FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Linda Hopkins, Parish Mental Health Ministry Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Catholic Charities of Kansas City- St. Joseph Hosts Deacon Ed Shoener to Spotlight Parish Mental Health Ministries
"Let us pray that Mental Health Ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons living with Mental Illness." - Pope Leo XIV
KANSAS CITY, MO. May 1, 2026 (PRESS RELEASE) - Catholic Charities of Kansas City- St. Joseph (CCKCSJ) is pleased to announce the upcoming visit of Deacon Ed Shoener, who will be dedicating a week to promoting and advocating for parish mental health ministries within the community. This initiative aims to raise awareness, provide support, and foster understanding of mental health challenges among parishioners and caregivers.
Deacon Ed Shoener, renowned for his commitment to mental health advocacy within the Catholic Church, will be visiting Kansas City beginning May 4th, engaging in a series of events and discussions centered around mental health awareness and support. Throughout the week, Deacon Ed will collaborate with local parishes, mental health professionals, and community leaders to address the importance of mental health ministries within religious communities.
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Catholic Charities of Kansas City- St. Joseph - Founded in 1879, Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph advocates for and serves the vulnerable and those in need. Today, Catholic Charities delivers support through 27 counties in western Missouri with a focus “To Serve & To Lift” by providing emergency assistance, a food market and robust programming in the areas of employment services, financial services, children and family supports (including adoption services), rapid and permanent supportive housing and more. www.catholiccharities-kcsj.org
