This is a painting by Jackson Roeder. In 2017, at 25, Jackson, who had struggled with mental health issues, died by suicide at his Fargo, North Dakota, apartment. His parents have now become mental health advocates. (CNS photo/Courtesy Roeder family, via The Central Minnesota Catholic)
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY
“Christ took all human suffering on himself; even mental illness, whoever suffers from mental illness ‘always’ bears God’s image and likeness in himself, mental illness does not create insurmountable distances.” (St. John Paul II, 1996)
As communities struggle with the physical, emotional and financial challenges of this pandemic, many also face the psychological challenges of anxiety, depression and isolation. But this is not a new phenomenon. Millions of Americans cope with some sort of mental health disorder, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Congress saw the need to raise awareness about this serious issue back in 1990, establishing the first week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week. This year’s theme, “Together for Mental Health,” intends to promote better mental health care systems and support for those who suffer silently.
If anyone or any parish wants to address mental health through social ministry, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability’s Mental Illness Council offers a theological framework to help anyone get started. To learn more, please visit the National Catholic Partnership on Disability website at ncpd.org/resources_and_toolkits/mental-illness-theological-framework. Public help is also available to all persons and parishes in Hawaii through the Hawaii CARES Hotline — health.hawaii.gov/amhd/consumer/access — thanks to the partnership of the State Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration, the UH School of Social Work, and other public and private partners.
Trained counselors are available every day to answer distress calls at (808) 832-3100 on Oahu or toll-free at 1 (800) 753-6879. Anyone can also find help by “texting” ALOHA to 741741 or email hicares@hawaii.edu.
Another vulnerable population in need of emotional and community support are cancer patients. More than 62,000 island residents are struggling with this disease in its multiple forms. According to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, breast cancer is the most common form among women, while prostate cancer is the most common form for men. When first diagnosed, many feel hopeless, afraid and alone. Their families and loved ones are also affected and may need extra special care. That’s why several Catholic parishes in Hawaii have organized cancer support ministries for survivors and their families.
Support groups in parishes like Holy Trinity in East Oahu provide monthly sessions for patients and caregivers to pray and accompany them on their cancer journeys. Other health organizations, such as Hawaii Pacific Health, offer help online such as CANCER CARE, a webinar series held in October and November. For more information on this program, go to hawaiipacifichealth.org/HealthierWebinar.
Caring for the sick is a basic tenet of our faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The Church has received this charge from the Lord and strives to carry it out by taking care of the sick as well as by accompanying them with her prayer of intercession. She believes in the life-giving presence of Christ, the physician of souls and bodies.” (CCC, 1509.) Healing is more than just a physical act; it can be emotional, psychological and even prayerful. For more information on how health care is a vital part of social ministry, please visit the Office for Social Ministry website at officeforsocialministry.org.
Pope Francis has often compared the Catholic Church to a field hospital reminding us that we are all in need of healing. Here is a prayer that our Holy Father has shared with all who need healing during these trying times:
“O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick. At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith. You know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the Father’s will and to do what Jesus tells us: He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.”
Mahalo,
Your friends at the Office for Social Ministry
