Mental Health & Well-Being: Responding To Poverties In Our World

Posted On Wednesday May 07, 2025

Together for Mental Health: Everyone, Everyday
Developing positive mental health is important to academic achievement and overall well-being.

Our Catholic faith calls us to be friends of people who are experiencing poverty or who are marginalized. Every day in our schools and communities we encounter people who are impoverished either because of a lack of sufficient housing, food, clothing or because they are suffering from indifference or exclusion. Our Catholic social teachings give us a rich tradition for thinking about how we should engage with the world. When our Church speaks about the Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, she is speaking about the need for individuals, families, schools, governments, and organizations to prioritize the needs of those who are experiencing poverty or marginalization.

Let us pray:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

God, the Source of our Hope,

We ask you to help us to imitate your Son, Jesus, who has concern for the poor and needy. Help us to be a sign of hope for those experiencing poverty and marginalization in our schools, local communities, and around the world as they struggle for justice.

Give us the courage and strength to bring about change and to call on our political leaders to recognize the plight of poorer nations and their peoples by reducing or eliminating their debt.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Did you know that research shows that people living in poverty are significantly more likely to experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress? By understanding and addressing the link between poverty and mental health, we can work towards making sure that everyone has access to the resources they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Just a reminder that we are asking teachers to explore the activities and lessons (that were provided in the Numbered Memo) with their classes in order to examine different aspects of mental health and well-being.

Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Information

This week is Catholic Education and Mental Health Week and we are coming together to celebrate our faith and all members of the community.

The theme for Mental Health Week is Unmasking Mental Health as living with mental health challenges often forces people to hide behind a “mask” to protect themselves from stigma and judgement. One of the ways that we can work to end the stigma is to gain knowledge and start conversations around our mental health. In order to support parents, guardians and caregivers in this work we have created a resource list which links to tip sheets on various mental health related topics that offer some information on supporting your child(ren). Please see the attached resource.