"O Lord, my God, Please give me the grace to maintain my hope in you through all of life’s changes and to taste and see your goodness. I praise you for the gifts you have showered on me for so many years. Help me find joy in a renewed strength of spirit. Please bless me with good health, and inspire me to be a good example to others. For you are Lord, forever and ever. Amen."
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. During this month in a particular way for the healing of those who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, for the comfort of those who have lost a loved one by suicide, and for the souls of those who have died by suicide. Below are some resources to help families and communities understand suicide and take action to prevent it.
- Prayers of the Faithful for Suicide Prevention Month
- Made for Love podcast from the USCCB – When It’s All Too Much: Suicide and the Family
- Books Available for Purchase
- Responding to Suicide: A Pastoral Handbook for Catholic Leaders – from Ave Maria Press
- After Suicide – by Father Chris Alar, MIC
- When A Loved One Dies By Suicide – from Ave Maria Press
- Resources from Ave Maria Press
- Recorded Webinar: How Pastoral Leaders Can Respond to Suicide
- Recorded Webinar: Offering Hope and Healing After Suicide
- Resources from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles
- Information from the National Catholic Partnership on Disability
- Article from LifeTeen on discussing suicide with teens
- Article on Youth Suicidal Behavior from the USCCB
- Preventing Suicide: a Technical Package of Policy, Programs, and Practices -Resource from the CDC
- Remember: A Catholic Grief Support Program After Suicide – from Red Bird Ministries
Resources for Veterans
- Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (CFBNP)
- Veteran Crisis Line – Dial 988 and press 1, chat online, or text 838255
- VA S.A.V.E. Suicide Prevention Training webinar
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255