Mental Health

Hope and Healing

As pastors and bishops, we understand that mental health is a critical component of wellbeing. Therefore, ministering to those who suffer from mental illness is an essential part of the pastoral care of the Church. This letter represents a statement by Catholic pastors, in consultation with those who suffer from mental illness, their families and loved ones, health care practitioners, and other caregivers. We acknowledge and thank our collaborators—patients, families, mental health professionals, and pastoral care workers—who assisted with this statement.

PDF – English, Spanish or Vietnamese

Study Guide – English

Highlights

June 10, 2021

Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan co-edited book 'Responding to Suicide'

Bishop Dolan's own life story includes the suicide of two siblings, the suicide of one of the spouses of one of his siblings, and an attempted suicide by a third sibling.

May 2, 2018

California Bishops Issue Major Statement on Mental Health

“We Christians have to get to know people, to befriend them, to listen generously to them, to walk with them,” the bishops said. “This is not because we have all the answers to their problems or can cure all of their afflictions, but simply because these encounters—these small acts of love and compassion, understanding, and friendship—are precisely what people need most

May 1, 2018

California Bishops' Statements Mental Health

Hope and Healing

As pastors and bishops, we are deeply concerned with the heartbreaking prevalence of mental illness in our society and are taking action to address this tragic form of misery and sorrow. Though not as apparent and familiar as general medical problems, mental illness is equally important and is uniquely challenging and burdensome. It strikes deep within the human soul, impacting and influencing a person’s thoughts, emotions and behaviors; thereby affecting all aspects of a person’s life—work and rest, family life and relationships, prayer and one’s relationship with God.

May 30, 2014

Publications Mental Health

Mental Health and the Church Conference

A sold-out live audience of 3,200 filled the Worship Center at Saddleback Church and an estimated audience of 30,000 watched online as Bishop Kevin Vann and Saddleback Pastor Rick Warren and his wife Kay hosted the “Gathering on Mental Health and

April 10, 2014

Human Dignity Mental Health

Gathering on Mental Health and the Church: Video/Audio Presentations Now Available

On March 28th, Bishop Kevin Vann of the Diocese of Orange and Evangelical Pastor Rick Warren joined forces to address a growing crisis in our country – the lack of adequate care and attention for those who suffer from mental illness.