The NCPD Council on Mental Illness, an outreach program of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) is encouraging Catholic observance of the National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness, Recovery and Understanding on Oct. 9, as well as Mental Illness Awareness Sunday, Oct. 7.

This national effort, which marks National Mental Illness Awareness Week Oct. 7-13, is designed to promote pastoral sensitivity to, and inclusion of, individuals and their family members who are affected by mental illness. It is an opportunity for dioceses and parishes to raise awareness about the issue, to educate Catholics about mental illness and to help reduce the unfortunate stigma often associated with mental illness.

As the highlight of this year’s observance, the NCPD Council is hosting a Web seminar, or “Webinar,” on Oct. 10 from 12-1 p.m.

The hour-long online seminar entitled “Supporting Persons with Mental Illness in Your Parishes,” will provide personal, professional and pastoral insights on mental illness, and will include the opportunity for questions. The Webinar is especially designed for a target audience of priests, deacons, seminarians and diocesan and parish pastoral, school and religious education personnel.

The cost of the Webinar is $30, but the Office of Ministry with Persons with Disabilities in the Archdiocese of Atlanta will pay the registration fee for any members of this target audience.