Join our mental health ministry, PAX, for the following activities this month:  

• Wednesday, May 10, 6 p.m. before Adoration:  Holy Rosary for intentions related to mental illness.
• Monday, May 15, 6-7 p.m., lower church sacristy:  Monthly meeting. This month's theme is self-care and wellness.
• Wednesday, May 17, 8:30 a.m. after daily Mass:  Holy Rosary for intentions related to mental illness.
• Sunday, May 21, after 11 a.m. Mass:  Receive a prayer card and awareness ribbon outside after Mass.

All of our parishes have family members suffering from the challenge of mental illness, and despite modern understanding of mental illness, many suffer additionally from stigma.  Their pain is often felt in silence, hidden and unrecognized by others.  For many people, mental illness represents an ongoing and lifelong burden. . . .  The good news about mental illness is that recovery is possible.  We know that Jesus’ ministry was one of hope and of healing; His Church must also offer hope and healing, by using available resources to help those in need. —  Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone

What You Can Do to Help

• Use person-first language:  A person has a diagnosis of schizophrenia, they are not “a schizophrenic”.
• Create a welcoming and safe space for loved ones to talk about their mental health.
• Pray for those suffering with mental illness.

Important Facts

• 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 youth will experience a mental health condition this year in the U.S.
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10–34.

National Resources

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 OR 1-800-784-2433
• Talk online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org
• Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741​
• Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454
• Options for Deaf & Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• Teen Help Line:​ Open every night 9 pm to 1 am EST 310-855-4673 OR 1-800-852-8336
• Text TEEN to 839863

Boston Area Resources

• Boston Emergency Services Team (BEST): 1-800-981-4357
• Samaritans Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-877-870-4673
• Boston Area Rape Crisis Center: 1-800-841-8371
• Peer Support Helpline: 1-877-PEERLNE

Programming and Support at St. Mary's

• Mental Health Discussion Group meets monthly on a Monday from 6-7 p.m. in the lower church sacristy.  All are welcome.  Light refreshments served.  Check the bulletin, website events listing, or our Facebook page for the next meeting date.
• We are compiling a library of resources including books, videos, and free trainings for parishioners interested in learning more about mental health.  Please stay tuned for details and availability.