Crisis Support: If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

About Breath of Life Ministries

Bringing hope, healing, and the love of Christ to those affected by mental illness and suicide

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Our Mission

Breath of Life Ministries exists to provide vital spiritual accompaniment and support for people experiencing mental health challenges and mental illness, as well as those who care for them.

Rooted in Catholic teaching and driven by compassion, we strive to prevent suicide through education, training, resources, and community building.

We believe that every person is created in the image and likeness of God, possessing infinite dignity and worth. Our mission is to walk alongside those who suffer, offering hope, understanding, and the healing presence of Christ.

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Our Vision

We envision a Church and world where:

  • Mental illness is understood with compassion and without stigma
  • Those struggling with suicidal thoughts find immediate help and long-term support
  • Every Catholic parish has trained mental health ministers
  • Families affected by suicide receive comfort, understanding, and spiritual care
  • Faith communities actively promote mental wellness and suicide prevention
  • Hope and healing are accessible to all who seek them
Praying hands

Our Story

Born from a deep recognition of the urgent need for Catholic mental health ministry and suicide prevention.

Too many individuals and families have suffered in silence, bearing the weight of mental illness without adequate spiritual support or understanding from their faith communities.

Inspired by the compassionate work of the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers and guided by the Church's teachings on the dignity of every human person, we established this ministry to be a beacon of hope for those in darkness.

Our name, "Breath of Life," reflects our belief that God breathes new life into us, even in our darkest moments, offering renewal, healing, and hope.

Our Core Values

The principles that guide our ministry and inspire our work

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Faith-Centered

We ground our ministry in Catholic teaching while respecting the diverse spiritual journeys of those we serve. Faith is a source of strength and hope in healing.

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Compassion

We approach every person with Christ-like compassion, understanding that mental illness and suicidal thoughts are not signs of weak faith but real struggles requiring support.

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Community

No one should face mental health challenges alone. We foster supportive communities where people can find acceptance, understanding, and mutual support.

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Hope

Even in the darkest times, hope is possible. We believe in the power of God's love to bring light into darkness and healing to broken hearts.

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Education

Knowledge saves lives. We provide evidence-based education on mental health, suicide prevention, and effective intervention strategies.

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Dignity

Every person possesses inherent dignity as a child of God. We honor this dignity by treating all with respect, confidentiality, and unwavering support.

Our Journey

Milestones in our mission to bring hope and healing

Founding Vision

Recognizing the critical need for Catholic mental health ministry, we established Breath of Life Ministries with a commitment to provide spiritual accompaniment for those affected by mental illness and suicide.

First QPR Training

Launched our first Question, Persuade, Refer training program, equipping community members with life-saving skills to recognize warning signs and intervene effectively.

Support Groups Begin

Started support groups for those living with mental illness and families who have lost loved ones to suicide, creating safe spaces for healing and hope.

Parish Partnerships

Began collaborating with Catholic parishes to establish mental health ministries, providing consultation, training, and ongoing support to create welcoming faith communities.

Growing Impact

Continuing to expand our reach through education, resources, and advocacy, bringing the message of hope and God's mercy to all who struggle with mental health challenges.

What We Do

Comprehensive programs and services for mental health and suicide prevention

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Training & Education

We provide QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training and mental health first aid to equip community members with life-saving skills.

Our specialized programs train parish leaders, ministers, and volunteers to recognize warning signs and respond effectively.

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Resources & Materials

We curate and develop comprehensive resources including books, prayer guides, liturgical materials, and educational content.

Supporting individuals, families, and faith communities on their journey toward healing.

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Support Groups

Our support groups provide safe spaces for those living with mental illness and for families who have lost loved ones to suicide.

Here, participants find understanding, solidarity, and hope.

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Parish Partnerships

We partner with Catholic parishes to establish mental health ministries, providing consultation, training, and ongoing support.

Creating welcoming, informed faith communities.

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Advocacy & Awareness

We work to reduce stigma around mental illness, promote understanding of suicide as a public health issue.

Advocating for increased access to mental health care and support services.

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Spiritual Support

Through prayer, sacramental preparation, and pastoral care, we offer spiritual accompaniment to those navigating mental health challenges.

Grief support for those affected by suicide loss.

Grounded in Catholic Teaching

Our ministry is rooted in the timeless wisdom and compassion of the Church

On Human Dignity

"God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them." - Genesis 1:27

Every person, regardless of their mental health status, possesses inherent dignity as a beloved child of God.

On Suicide

"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." - Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2283

While recognizing the gravity of suicide, the Church emphasizes God's mercy and the many factors that can diminish moral responsibility.

On Compassion

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." - Matthew 5:4

We are called to comfort those who suffer, bearing one another's burdens with love and understanding.

On Hope

"For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope." - Jeremiah 29:11

Even in suffering, God offers hope and a future. Mental illness does not diminish God's love or plans for us.

Get Involved

Join us in our mission to bring hope and healing to those affected by mental illness and suicide

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Volunteer

Share your time and talents by volunteering with support groups, training programs, or outreach initiatives.

Learn More
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Bring Training to Your Parish

Host QPR training or mental health awareness programs at your parish or organization.

Schedule Training
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Support Our Mission

Your financial support helps us provide free resources, training, and support to those in need.

Donate
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Share Resources

Help us spread awareness by sharing our resources with your faith community and social networks.

View Resources

Our Partners

We are grateful to collaborate with organizations dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention

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Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers

Supporting mental health ministry throughout the Catholic Church in the United States.

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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Providing 24/7 crisis support through the 988 helpline.

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NAMI

National Alliance on Mental Illness - The nation's largest grassroots mental health organization.

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Leading suicide prevention organization dedicated to saving lives.

A Note on Suicide

We recognize that suicide is a complex issue involving biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors. The Catholic Church teaches that while suicide is a grave matter, God's mercy is infinite, and we must never lose hope for those who have died by suicide.

This balanced, compassionate approach guides all our ministry efforts, honoring both the sanctity of life and the boundless love of God for all His children.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Contact us to learn how you can support our mission or bring mental health ministry to your community.

Contact Us Today
🆘 Crisis? Call 988