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A Statement from the Director of CATHCA
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In 2019, nearly a billion people – including 14% of the world’s adolescents - were living with a mental disorder. Suicide accounted for more than 1 in 100 deaths and 58% of suicides occurred before age 50. Mental disorders are the leading cause of disability, causing one in six years lived with disability. People with severe mental health conditions die on average 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population, mostly due to preventable physical diseases. Childhood sexual abuse and bullying victimization are major causes of depression. Social and economic inequalities, public health emergencies, war, and the climate crisis are among the global, structural threats to mental health. Common mental health problems are estimated to have increased by 3 to 7 times since the advent of the Coronavirus Pandemic. In SA it is estimated that only 10% of people with mental health conditions, who are uninsured, receive any form of care.
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Parish Mental Health Ministries in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg
All Saints and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Parishes in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg - South Africa are glad to announce that, through the support of the Catholic Health Care Association of Southern Africa (CATHCA), they have opened their doors for Parish Mental Health Ministry in January 2022. They form part of the South African Chapter of the Catholic Mental Health Ministers.
CATHCA’S Skills Development Coordinator: Melese Tumato Shula
+27 83 586 8607
[email protected]
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Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Parish Church
Emdeni-JohannesburgMental Health Ministry Coordinator: Ms Mantshiko Topsy Masooa
+27 73 519 3469
[email protected]
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All Saints Catholic Parish Church
Ennerdale-JohannesburgMental Health Ministry Coordinator: Ms Lauren Millisa Bikhani
+27 72 074 0174
[email protected]
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Parish Mental Health Ministy in the Diocese of Klerksdorp
The Catholic Diocese of Klerksdorp becomes the second Diocese in the Episcopal Conference of South Africa to welcome Parish Mental Health Ministry. In 2022 the Ministry was introduced in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg. On the 29th of January at the presence of CATHCA’S Skills Development Coordinator (Melese Shula) and Fr Cornelius (Parish Priest) St Peter’s Parish of Juberton officially and joyfully welcomed the Ministry. St Peter’s Parish is one of the four parishes in the Diocese that will be supported by CATHCA in 2023 in the process of the implementation of the Ministry.
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Latest South Africa Chapter News
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On 4 March 2023, the Parish Mental Health Ministry team of St Peter’s in Klerksdorp diocese received the first training focused on the implementation of the Ministry. Melese Shula (CATHCA’s Skills Development Officer who is also the coordinator for Parish Mental Health Ministry Chapter) had previously met with the Parish Pastoral Council of the Parish where he had explained to them what the Ministry would entail and the role of the leaders in its implementation. The parish Mental Health Ministry has already started raising awareness of the importance of Mental Health in the parish and some outreach work in nearby communities. The next step will be meeting with other stakeholders involved in mental health for a broader understanding of the challenges of mental health and initiating collaborative mechanisms.Read More -
The Catholic Diocese of Klerksdorp becomes the second Diocese in the Episcopal Conference of South Africa to welcome Parish Mental Health Ministry.Read More -
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In the month of November, Our Parish Mental Health Ministry team of Our Lady of Mercy had a discussion with the men of the parish on the topic of “ Men’s Mental health care”Read More
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The Need for Mental Health Care in our Parish
There is a definite need for Mental health care in our parish with every day stresses, depression, unemployment, substance abuse & suicidal tendencies. Our mission is to assist you with these mental health issues by listening to you to understand your concern & then assisting you with working through this or referring you to the relevant areas for additional help.
We had a workshop to learn about all the different types of mental health concerns & we would like our parishioners to know that our mental health ministry group offers a kind ear & safe space to listen to you & help with whatever you are going through. All that is shared or said to us is confidential & you will not be judged. Our purpose is to find you the help you need or if required - just to be a shoulder to cry on.
Examples of Mental Health Concerns include: depression, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder & more prevalent in kids – ADHD & Conduct Disorder.
We understand that society has placed a stigma on mental health care & people are afraid to come forward but please trust that we have your best interest at heart. We are 1 of only 2 parishes where this is being piloted so the success of this program in our parish guarantees the implementation of this ministry in all other parishes in the Diocese. Changing our attitudes to mental health care issues WILL save lives.
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Mental Health Ministry Workshop
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Integrating the Faith-Based Approach to Mental Health Care by Fr. Jean-Marie Kuzituka Did'ho
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CATCHA Mental Health Workshop Highlights Reel from 7th of May 2022.
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