Finding hope and healing through faith, community, and compassionate support
Breath of Life Ministries provides vital spiritual accompaniment for people experiencing mental health challenges and mental illness, as well as those who care for them.
Rooted in Catholic teaching and compassion, we offer hope, resources, and community support for suicide prevention and mental wellness. Every person is created in the image and likeness of God, possessing infinite dignity and worth.
Learn About UsWednesday, November 26, 2025
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. — Matthew 11:28
Jesus invites us to bring our mental and emotional burdens to Him.
Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself. — St. Francis de Sales
He experienced depression and understood the need for self-compassion.
Take five slow, deep breaths when anxiety rises. Breathe in God's peace, breathe out fear.
For all who struggle with depression, that they may feel God's nearness in the darkness.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available right now.
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis:
Call or Text: 988
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Available 24/7, free and confidential
Text HELLO to 741741
Connect with a crisis counselor via text, anytime day or night.
Free, confidential, 24/7 support
Visit 988lifeline.org/chat
Chat with a trained counselor online through secure messaging.
Available 24/7
Speak with a priest or pastoral minister in your area.
Find comfort in faith, sacraments, and your parish community during difficult times.
The Catholic Church recognizes that suicide is a grave matter, but emphasizes God's infinite mercy and understanding of mental health issues. The Church teaches that psychological disturbances, anguish, grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the person who dies by suicide.
"We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance." - Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2283
Our ministry approaches mental health and suicide prevention with compassion, recognizing that those who struggle deserve our prayers, support, and accompaniment on their journey toward healing.
Comprehensive support, training, and resources for mental health and suicide prevention
Learn practical skills to recognize warning signs and intervene effectively to help save lives. Our evidence-based training equips community members with knowledge and confidence to support those in crisis.
Contact for Training →Connect with others who understand the challenges of mental illness or the loss of a loved one to suicide. Find community, hope, and healing in a faith-filled environment where you're never alone.
Join a Group →Compassionate support for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. We offer specialized resources, prayer support, and accompaniment through the journey of grief and healing.
Find Support →Workshops, seminars, and resources to break the stigma around mental illness and promote understanding within the Catholic community and beyond.
View Resources →Faith-based support that honors the Catholic tradition while providing practical help for those facing mental health challenges. Prayer, sacraments, and pastoral care.
Learn More →We partner with Catholic parishes to establish mental health ministries, providing consultation, training, and ongoing support to create welcoming, informed faith communities.
Partner With Us →
Throughout history, the Church has recognized saints who intercede for those suffering from mental illness and distress.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux is invoked for depression and anxiety. Her "Little Way" teaches us that even in our smallest struggles, God's love is present.
St. Dymphna is the patron saint of those with mental illness and nervous disorders.
St. Benedict Joseph Labre suffered from mental illness himself and is a powerful intercessor for those who struggle.
View Prayer ResourcesBooks, training, and support materials for individuals, families, and faith communities
Personal stories of loss, coping with grief, and finding hope through faith and community. Written by Catholics who have experienced this profound loss.
Learn MoreThe first book written for Catholic leaders that takes a holistic approach to understanding suicide and ministering effectively in its aftermath.
Learn MoreSacred resources for worship, prayer services, and liturgical guidance for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Learn MoreProtecting the health and safety of agricultural workers and their families through education, training, and resources for rural communities.
Visit WebsiteStories of faith, recovery, and the compassionate support that makes a difference
The Church's teaching on God's mercy gave me hope when I thought all was lost. Mental illness doesn't diminish God's love for us.
Suicide prevention training equipped our parish to respond with compassion and confidence. We've become a community of hope for those who suffer.
We're here to support you on your journey toward healing and hope
Bringing the compassion of Christ to those affected by mental illness and suicide.