Mental Health

“Christ calls us to attend to those who have mental illness and provide hope and healing.” 
– Hope and Healing: A Pastoral Letter from the Bishops of California on caring for those who suffer from mental illness

Jesus’ ministry was all about healing and hope. As his disciples, we too, are called to extend healing and hope to others, especially those loved ones who deal with mental health challenges.

Persons with mental illness often suffer in silence, hidden and unrecognized by others. Consider this stark contrast: a person with a medical disease, such as cancer, will usually receive an outpouring of sympathy and support from their parish and community; a person diagnosed with a mental illness, such as depression, crippling anxiety, or bipolar disorder, frequently experiences isolation and inadequate support, often because of the unjust social stigma of mental illness. This should not be so in our civic communities and cannot be so in our Catholic communities. Those living with a mental illness should never bear these burdens alone, nor should their families who struggle heroically to assist their loved ones. We Christians must encounter them accompany them, comfort them, and help bear their burdens in solidarity with them—offering our understanding, prayers, and tangible and ongoing assistance. – from Hope and Healing

Padre Serra is committed to accompanying you and your loved one and offers these resources:

• Recommendation mental health professionals in our area. To obtain the list, contact Teresa Runyon teresa@padreserra.org or (805) 482·6417 x322
• Our parish Support and Care Ministries and Referrals
• St. Julie Billiart (Newbury Park) Mental Health Ministry: stjulieschurch.org/mental-health-ministry.
  We have partnered with St. Julie’s to bring awareness and support through information events. 
• Archdiocese of Los Angeles Mental Health Resources: old.la-archdiocese.org/org/oljp/Pages/Mental-Health-and-Suicide
• California Bishop’s Pastoral Letter on caring for those with mental illness Hope and Healing: www.cacatholic.org/hope_and_healing 
• Christianity and Mental Illness, an article by Julianne Miles at Catholic News Agency catholicnewsagency.com
  
• Podcast Series with Katie Prejean McGrady 
  Ave Explores: Stress, Anxiety, and Mental Health

 
Questions: Teresa Runyon teresa@padreserra.org or (805) 482·6417 x322.

Also visit: Adults, Prayer