As May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is renewing its call to address mental illness through prayer, accompaniment, and advocacy efforts that include a video message from Auxiliary Bishop Keith J. Chylinski.
In the video, Bishop Chylinski said his studies in clinical psychology strengthened his faith and deepened his understanding of the unity of body and soul. He said stigma and shame often prevent people from seeking help, but emphasized that mental, physical, and spiritual health are closely connected.
“There is no shame in asking for help,” Bishop Chylinski said.
Bishop Chylinski also said the Church and the mental health profession share a common goal of promoting wholeness, noting that advances in psychotherapy, alongside faith and prayer, can play an important role in healing.
Bishop Chylinski earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology in 2014 from what is now Divine Mercy University. He later served at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary as director of counseling for seminarians, taught pastoral counseling, and served on formation teams prior to his appointment as rector.
The bishop’s message accompanies the renewal of the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign, a year‑round USCCB initiative encouraging awareness, the elimination of stigma, accompaniment of those who struggle, and advocacy for compassionate mental health policies.
The bishops have also launched “Healing and Hope,” a new effort focused on strengthening local pastoral responses.
Bishop Chylinski acknowledged that people at times feel “shame in addressing wounds that we have, illnesses that we have, but it’s so important that God loves the whole person. He loves us body and soul,” he said.
“No matter what you’re going through, no matter what you’re suffering,” the bishop said, “in Christ there is always hope. You are never alone.”
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