The mental health crisis is a profound challenge across Western New York, and around the world. Each of us can respond with generosity, hope, and compassion to everyone who needs help. Beginning on World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2024, Catholic Charities of Buffalo and The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) invite all people of good will to pray for mental health and wellness with a special nationwide novena, continuing to the feast of Saint Luke, patron of heath care on October 18, 2024.

Please Pray With Us

Join us here each day at 3:00pm for a special novena prayer

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Novena October 18, 2024
Novena October 17, 2024
Novena October 16, 2024
Novena October 15, 2024
Novena October 14, 2024
Novena October 13, 2024
Novena October 12, 2024
Novena October 11, 2024
Novena October 10, 2024
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According to the Worldwide Mental Health Foundation, mental illness affects an estimated 950 million people worldwide, and is the leading cause of disability across all age groups. In addition, mental health issues are the leading cause of suicide, accounting for over 800,000 deaths per year. In the US alone, more than one in five adults live with a mental illness according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Each year, more than 8,000 Western New Yorkers of all faiths and backgrounds rely on the behavioral health services at Catholic Charities to deal with acute and chronic mental health challenges. Catholic Charities believes that everyone who needs help should receive help – regardless of ability to pay.

For information on Catholic Charites Behavioral Health Services CLICK HERE

Many people will experience a mental health challenge at some point in their life.

Many people will experience a mental health challenge at some point in their life.

According to the Worldwide Mental Health Foundation, mental illness affects an estimated 950 million people worldwide, and is the leading cause of disability across all age groups. In addition, mental health issues are the leading cause of suicide, accounting for over 800,000 deaths per year. In the US alone, more than one in five adults live with a mental illness according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Each year, more than 8,000 Western New Yorkers of all faiths and backgrounds rely on the behavioral health services at Catholic Charities to deal with acute and chronic mental health challenges. Catholic Charities believes that everyone who needs help should receive help – regardless of ability to pay.

For information on Catholic Charites Behavioral Health Services CLICK HERE

Additional Resources

Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers

To support the development of local ministries and support groups, the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers is available for more information and resources. This Association is coordinated by a team of lay, ordained, and consecrated ministry leaders, with the support of Bishop John Dolan of Phoenix (episcopal liaison and chaplain).

The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network

Praying for mental health is a worldwide endeavor. The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network is a Vatican pontifical society with a global mission of mobilizing all Catholics toward prayer and action to the challenges facing humanity and the mission of the Church. Many of the monthly prayer intentions of this Network revolve around issues important to mental health and wellness.