FALL RIVER — In the coming weeks, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will celebrate special Masses in two areas of the Diocese of Fall River to raise awareness of mental health and substance use challenges and the impact they can have on individuals, their families, and caregivers.

The Masses will take place at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, October 13, in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River and at 4 p.m., Saturday, October 26, in Corpus Christi Church in East Sandwich.

October is designated annually as a time for greater focus on mental health awareness and on mobilizing efforts to support it. World Mental Health Day is October 10 and Mental Illness Awareness Week runs from October 6-12.

The Masses in both churches will be offered for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, drug and alcohol use, or mental illness, and for those who are currently experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. All are welcome to attend.

 A Book of Remembrance will be offered during the Liturgy for those who have died.  Anyone who would like to submit a name/names of loved ones for inclusion in the Book of Remembrance should email FR-Reception@ccfrdioc.org, with the subject line: Name for Remembrance Book.  You may also call Catholic Charities Diocese of Fall River at 508-674-4681 Ext. 1101.

The celebration of these Masses is an outreach of the mental health ministry of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River.

It is the hope of those involved in the ministry that the Masses will help to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental health and substance use, and to raise awareness of the need for suicide prevention.

They explain that a  faith community can make a difference in people’s lives and in the lives of the families who support them by educating members on the facts about mental health and substance use challenges, being accepting of a person’s challenges, welcoming those impacted as active members of the community, comforting them in time of crisis, supporting them in their ongoing need, and assisting them in their search for mental health services.

Jack Weldon, LICSW, serves as the mental health coordinator for Catholic Charities, and he and others at the agency are working with diocesan pastors and parishes to initiate mental health ministry and develop mental health ministry teams within their parish.

“We are working intentionally to affirm the dignity of every human being and create places of belonging and healing for those who are experiencing mental health and substance use challenges, and those who care for them” he said.

Both Masses for Mental Health Awareness will be livestreamed on the website of the respective parish, www.olfallriver.com (St. Mary’s Cathedral) and www.corpuschristiparish.org.

Learn more about Mental Health Ministry offered by Catholic Charities-Diocese of Fall River

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