September is National Suicide Prevention Month
by Diocese of Des Moines | September 1, 2025
If you or someone you know are in danger, call 911. If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis, call or text 988 immediately.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month—a sacred time to remember those we’ve lost to suicide, to stand in solidarity with those who struggle, and to support families and communities impacted by this deep pain.
The Church offers not judgment, but mercy and hope. Through Christ’s grace, we trust in God’s infinite love for every soul. The Catechism reminds us that “we should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives.” Instead, we commend them to the mercy of God and offer our presence and prayers for those left behind.
This month we hold in prayer:
- Those who live with suicidal thoughts
- Those who have died by suicide
- Those who grieve the loss of a loved one to suicide
- Those who work tirelessly in mental health ministry
Let us be a community that breaks silence, removes stigma, and extends compassion.
Participating in National Suicide Prevention Month as a Parish
There are many ways to participate in National Suicide Prevention Month as a parish community.
- Host a remembrance and healing Mass for people who have lost a loved one who died by suicide. Your parish could do this by hosting a special Mass on September 10th, which is World Suicide Prevention Day, or during a regular Sunday Mass. The Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers has several resources to help with planning a Mass for Suicide Prevention, Healing, and Remembrance.
- Include intercessory prayers addressing mental illness, suicidality, and suicide loss into the Prayers of the Faithful during Mass. These intercessions can be used throughout the month of September during daily Mass, Sunday Mass, or a Mass for Suicide Prevention, Healing, and Remembrance.
- Provide prayer cards in the back of the church to encourage parishioners to pray for those with mental illness. You can order prayer cards in English and Spanish from the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers Store.
- Include information about Suicide Prevention Month in your bulletin. Here is an example bulletin announcement that your parish could use:
- During September, the Church raises awareness about suicide and suicide prevention. We offer prayers for those who suffer with suicidal ideation, those who have died by suicide, and those who grieve the death of a loved one to suicide. Let us remember loved ones and parishioners lost to suicide, and pray for healing for those who grieve their passing. Let us commend those we have lost to God’s love, mercy, and care. To learn more about Mental Health Ministry and find resources for persons with mental illness and their caregivers, visit www.dmdiocese.org/MentalHealthMinistry.
To learn more about Mental Health Ministry in the Diocese of Des Moines, visit dmdiocese.org/MentalHealthMinistry.