USCCB
Southern Nebraska Register
World Mental Health Day is observed Oct. 10, and the United States Council of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will begin nine days of focused prayer, teaching, and actionable steps to engage more intentionally on mental health issues.
While the campaign is a year-round effort, the novena will run Oct. 10-18, concluding on the feast of Saint Luke, the patron of health care.
“Everyone who needs help should receive help” is the simple message that underscores the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign. The campaign was launched in 2023 through the efforts of the chairmen of two committees in response to growing concerns in mental and behavioral health to raise awareness among Catholics nationwide on the many facets of mental health. In addition to raising awareness, the ongoing efforts of the initiative are to combat the stigmas associated with the issue, and to advance wise, compassionate, and effective public policy in response to this growing crisis in the nation.
“We have many people – young and old – who are struggling with their mental health,” said Bishop James Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln. “If that describes you or someone you know, it’s important to realize no one is alone. There are resources available locally to help you. We need to raise awareness and combat the stigma associated with mental health issues.”
The bishop recommended that all Catholics follow the novena online at usccb.org/mentalhealth.
“And if you haven’t read my pastoral letter on mental health called ‘A Future With Hope,’ I invite you do so,” he added. The letter is available at lincolndiocese.org/afuturewithhope.
“I’m praying for you,” he said.
In addition to the novena, other information and resources about the USCCB’s National Catholic Mental Health Campaign are available at www.usccb.org/mentalhealth. Catholic dioceses are encouraged to share the information with their parishes with a special emphasis on Mental Health Sunday, Oct. 13, as it falls in the midst of the nine-day renewal effort and is an opportunity to promote and support the efforts of local mental health programs.
