JARZEMBOWSKI: Taking a bold step for mental health

The Catholic bishops of the U.S. are concerned about the mental health crisis impacting so many people. They want Catholics in every community to join them in responding to it with pastoral boldness.

Last year, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) launched the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign to raise awareness, combat stigma and advance wise, compassionate and effective public policy around this issue.

This initiative is renewed each year with a special nine-day novena starting on World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10) and concluding on the feast of St. Luke, patron of health care (Oct. 18). Each day, a prayer is offered in the company of a powerful intercessor among the Communion of Saints who either struggled with mental health or accompanied others in times of great need. In addition, the novena offers background into a particular area or population impacted by this crisis, as well as actionable ideas for consideration.

When the global pandemic struck, it opened eyes to seeing what was there all along. From those who have clinical diagnoses of mental illness to others whose emotional and mental wellness is fragile due to the realities of life, the issues at play are not something distant or unknown.

At the same time, Jesus promises us abundant life and longs to see us live our daily lives to the fullest (see Jn 10:10). The Lord also invites his disciples to tend the wounds of those who are burdened and overwhelmed (see Lk 10:25-37, the Good Samaritan parable).

The U.S. bishops recognize that, in order to embrace the pastoral vision witnessed by Christ, the entire community of faith should be engaged. Every Catholic has a role to play. As Pope Francis noted, “Caring for others is not just a skilled job, but a real mission, which is fully realized when scientific knowledge meets the fullness of humanity and is translated into the tenderness that knows how to approach and take others to heart.” From doctors to parents and from co-workers to friends, Jesus has given us a mission to care for one another and allow others to take care of us.

Providing formational tools and advancing compassionate public policy are important dimensions of the USCCB Campaign, but this is more than a program or policy initiative.
Rather, it is a call to infuse our homes, workplaces and Catholic parishes with a renewed sense of pastoral mission and a compassionate response to the dignity of the human person. The campaign is a nationwide drive to revitalize our very souls so that Jesus’ command to “love one another” (Jn 13:34) is integrated into how we approach those who are impacted by anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief, suicidal ideation, substance abuse and all dimensions of mental illness. 

The campaign, then, reminds us of our summons from the Lord to journey together in mutual love. The U.S. bishops have offered us a first step. Will we be bold enough to accompany them?

Resources for the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign, including the annual novena, can be found online at www.usccb.org/mentalhealth. 

Paul Jarzembowski is associate director for the Laity for the Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.