FALL RIVER — One in five Americans lives with a mental illness, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), making mental health challenges a reality for millions of individuals and families across the country. For many, the local church is among the first places they turn for connection, support and community. 

The Diocese of Fall River is responding to that need by holding two special Masses this October and recognizing the Diocese’s Catholic Charities growing Parish Mental Health Ministry, a program that trains lay volunteers to welcome individuals and families facing mental health and substance use challenges. In less than three years, the Mental Health Ministry has trained 80 certified Mental Health Ministers across eight parishes and served more than 1,000 parishioners. By November, the Diocese expects to have more than 100 trained Mental Health Ministers serving parish communities across the diocese. 

The Parish Ministry program will be highlighted during Mental Illness Awareness Month this October, as Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha celebrates two Masses to raise awareness about individuals and families affected by mental illness, substance use, and suicide loss. In his homily, the Bishop will address the mental health crisis and resources offered through the Diocese to support those affected. 

“Through these Masses, we want to remind individuals and families who are affected by mental health challenges that they are not alone and that they are welcomed and can find support in the Church,” said Jack Weldon, LICSW, who is the coordinator for the Catholic Charities’ Mental Health Ministry. “Our Catholic faith calls us to accompany one another with compassion, hope and dignity.” 

A Ministry of Accompaniment 

Catholic Charities Mental Health Ministry seeks to address the stigma and isolation that can surround mental illness by helping parish communities become places of acceptance, understanding and hope. 

Mental Health Ministers are trained lay volunteers—not therapists or clinicians. They do not diagnose or treat mental illness. Instead, they offer a welcoming presence, help individuals connect with appropriate resources and provide compassionate support without judgment. In this way, the ministry is one of accompaniment: walking alongside people and reminding them that they do not have to navigate their struggles alone. 

Eight parishes currently have active mental health ministry teams, with three additional parishes scheduled to participate in training this fall. Participating parishes include: 

  • Church of the Holy Name, Fall River 
  • Church of Christ the King, Mashpee 
  • Saint Patrick Parish, Wareham 
  • Church of Corpus Christi, East Sandwich
  • Holy Trinity Parish, West Harwich 
  • Saint Pius X Parish, South Yarmouth 
  • Saint John Neumann Parish, East Freetown
  • Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Chatham 

Mental Illness Awareness Masses 

The Diocese invites parishioners, families and members of the wider community to attend either Mass and join in prayer for all those affected by mental illness, substance use and suicide loss. They are scheduled as follows: 

Sunday, October 4, 10:30 a.m., Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, Fall River. 

Saturday, October 24, 4 p.m., Corpus Christi Church, East Sandwich. 

As part of the October observances, Catholic Charities will also maintain a Book of Remembrance for those who have lost a loved one by suicide or from mental illness or substance use.  Names may be submitted by email to FR-Reception@ccfrdioc.org with the subject line “Name for Remembrance Book.”  Information may also be obtained by calling Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River at 508-674-4681, Et 1101. 

For more information about the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River Mental Health Ministry or resources available to individuals and families, contact Jack Weldon, LICSW, Mental Health Coordinator, at 508-674-4681, Ext. 1175.  

Diocese of Fall River
Diocese of Fall River
Office of Communications