By Carlos Flores RN, Faith Community Nurse
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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. While the topic may be an unpleasant one, depression, other mental illnesses, and thoughts of suicide come to many within our Catholic family. It is crucial that we not add to the stigmatization of mental illness, or worse, ignore it. Rather, it’s imperative that we address the issue for the sake of those who feel forsaken. 

The teaching of our Catholic faith recognizes the spiritual paradox of suicide as being both, contrary to God’s love and a reason for his love through mercy and compassion. 

The teaching of the faith is unchanged. Suicide is the taking of a life entrusted to us and thus is subject to our Lords divine judgement. What the “new” catechism expresses is the additional recognition of causality and the response of the faithful. 

As stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church i; “Suicide is contrary to love for the living God.” (CCC 2281), however it also states that “Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.” (CCC 2282). In addition, we’re taught that “We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.” (CCC 2283)

Pope Francis often emphasizes our faith as the church of mercy. The response to depression and suicide calls us to be merciful and compassionate. 

Mercy is the form love takes when it encounters misery.ii We have the ability to provide mercy by recognizing those who might be in despair and learning what we can do to help intervene. We can diminish the stigmatism associated with mental illness by learning more about what it entails and knowing that a mental illness is not the “fault” of anyone. We can indeed provide hope.

Hope is always present. To those who feel hopeless, it may not seem so. Yet it does constantly remain.

In much the same way that a clear blue, sunny sky is always present. Although on occasion and perhaps for long periods of time, it may be obscured by storms and clouds. None-the-less, the sky is still present high above those dark obstacles. So it is also with hope. 

Hope is not nothing as some would proclaim. It is not wishful thinking, like a child wanting a pony for her birthday or of us older children wanting to hit the jackpot in the casino.

In the beautiful truth of our faith, “Hope is the confident expectation of divine blessing and the beatific vision of God”iii (emphasis mine). It is much more akin to faithful anticipation. It is God providing us the direction and showing us the path to his love. We only need to look and see. 

For many, mental health challenges such as depression or suicidal ideation, can obscure the reality of hope and wellness. Our country sees in 2020 data, that suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for those age 10-14 and age 25-34. It is the 3rd leading cause of death, just under homicide, for those age 15-24. It is within the top 10 causes of death for children aged 5-9.iv For survivors, consider there were an estimated 1.2 million attempts at suicide in 2020. However, a large ray of hope is that of those that survive, 90% do not go on to die from suicide.v These brothers and sisters, despite their deep despair, learned to find hope.

In Texas specifically, we know that since 2000, the suicide rate overall has increased by nearly 36%. Especially effecting those age 55-64 who had the greatest increase of 61% for any age group in the state.vi

The tragedy of Covid-19 created a heavy loss in lives, social structure, and economic stability. It’s known that natural disasters mitigate the increase of mental health challenges considerably. Covid-19 is different only in the sense that it is a prolonged disaster, thus, potentially having a prolonged recovery. 

We know that factors such as genetics and biology of the human brain can predispose us to mental illness due to an imbalance of biochemical neurotransmitters that are crucial for the correct functioning of neurons. In some pregnancies, women may experience symptoms of peripartum or postpartum depression. These symptoms should be shared and discussed with her OB/GYN. We also know that environmental factors of our childhood can lead to long term difficulties. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) vii have the potential to effect both a person’s psychological and physiological well-being for their entire life if not addressed. A person’s temperament, that is, how they are “wired” to respond to stress also plays into the factors effecting mental health. We all have our own temperament and response to stress that is unique to ourselves individually. For example, we might be quick to anger lashing out at others or we might be introverted and hold it in without expression. Our own temperament can affect our outlook on life. In addition, life experiences, particularly those involving loss of any sort can adversely affect and begin a spiral of despair. Loss of a relationship, job, security and stability, loss of life within the family or someone close to us can all become a catalyst to suicide ideation. Persons within the LGBTQ+ culture have a higher risk factor. As do many of our hero veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. A person might be desperately lonely, having experienced financial ruin, or have an unaddressed self-shame. All these factors have the potential of moving us towards despair.

Despite these tragic circumstances, hope can prevail. Through our wonderful Catholic faith, we know that our lives are intertwined in the organic relationship within the Mystical Body of Christ. The body is literally alive. The Mystical Body is all of us who are the church. Jesus himself leads us as the head of this body with each of us presenting our gifts for the benefit of it, for the benefit of all.viii When one hurts, we all do. Jesus understands our sufferings firsthand, even the sufferings of mental anguish. His night in Gethsemane, right before the betrayal, found him with a deep agony of despair.ix Yet, as we know, that is not the end of the story. He is alive after the resurrection and in each of us. He lives today and he cares deeply and loves us all. 

For those in the midst of a crisis. It can be difficult to find the way to recovery. But recovery is very much possible. It’s like being in a dark emotional cavern. With the mouth of the cave, the light of hope, off in the distance. But knowing that once we take a step towards that light, then another, and another, we know that we can eventually work our way out. This does take guidance and help from others, but it is these things put together that create an escape to recovery. 

The first step is to acknowledge our challenge by recognizing the symptoms and risk factors. Having deep emotional sadness, withdrawing from others, not finding joy in those things of life that used to bring us joy, these might be a few symptoms that we can experience. It might also be, that we are very quick to anger, particularly men, that adds to the wariness of others around us. We also are at greater risk if we have a family history of suicide, substance abuse, or other serious medical conditions. x

Once we recognize we’re having difficulties, our next step should be to see a physician. This will help to address the overall health of the person for any physiological components that might lead to the depression or despair. Some medications or physiological conditions can introduce or worsen symptoms. A physician can find solutions to these problems. It’s also possible that prescription medications can help, especially in situations where the biochemical neurotransmitters are imbalanced, but a physician must direct this care. 

Next is to find a counselor. Many employers have counselors available through Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and/or through their health benefits. Finding a counselor can also be done by contacting the Behavioral Health Department in the county of which the person lives.
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Lastly, if Catholic, see a priest. If of another Christian church or other faith expression, see one’s own minister or faith leader. This will help address the spiritual aspect of the despair. In many cases, the Catholic Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick may be received. It is important that the faith and spirituality is kept within the steps towards recovery as the whole person. That is, body, mind, and spirit. All are intertwined in our human and spiritual development. 

For those who need help in making that first step or for those who are trying to help another and simply aren’t certain where to go for help. Calling 988, the new 3-digit number to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline may be accessed (the original phone number is still functional 1-800-273-TALK (8255). While this is a national system, the process routes the caller to their own local resources. It may also be accessed by texting the word “go” to 741741. Another way it can be reached is through the internet at https://988lifeline.org/ . 

For those who see symptoms in another. Don’t be afraid to ask about them. Hearing concern from another just might be what the suffering person needs to hear. An example of what one might say is, “sometimes when people are experiencing what you’re going through, they’re thinking of suicide, are you thinking about this?” If the answer is yes, it’s crucial to try and control one’s emotional reaction. Stay calm. If a person discloses that they are thinking about killing themselves, always believe them. Do not dismiss the comment. Rather, stay and reassure the person that help is available. Then access it.

A response to acknowledgment of suicidal ideation might be "we can get you through this, let’s reach out for help.” Using the 988 resource at this time is a very good start. 

For those in ministry, particularly youth ministry, in the priesthood or other ordained ministry, it is very helpful to acquire training in mental health first aid. The religious are often the front line of those who are seeking help. These trainings may be available through one’s own county behavioral health department. Another way to find training is through the website https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ which can direct a person to available training. 

Recovery is very individual. There is no one size fits all. Many find recovery in a relatively short period of time, others a bit longer. A combination of therapies and treatment regimens may need to be tried. But, be assured, hope is plentiful. For one who’s missing it, peace and joy are most definitely possible to bring back and to relive. 

Our Lord, our God, loves us. Through the life of his Mystical Body, through us as a Catholic family, we can help ourselves and others to recover. Like moving towards the mouth of the cave, we only need to take the steps towards it, and we will find our way back to the light of peace, joy, and love.

About the author. Carlos Flores RN is a Faith Community Nurse serving in the Diocese of Tyler, Tx. Formerly from the Diocese of Fresno, Ca, He along with his bride Sally (also an FCN) work within various ministries focusing on the promotion of health through the Catholic lens. He may be contacted by email [email protected]

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i Vaticana, L. E., & U. (2019). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. Pt. 3, Sec. 2, Ch. 2, Art. 5, Para. 2280-2283, Pg. 550 

ii Aquinas, T. (n.d.). Summa Theologiae. New Advent. Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://www.newadvent.org/summa/3030.htm

iii Vaticana, L. E., & U. (2019). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. Pt. 3, Sec. 2, Ch. 1, Art. 1, Para. 2090, Pg. 507

​iv 10 Leading Causes of Death 2020, United States. (n.d.). Center for Disease Control. https://wisqars.cdc.gov/cgi-bin/broker.exe

v Facts About Suicide. (2020, May 7). Https://Www.Cdc.Gov/Suicide/Facts/Index.Html. Retrieved July 20, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html

vi Report on Suicide and Suicide Prevention in Texas. (2020, May). Texas Health and Human Services. https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/laws-regulations/reports-presentations/2020/suicide-prevention-texas-may-2020.pdf

vii Fast Facts: Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences. (2019, January 1). Center for Disease Control. Retrieved July 20, 2022, from https://www.scribbr.com/apa-citation-generator/new/webpage/

viii Barron, R. (2011). Catholicism, A Journey to the Heart of the Faith. Ch. 6 Image Books / Random House. 

ix Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:39-46

x National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). National Alliance on Mental Illness. Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Common-with-Mental-Illness/Risk-of-Suicide

By Carlos Flores RN, Faith Community Nurse

Some years ago, this writer was introduced to the concept of a “Catholic summer” written by a favorite author, Fr. Andrew Greeley (God rest his soul). Fr. Greeley used the phrase in a single sentence of his novel Summer at the Lake i. Spoken by Jane, a main character of the story… “I should have a Catholic summer, one in which we allow the summer heat to rekindle the warmth of love that once existed between us.” Jane was ruminating about an old lover and how viewing the season in this way has the potential of a rekindling, romantic reunion. 

In the same way, our Lord Jesus Christ, desires us to desire him. It is good that we find ourselves returning to rekindle our love for him in all that we do. These warm months offer us an opportunity to do just that. 

A Catholic summer is experiencing the season of light and warmth with a vision that is inspired. A vision whose beauty draws us into the goodness and truth of our faith. Yet, a vision that also enables us to see how we, his people, can experience him whenever, and wherever, we are; A sort of a sacramental ii without actually being one. 

A Catholic summer brings together elements of the world and God’s grace in which we are immersed each day of the season. As a gift of grace, we can find ourselves floating within the divine love of light, warmth, flavor, touch…and one another. 

Our faith expresses the tradition of signs and symbols occupying an important place in our lives. God whispers his presence with us through his visible creation and through human experiences of our relationship with one another.iii The elements that meld summer into pleasant memory, can be a means which brings us into an encounter with our Lord. 

Envisioning this time of year through the lens of our faith provides us the ability to savor the richness and flavor, sights and beauty, sense and touch of what we hold dear to the middle months of the year. If we see it in this way, we then invite Jesus to enter our space creating a grace of wellness within us; Wellness by way of living in faith, hope, and love, despite any moments of challenge that might befall us. Wellness in this sense is a way of accepting his life-giving nurturing which enables us to experience joy and peace despite ill health or unfavorable life events. It is a form of reflection and prayer and encounter. 

A Catholic summer is a way of seeing life that brings us closer to our Lord. 


The Sun / The Son. 
“And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.” Matthew 17:2iv

The sun is consistently dazzling. It provides us with light that is unending and life-giving. It creates beauty and color, warmth and comfort. It gives of itself freely and without end. Those who bask in it will eventually reflect a bronze glow noticeable to others. Without it, we find ourselves in darkness. But, despite any darkness, it continues to exist with its brightness and light returning to us. 

In the same way, the Son, our Lord Jesus, is a constant life-giving presence. His light is forever leading us through our paths of uncertainty. Always showing us the way to truth if we choose to follow his light. He provides us the warmth of the Father through his unconditional love; Embracing us in the most frigid of moments which offers us comfort in all circumstances. He gives of himself consistently and without hesitation. All that is asked of us is to reach for him. Those who follow him, truly follow him, are witnesses to his love, despite those moments when we turn away (sin). We are promised that we can return to the light in repentance and forgiveness. 

The Son forever warms us with the brilliance of his life-giving love.


Water / Baptism
“Jesus answered, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and spirit.” John 3:5 v

Water, literally a fluid of life, dominates our world, both internally and externally. It prevails as the most abundant substance within our body and saturates most of our earthly world. Life would not be without it. 

When we thirst, nothing quenches us to the satisfaction of pure water, nothing is nearly as sweet. Our bodies too are refreshed by bathing in it, swimming in it, being submersed in it. Our minds also are relaxed by its symphony, waves crashing on the beach, a waterfall crescendo, the babbling of a brook, or even the flutter of a cleansing rain. 

In all that it is, we often overlook its significance; unless we take a moment to notice its beauty. Whether we’re sitting on a beach, lulled by each wave and movement or we’re simply sitting in our own yard mesmerized by the droplets of a running sprinkler. Reflecting on how water brings us a life-giving joy can also invite us to contemplate the original life-giving meaning of what our baptism is. 

Our baptism, the basis of the whole Christian life and a gateway to life in the spirit,vi literally, initiates us into the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ himself. In Greek, baptizein means “plunge” or “immerse” into water symbolizing the persons burial into Christ’s death, from which one rises by the resurrection with Christ as a new creature.vii Thus we are reborn through the water. 

In Baptism we become priest, prophet, and king. Priest, as we give God highest praise in piety. Prophet, as we speak and live divine truth witnessing through our lives. King, building the Christian kingdom as a mission in how we live with the gifts we’re given. 

Just so, the sacrament of baptism, as with all sacraments, requires us to be mindful of our part in it. Just as we must bring ourselves to notice the beauty within water, we too must consider what part we play by allowing our baptism to seep into our souls. 

Water is a sacramental of baptism, essential in both our physical and spiritual lives.


Breaking Bread / The Holy Eucharist
“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight.” Lk 24:30-31 viii

Coming to the table is perhaps the most frequent social interaction we experience with others. What joy it brings to invite someone to dinner or set out on a small journey for a picnic. During the summer months, al fresco dining, particularly in the evening, can be a pleasure that allows us to interact with one another while also enjoying a meal under a summer night canopy of stars and beneath the heavens. 

Conversations of all topics are expressed over a meal and drinks giving cause to learn more about each other and to feed one another our thoughts, our feelings. We enjoy laughter and share tears during these moments when gathered over the table. How wonderful these moments have with the potential to bring joy. 

Jesus often brought us a to an encounter with himself through a meal. He still does.
On the road to Emmausix, Cleopas and his companion were deeply intrigued by Jesus’ explanations of what had just occurred that morning. His words gave them truths and insights that they hadn’t yet fully grasped. The two weren’t allowed to recognize Jesus, but their souls were stirred by his presence with the encounter. As the day drew to a close, they insisted that their new friend stay and dine with them. As they began their meal, Jesus gave thanks and broke bread with them, at which time they recognized the Lord. 

This Eucharistic moment is one in which we Catholics can all share. Recalling the truth of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Sacrament x helps us to engrain within us that Jesus is actually and literally, physically and divinely present. That we take him in, into our body and soul. This banquet also is us sitting at table with Jesus, along with the twelve apostles, as a work made present by the liturgical action of the Catholic Mass.xi
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How wonderful it is indeed to observe our together moments with others over the table and remember just how our Lord himself brings us together over his divine meal as the living bread that came down from heaven. 



Family, Friends, and all / The Mystical Body
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body.” 1 Cor 12:12-13 xii

We are social beings. Although, each of us has different desires for socializing, we all need and thrive in the touch of human interaction. Through our baptism Gods grace introduces us into the gift of life within the mystical body. We are invited into a blend of souls of both physical and spiritual forms. With one another, our church is indeed more of an organism than an organization.xiii We are a living mystical body. We each have our own purpose and mission, talents and gifts. 

One of our most basic gifts given through grace is the ability to love, however, most of us upon hearing the word “love” immediately sentimentalize it. Thinking in terms of what the Greeks referred to as “eros,” the love between spouses, or “philia,” the love of friendship, love can sometimes be misunderstood. But there is also the richer, Catholic understanding of love referred to as “agape.” St. Thomas Aquinas describes it, as the love of “willing the good of the other, as other.” Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI teaches that with agape, we can “love even the person whom I do not like or even know.”xiv We are then capable of giving Christian love to anyone. 

The warm season gatherings encourage play within which we find loving one another, simple and rewarding. Our summer backyard barbecues and parties reawaken within each of us a return and celebration of who we are as God's children. There is, after all, a child inside all of us, who like John the Baptist in the womb xv, comes alive and leaps with joy when we visit our long-lost cousins or old friends who may have been separated from us by time and distance. We are made to gather with one another and to enjoy each other’s company, simply for the sake of doing so. 

A Catholic Summer is a grace-filled opportunity to rekindle the warmth of love shared between God and us. Moments of encounter present themselves in summer experiences within the blend of sun, water, shared meals, and the gift of each other. We need only to look and see. 


About the author. Carlos Flores is a Faith Community Nurse serving in the Diocese of Tyler, TX. Formerly from the Diocese of Fresno, CA, He along with his bride Sally (also an FCN) work within various ministries focusing on the promotion of health through the Catholic lens. He may be contacted by email [email protected]


i Greeley, A. (1997). Summer at the Lake. Tom Doherty Associates Inc.
ii Vaticana, L. E., & U. (2019). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. pt. 2, sec. 2, Ch. 4, Art. 1, para. 1667-1679, pg. 415
iii Vaticana, L. E., & U. (2019). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. pt. 2, sec. 1, Ch. 2, Art 1, para. 1146-1148, pg. 297
iv Fire, W. O. (2020). Word on Fire Bible: The Gospels Leather Bound. Word on Fire.
v Barron, B. R. (2020). The Word on Fire Bible (Volume II): Acts, Letters and Revelation (Leather) (Vol. 2). Word on Fire Catholic Ministries.
vi Vaticana, L. E., & U. (2019). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. pt. 2, Sec. 2, Ch. 1, para. 1213, pg. 312
vii Vaticana, L. E., & U. (2019). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. pt. 2, sec. 2, Ch. 1, Art. 1, para. 1214, pg. 312
viii Fire, W. O. (2020). Word on Fire Bible: The Gospels Leather Bound. Word on Fire.
ix Luke 24:13-35
x Vaticana, L. E., & U. (2019). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. pt. 2, sec. 2, Ch. 1, Art. 3, para. 1413, pg. 356
xi Vaticana, L. E., & U. (2019). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. pt. 2, sec. 2, Ch. 1, Art. 3, para. 1409, pg. 356 
xii Fire, W. O. (2020). Word on Fire Bible: The Gospels Leather Bound. Word on Fire.
xiii Barron, R. (2014). Catholicism. Adfo Books.
xiv Xvi, B. P. (2006). God Is Love (Deus Caritas Est) (Benedict XVI) (1st: 2/10/06, United Book Press)
xv Luke 1:41