Perhaps this scene is familiar to you: It’s Christmas Eve and, looking out into a packed assembly, you recognize many faces but several that are unknown to you. Perhaps they are family members of active parishioners in town for the holidays. However, more often than not, they are either Catholics on the parish registration list who have not been to Mass in some time or new visitors making their first appearance in church at this festive time of year.

Similar scenes might also play out on Ash Wednesday, Easter Sunday or during funerals in the parish community. The common thread in all of them is the stream of newcomers or unfamiliar faces that are encountered on such sacred occasions.

There are many reasons for the reconnection, but for an increasing number of men and women, it boils down to seeking peaceful solace, refuge or familiar comfort. The sacredness of the seasons and the tangible expressions of religiosity can offer them a glimmer of light for their mental, physical or spiritual wellness. It is a moment of rediscovering hope amid hopelessness.

Today, we find ourselves facing a global mental health crisis. This has been exacerbated by the experience and impact of a worldwide pandemic that affected almost every aspect of society. Anxiety and depression are rising, especially among young people. The social distancing that was necessary for health protection further magnified an epidemic of loneliness, which has even become a central focus for the U.S. surgeon general and the U.S. bishops, in their National Catholic Mental Health Campaign.

This isolation has also given way to greater tribalization, polarization and individualism. wherein social connections and communities start eroding. These are further compounded by incidents of domestic and public violence, racism, prejudice and economic distress. Alongside these realities, the rates of suicide are climbing and many feel life itself is now a disposable commodity. As a result, an increasing number of people are feeling hopeless.

Issues like these are often amplified during the holidays and the cold, dark winter months when mental health is most fragile. Grief, loss and heartbreak may also resurface at Thanksgiving and Christmas, times of year when we have such vivid reminders of family and friends.

Quest for Safe Harbor

More than guilt or obligation, the quest for safe harbor in these storms can be a primary factor as people reconnect for moments of return. They seek hope at such times, whether or not they can articulate it as such. For example, the warm nostalgic traditions of one’s past, especially those wrapped in religious expression, can be a welcome oasis during the holiday season with its rampant expectations, busy commercialism and relational complexities. The same could be said about the drive to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday or attending the funeral of a loved one.

That said, these moments don’t last long. Newcomers and visitors can leave almost as quickly as they arrive. This is even more pronounced when the person making the return does not receive any welcome or support, or if they are never noticed or engaged in a meaningful way.

Yet, for an hour or so at various times throughout the year, priests (and the pastoral ministers working alongside them) have a golden opportunity to offer hope for the hopeless.

We offer them hope because Catholics are firmly rooted in a faith tradition founded upon the ultimate expression of hope, Jesus Christ, who offers us his perfect love and the promise of forgiveness, salvation and eternal life. To share this hope is the summons of the Christian mission. As St. Peter noted, “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for our hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence” (1 Pt 3:15-16).

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Hope Stories Podcasts

The OSV-sponsored podcast “Hope Stories with Sister Josephine Garrett, CSFN” explores extraordinary stories of hope hidden within the ordinary lives we lead. Sister Josephine loves the transformational power and gift of stories and their ability to reveal deep truths about the purpose and meaning of our lives. This 2025 season, Sister Josephine explores the intersection of mental health and faith with a variety of hopeful stories shared through intimate, honest and grace-filled conversations. Visit hopestories.osvpodcasts.com.

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Increasing our work with newcomers on Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Easter or at funerals could be seen as yet another burden or task for busy priests during intense moments throughout the year. It could easily feel more like an imposition than an opportunity. How often have we thought, “I just want to make it through to the other side of this”?

One might wonder if the busy nature of these occasions has caused us to neglect the stranger in our midst or to overlook the burdens that are manifested in their words, manners or expressions. In other words, did we miss an opportunity to offer hope to the hopeless?

St. Peter tells us to “always be ready” (1 Pt 3:15), which points to a mindfulness that calls us to look at those who take a moment of return and share with them a glimmer of hope for their lives. Before putting on vestments for the liturgy at hand, consider praying, “Lord, make me ready.” Pray that you might be ready to meet Christ present in the hearts of those who return and to share with them the hope of Christ that can transform their lives.

With open eyes, let us see visitors as invited guests at God’s great banquet, whom the Lord has called from “the streets and the alleys … the highways and hedgerows” (Lk 14:21-23). We do not know the exact reason why someone makes their moment of return, and in truth that is not our concern. Rather, it is our work to see and treat them as our most honored guests, regardless of their past or their religious engagement until that point.

On a practical level, how can this happen? What can priests do?

The first thing is to remember that we do not do this work alone. As the faith leader (or one of the faith leaders) of a Catholic community, a priest ministers alongside many others who can join him in this work: laity and lay ecclesial ministers, consecrated religious and deacons. But the priest can set the tone or the direction for a parish concerning visitors and guests.

Welcoming Environment

Priests can equip parish leaders with tools for responding to mental health issues. They can also guide parishioners toward establishing a welcoming environment for those who come to church for the aforementioned return moments, as well as weddings and baptisms.

Homilies (or other impromptu remarks during the liturgy) are further opportunities for providing hope, or at the very least for avoiding words or phrases that could amplify someone’s despair. Speaking with a tone of hope and expectation can raise the spirits of those in the pews. And with gentleness, a priest can touch on mental health issues so those who are struggling can feel seen.

It is equally important not to point out previous absences of newcomers, or to use them as throwaway laugh lines, as such flippant remarks may be hurtful to one making a potential re-entry. As St. Peter noted, when sharing the Gospel, “do it with gentleness and reverence” (1 Pt 3:16).

More often than we realize, an infrequent churchgoer has the impression that the Church is for perfect people. Coupled with this, they recognize their own imperfections and may feel that they don’t belong in religious institutions. Such introspection can deepen whatever despair they carry. Consider, then, how a priest’s welcoming message of love and mercy could be a turning point for those individuals. It can be comforting for the visitor when a priest reminds them that no one is alone and that the Christian community is available to support and care for all who seek refuge.

In this, you may wish to share your own story, including experiences of despair you may have endured, as well as any therapy, counseling, spiritual direction or support you received, revealing how Christ and the People of God were there for you along the journey.

Opportunities for Renewal

Priests and pastoral ministers can also extend an invitation to further opportunities for renewal. Parishes can support those in need of mental, physical and spiritual wellness in the seasons or times after their moments of return. This can range from individualized accompaniment (by following up with people by phone, text, email or in-person visits) to community activities in the New Year, during Lent or beyond Easter.

And at funerals, when there is a fragility present in the family and friends of the one who has passed, there are even more ways a priest can respond with hope. In these instances, you are not just a sacramental minister, but also a source of needed comfort and direction. Being present for and connecting with all the mourners who have come to church to honor the memory of their loved one is equally as important as accompanying the immediate family of the deceased. They, too, are longing for words of hope from a priest.

Just as at the holidays, follow-up is essential in the weeks and months after the funeral and burial. Having a priest or pastoral minister check in after some time, especially around anniversaries or holidays, could offer a glimmer of hope that people might surely need when times are rough.

In similar ways, while in a more celebratory manner, many of those who attend weddings, baptisms and cultural celebrations are also coming to the church for the first time in a long while. Priests can play an invaluable role in making them feel welcome and seen. They can be instruments of hope by offering couples and families a clear and easy path toward experiences of return, as well as for their guests and friends.

There are undoubtedly many more occasions where priests can offer hope to the hopeless throughout their ministry. What is shared here are just a few ways that it can be shared in key moments of return. While regularly responding to those who feel hopeless or disconnected may not make our own work lighter, it can certainly offer renewed light to those in the darkness of despair.

PAUL E. JARZEMBOWKI is the associate director for the laity at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth.

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U.S. Bishops Tackle Mental Health Crisis

The U.S. bishops, in their statement on the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign, on Nov. 15, 2023, noted: “The mental health crisis is a profound challenge to the Church and to our society. We must respond with generosity, hope and compassion to everyone who needs help.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in five adults live with mental illness and that “half of Americans are expected to have some form of mental illness during their lifetime,” the bishops said.

The bishops added: “We, as Catholics, can and must respond to this challenge with the hope and compassion of Our Lord. Individuals with mental illness and those facing mental health challenges are created in the image and likeness of God. They retain their God-given dignity. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, our message is clear. You are the treasure of the Church. Jesus teaches ‘for where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.’ To quote Fratelli Tutti, ‘In the face of so much pain and suffering, our only course is to imitate the Good Samaritan.’ Through this campaign, we seek to respond to that call, and to follow in the compassionate footsteps of Jesus. Our service to our suffering brothers and sisters must be both pastoral and social.”

Visit the bishops’ National Catholic Mental Health Campaign at usccb.org/mentalhealth.

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