Mental Health Sunday, Novena highlight Church’s focus on mental health ministry

Catholics in the Diocese of Trenton and around the world are invited to pray throughout October to support mental health ministry. Pope Leo XIV designated the month for these prayers to help reduce the stigma and discrimination faced by people struggling with mental health issues.

Parishes across the United States will observe National Mental Health Sunday on Oct. 11, following World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10. Bishop Edward J. Burns, who leads the Diocese of Dallas and chairs a committee for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, asked the faithful to remain mindful of their own mental health and the struggles of those in their families, workplaces, and Catholic communities.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., noted in a previous message that many people carry burdens such as depression, anxiety, and addiction silently or behind busy lives.