If you or someone you knows is living with mental illness counseling services may be available in your area from Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Find out more at: https://www.catholiccharitiesdubuque.org/catholic-charities-services/counseling-services/
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
If you are someone you know needs assistance dial 1-800-273-8255 for assistance or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Talk about Mental illness and mental health, helping children understand what it is using age appropriate language.
For children it might be helpful to explain that just like our bodies get sick with flu, chicken pox, cold, our brain and mental part of who we are can also get sick. When this happens we call it “mental illness”. Framing it in this way can help children better understand that mental illness is like being sick and that, just like being sick, there are treatments and hope for recovery. Since some mental illness is not “curable” but people with treatment can live long and fulfilling lives the comparison of mental illness to diabetes can be helpful.
I. Opening Prayer
Almighty and ever-living God, eternal health of believers,
hear our prayers for your servants who are sick:
grant them, we implore you, your merciful help,
so that, with their health restored,
they may give you thanks in the midst of your Church.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen
(from the collect of prayers For Various Occasions, “For the Sick” ; Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, ICEL. All rights reserved.)
II. Scripture Reading – Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, First Reading Isaiah 35:4-7
III. Catechesis Video reflection questions:
Grades K-6
Domestic Church (the family)
IV. Witness Video (younger children) reflection questions:
Grades K-6
Domestic Church (the Family)
Witness Video (older children) reflection questions:
Grades K-6
Domestic Church (the family)
V. Closing Prayer
O God, only support of our human weakness,
show the power of your protection
over your servants who are sick,
that, sustained by your merciful help,
they may be restored to your holy Church in good health.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen
(from the prayer after communion For Various Occasions, “For the Sick” ; Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, ICEL. All rights reserved.)
Catechism 2288;
Compendium 166; 182; 222; 152-159;
Pope Francis message World Day of the Sick, 2018
USCCB 1993 Statement on Healthcare
USCCB 2009 Statement on Healthcare
Pope Francis Healthcare is a human right
Pope Benedict XVI Healthcare is a human right