Compassionate Accompaniment: Kevin Pendergast on Parishes and Mental Health Ministry

Son Rise Morning Show · Oct 15, 2026 · 7m

How can local parishes answer Pope Leo’s call to establish mental health ministries that offer real hope, practical support, and compassionate accompaniment? On The Son Rise Morning Show, host Matt Swaim welcomes back licensed pastoral counselor Kevin Pendergast to explore how the Church can effectively address mental health needs within parish communities.

Pendergast outlines key elements of successful parish outreach, including educational programming, special liturgies, support groups, and building strong referral networks with trusted mental health professionals. Drawing on recent…