Survivors of the Minneapolis shooting receive aid in their recovery through spiritual means and mental health resources

In the aftermath of the devastating Aug. 27 mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school liturgy, the Catholic community is rallying together to offer support and raise awareness about mental health issues.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops unveiled the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign in October 2023, spearheaded by Metropolitan Archbishop Borys A. Gudziak and Bishop Robert E. Barron. The campaign aims to raise awareness of mental illness, remove stigma, and advocate for help for those in need.

Deacon Ed Shoener, a founding member and president of the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, has been a vocal advocate for mental health ministry within the church. After losing his 29-year-old daughter, Katie, to suicide in 2016, Deacon Shoener, from the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania, has been open about her death and the need for the church to be more involved. He believes that mental health should be confidently and comfortably spoken about within communities.

Deacon Shoener urges churches to start mental health ministries within their parish communities. He suggests discussing mental health challenges in places like Bible study groups and emphasizes the importance of support for those grieving the loss of a child, particularly through dedicated bereavement ministries in parishes. His association's website provides numerous resources for starting mental health ministries.

The campaign has numerous organizations as partners, including Catholic Charities USA, the Catholic Health Association, and the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers. The Gloucester Township Police Department dispatched their Crisis Response Canines team to Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis to provide emotional support. K9 Axel and his handler, retired Maj. John Hunt of the New Jersey State Police, were part of the Crisis Response Canines team that visited Minneapolis.

Bishop Joseph A. Williams, who was ordained as a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in 2002, described Annunciation's parishioners as "truly good neighbors." The Crisis Response Canines team expressed gratitude for the opportunity to offer support and stressed they would not share details of their conversations out of respect for privacy.

The deadly shooting claimed the lives of an 8- and 10-year-old, and 21 were wounded before the shooter, Robin (formerly known as Robert) Westman, took his own life. This tragedy underscores the urgency of the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign's mission. The campaign is set to roll out updated resources and messaging this October.

Deacon Shoener, who has been a tireless advocate for mental health ministry within the church, emphasizes the long journey of grieving the loss of the attack's victims. He states that it will be a rest-of-your-life journey. The campaign, with its strong emphasis on support, resources, and advocacy, is a crucial step forward in addressing mental health issues within the Catholic community.