Mass for Mental Health and Wellness emphasizes grace, wisdom, peace
October 7, 2025 at 12:05 p.m.
Updated Oct. 7, 2025
People who deal with mental health issues and their caregivers “are not alone,” Father Arian Wharff told the congregation gathered for the Sept. 26 Healing Mass for Mental Health and Wellness in St. Anthony of Padua Church.
“Tonight, we are one as a people of faith where we will pray for each other, pray for our own wounds, for hope, for resurrection, praying to God to give us the grace, wisdom and his peace of mind and heart,” Father Wharff, parochial vicar, said. “Jesus wants us to know that we are not alone, to know that God is with us and also to let us know that there are people who want to take care of us.”
Father Wharff, principal celebrant and homilist of the bilingual Mass that drew a congregation that nearly filled the Hightstown church, said he hoped the Mass would serve as a means to remove the stigma surrounding mental health and “encourage people to start having open conversations about [mental health issues] at home and with friends.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Healing Mass for Mental Health and Wellness in Hightstown parish
“We want families to feel the closeness of the Church as they navigate these difficult circumstances,” he said.
“We aim to provide a sacred space for attendees, particularly those dealing with mental health issues and their caregivers where they can feel supported loved and experience God’s peace.”
Father Wharff referred to the prevalence of mental health issues in present-day society and noted those issues affect people of any state of life and social status – “the rich, the poor, the one who was born in this country and the immigrant.”
‘You are not alone’
“Anyone can experience this challenge,” he said, “but there is always hope and possibilities.”
“You are not alone,” Father Wharff reiterated. “God walks with us, and there is always hope for those who believe that God is with us.”
After Communion, Father Wharff administered the Sacrament of the Sick for anyone who requested it.
At a reception, Brenda Rascher, executive director of the diocesan Office of Catholic Social Services, and Sandra Pinto, who is on staff at El Centro, gave presentations on mental health services. El Centro is a Diocesan Catholic Charities program that provides an array of services to the Latino community in the greater Mercer County area.
Rascher urged participants with mental health issues not to fear seeking help and to make prayer part of the process.
“Health and wellness starts with God,” she said, then suggested they keep the Serenity Prayer in mind, especially the first part that says, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”
“We need to remind ourselves of that, because we always stress over things we cannot change,” Rascher said.
Embracing church resources
Parishioner Joni Marcinek said she took great comfort in attending the Healing Mass.
“Whether we are physically broken or spiritually broken, we all need healing, and I believe the Sacrament of Healing” is a beautiful way to receive that healing. She added that she was heartened to see the number of people in attendance.
“We’re an active parish with a lot of ministries and the people really do love each other,” she said. “We are truly a family here.”
Ivy Loja, a behavior and autism major at Felician University, Lodi, said she was happy to attend the Mass as part of her weekend visit home.
“I feel as a college student, mental health issues are really big issues on campus,” especially when considering the workload and studies, Loja said. “It’s comforting to know that the Church recognizes that people have struggles [and] has resources to help us and is open to us and help us feel welcome,” Loja added.
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Updated Oct. 7, 2025
People who deal with mental health issues and their caregivers “are not alone,” Father Arian Wharff told the congregation gathered for the Sept. 26 Healing Mass for Mental Health and Wellness in St. Anthony of Padua Church.
“Tonight, we are one as a people of faith where we will pray for each other, pray for our own wounds, for hope, for resurrection, praying to God to give us the grace, wisdom and his peace of mind and heart,” Father Wharff, parochial vicar, said. “Jesus wants us to know that we are not alone, to know that God is with us and also to let us know that there are people who want to take care of us.”
Father Wharff, principal celebrant and homilist of the bilingual Mass that drew a congregation that nearly filled the Hightstown church, said he hoped the Mass would serve as a means to remove the stigma surrounding mental health and “encourage people to start having open conversations about [mental health issues] at home and with friends.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Healing Mass for Mental Health and Wellness in Hightstown parish
“We want families to feel the closeness of the Church as they navigate these difficult circumstances,” he said.
“We aim to provide a sacred space for attendees, particularly those dealing with mental health issues and their caregivers where they can feel supported loved and experience God’s peace.”
Father Wharff referred to the prevalence of mental health issues in present-day society and noted those issues affect people of any state of life and social status – “the rich, the poor, the one who was born in this country and the immigrant.”
‘You are not alone’
“Anyone can experience this challenge,” he said, “but there is always hope and possibilities.”
“You are not alone,” Father Wharff reiterated. “God walks with us, and there is always hope for those who believe that God is with us.”
After Communion, Father Wharff administered the Sacrament of the Sick for anyone who requested it.
At a reception, Brenda Rascher, executive director of the diocesan Office of Catholic Social Services, and Sandra Pinto, who is on staff at El Centro, gave presentations on mental health services. El Centro is a Diocesan Catholic Charities program that provides an array of services to the Latino community in the greater Mercer County area.
Rascher urged participants with mental health issues not to fear seeking help and to make prayer part of the process.
“Health and wellness starts with God,” she said, then suggested they keep the Serenity Prayer in mind, especially the first part that says, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”
“We need to remind ourselves of that, because we always stress over things we cannot change,” Rascher said.
Embracing church resources
Parishioner Joni Marcinek said she took great comfort in attending the Healing Mass.
“Whether we are physically broken or spiritually broken, we all need healing, and I believe the Sacrament of Healing” is a beautiful way to receive that healing. She added that she was heartened to see the number of people in attendance.
“We’re an active parish with a lot of ministries and the people really do love each other,” she said. “We are truly a family here.”
Ivy Loja, a behavior and autism major at Felician University, Lodi, said she was happy to attend the Mass as part of her weekend visit home.
“I feel as a college student, mental health issues are really big issues on campus,” especially when considering the workload and studies, Loja said. “It’s comforting to know that the Church recognizes that people have struggles [and] has resources to help us and is open to us and help us feel welcome,” Loja added.