The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has introduced a new initiative called “Healing and Hope” as part of its National Catholic Mental Health Campaign. The announcement comes ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10 and the Jubilee of Consolation observed by the Catholic Church on September 15.

“Healing and Hope” aims to increase local engagement with mental health issues across the United States. The name is drawn from the campaign’s introductory statement, which was written by Archbishop Borys Gudziak and Bishop Robert Barron. In their statement, they said: “As pastors, we want to emphasize this point to anyone who is suffering from mental illness or facing mental health challenges: nobody and nothing can alter or diminish your God-given dignity. You are a beloved child of God, a God of healing and hope.”

The USCCB’s ongoing efforts are intended to address what it describes as a continuing mental health crisis in communities nationwide.