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A Statement from the Director of Catholic Health Care Association of Southern Africa (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. They form part of the South African Chapter of the Catholic Mental Health Ministers.
CATHCA’S Skills Development Coordinator/Mental Health Ministry Coordinator for the South African Chapter:
Dr. Melese Shula
+27 83 586 8607
[email protected]
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Support from Archbishop Buti Tighale
Deacon Ed Shoener, President of the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers meeting with Archbishop Buti Tighale (middle) and Father Solly Mphila OFM (left).
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Archdiocese of Johannesburg
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Our Lady of Mercy Catholic - Parish Church Emdeni-Johannesburg
Mental Health Ministry Coordinator: Ms Raisile Joyce Moeketsi
+27 64 732 6506
[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. 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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Diocese of Klerksdorp
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St Peter’s Parish Mental Health Ministry
Coordinator:
Mrs Sesing Yvonne
Contact numbers:
+27 71 713 1187
Email:
[email protected]
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St Michael’s Parish Mental Health Ministry
Coordinator:
Dr Joany Fransman
Contact numbers:
+27 83 507 0691
Email: [email protected]
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Our Lady of Fatima Parish Mental Health Ministry
Coordinator:
Mr Lehlohonolo Mokwena
Contact numbers:
+27 76 098 6284
Email: [email protected]
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St Monica’s Parish Mental Health Ministry
Coordinator:
Mr Kagiso Moremane
Contact Numbers:
+27 81 363 7947
Email: [email protected]
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Mental Health Ministry Commissioned at St. Michaels in Potchefstroom
On the 9th of July 2023 Fr Bohe the parish priest of St Michael’s in Potchefstroom officially commissioned the Parish Mental Health Ministry team with Blessings! After the blessings he said, “You are sent to lend the listening ears to the afflicted and mentally challenged in our communities”.
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Parish Mental Health Ministry Team of St Peter’s in Klerksdorp diocese receives Training
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.
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Diocese of Bethlehem
The Vision of the Catholic Diocese of Bethlehem for the Diocesan Mental Health Ministry development in 2024.
In 2024 the entire Diocese of Bethlehem prepares to embrace Mental Health Ministry as an integral part of its pastoral activities. How will the process of the implementation unfold? Fr Leuta Lengoabala explains this vision in an interview by Radio Veritas - LISTEN HERE
Fr Leuta is a Diocesan priest and parish priest of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus (Frankfort), St. Paul (Frankfort), and St. Martin De Porres (Villiers) parishes. Fr Leuta is also a Director of “Sekwele Centre for Social Reflection” CATHCA’s member organization which focuses on contextual challenges that affect our society such as Gender-based Violence, Mental health etc.
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Latest South Africa Chapter News
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The Vision of the Catholic Diocese of Bethlehem for the Diocesan Mental Health Ministry development in 2024. In 2024 the entire Diocese of Bethlehem prepares to embrace Mental Health Ministry as an integral part of its pastoral activities. How will the process of the implementation unfold? Listen to Fr Leuta Lengoabala as he is interviewed by Radio Veritas to explain this vision. Fr Leuta is a Diocesan priest and parish priest of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus (Frankfort), St. Paul (Frankfort), and St. Martin De Porres (Villiers) parishes. Fr Leuta is also a Director of “Sekwele Centre for Social Reflection” CATHCA’s member organization which focuses on contextual challenges that affect our society such as Gender-based Violence, Mental health etc.Read More -
Parish Mental Health Ministry team of All Saints in Enerdele (Archdiocese of Johannesburg) as they embark on an outreach work to see the needy!!! " We care for the Mental health of our brothers sisters in the community, we love what we do, , we are here to listen to their stories, mental health matters! Parish Mental Health Ministry coordinator of All Saints in Ennerdale (Archdiocese of Johannesburg).Read More -
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"I am here for you" Fun Youth at St Michaels on 14 October - sponsored by the Mental Health MinistryRead 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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