mental Health Ministries create caring environments where people experiencing mental health challenges, those caring for loved ones who are mentally ill, survivors of friends and family members who have experienced loss through death by suicide, or anyone who needs support can share their experiences. The spaces will actively integrate our Catholic faith and spirituality in an effort to grow spiritually and deepen participants’ relationship with God.

Diocesan Parishes with Mental Health Ministries and Other Related Ministries

If you are interested in starting a Mental Health Ministry follow these steps (as suggested by the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministries):

  1. Seek permission from your parish priest. Having his support will be of great importance as you develop and grow this ministry. Even if he is not going to be actively involved, his support is a sign to the rest of the parish and diocesan community that this is a good and important ministry. 

  2. Contact the Diocesan Mental Health Ministries Facilitator at Catholic Charities Fort Wayne South Bend for support.

  3. Create a core ministry team. 3-4 individuals is ideal. Your deacon or pastor could have ideas for others who can support this ministry.

  4. Complete the CMHM assessment to determine what you will need, where you should focus your time, as well as what your gifts to this ministry will be.

  5. Expand your own knowledge of this ministry and mental health. This can be done by completing the Introduction to Catholic Mental Health Ministry course and other courses on the CMHM Learning Center (free for CMHM Members), taking Mental Health First Aid, and engaging with any other educational opportunities in which you have interest.

  6. Review the Guidelines for Catholic Mental Health Ministry Implementation in Parishes in the Diocese of Fort Wayne – South Bend

  7. Develop an annual ministry plan. This can be done through the Introduction course.

Advocacy + Resources

Mental Health Ministries partner with coalitions, local leaders and mental health providers in Indiana to give voice to those experiencing a mental health illness, connect individuals and families with mental health resources and services, and assure that mental health is at the forefront of discussions.

Are you a Catholic Mental Health Professional? Share your information with us!

“Whoever suffers from mental illness ‘always’ bears God’s image and likeness … as does every human being. In addition, [they] ‘always’ have the inalienable right not only to be considered as an image of God and therefore as a person, but also to be treated as such.”

Saint Pope John Paul II