09/06/2026
Content warning: su***de
Su***de Prevention Month is a time to raise awareness and have meaningful conversations and actions around urgent mental health issues.
Prayer: We are united in a profound way with the Church Militant, the Church Suffering, and the Church Triumphant in the celebration of the Eucharist. Request a Mass intention for someone who has died by su***de or a Mass intention for all those impacted by su***de.
Action: Often when we discover someone else is experiencing a mental health crisis, we can enter our own moment of crisis and even our own fight, flight, or freeze moment as we try to figure out the best next thing to say or do. Practice ahead of time being grounded and rooted in prayer to be able to respond swiftly and compassionately, without panic. One grounding spiritual and mental practice is to hold a sacred object, such as a small crucifix, a rosary, or saint medal firmly in our hand, while breathing slowly and praying: “Jesus, hold me as I hold this cross” or “God, you are my refuge.” This type of exercise allows us to regulate anxiety and dissociation.
Almsgiving: Some parishes offer grief and/or mental health ministry support. Donate to and support your local parish ministry, or consider starting one. Reach out to Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph for assistance: [email protected]
***dePreventionMonth
