“For too long, mental illness — including within our Church — has been misunderstood and stigmatized. But with God’s grace and the help of modern science, we now better understand how mental illness can lead to suicidal thoughts, often through no fault of the individual. As Church, we are called to be a refuge of mercy, compassion and healing.”
Throughout the month of September, the St. Cloud Diocese joins others across the country in observing Suicide Prevention Month. In particular, the weekend of September 27/28 will be honored as Suicide Healing and Remembrance Weekend.
All Area Catholic Communities are invited to mark this weekend as a special time of remembrance. Below are resources to be shared within Area Catholic Communities, or utilized in planning the ways in which they will honor Suicide Healing and Remembrance Weekend.
Liturgical Resources for Suicide Healing and Remembrance Weekend
Liturgical resources including Prayers of the Faithful, sample ritual and additional ideas can be found on this Suicide Healing and Remembrance Liturgical guide.
For more information on why we offer such a liturgy, as well as step-by-step suggestions for planning a Mass for Suicide Healing and Remembrance, view the Mass for Suicide Healing and Remembrance Preparation Guide PDF
Additional examples and resources for honoring Suicide Healing and Remembrance can be found at the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers website:
For those who would like to learn more about suicide and how you can support families who may be struggling with this type of loss, or who have loved ones facing mental health challenges, visit the Diocesan Mental Health Ministry website: https://stcdio.org/mental-health-ministry/