Bishop John P. Dolan on mental illness and accompaniment

By Charlie Camosy

(OSV News) -- Bishop John P. Dolan was ordained a priest for the Diocese of San Diego, California, July 1, 1989. He was ­installed as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix on Aug. 2, 2022 where, in December of that year he established the Mental Health Ministry in that diocese. He previously served as auxiliary bishop of San Diego, California, where he grew up. Bishop Dolan has co-authored two books, "When a Loved One Dies by Suicide" and "Responding to Suicide: A Pastoral Handbook for Catholic Leaders." On Oct. 10, 2023, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops launched the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign. At their recently concluded plenary assembly in Baltimore, Bishop Dolan responded to a discussion of that initiative, noting that on the same date, one year earlier, one of his sisters died by suicide. “That you opened up the (mental health) novena on that day (last month) was particularly personally moving to me,” he said to the gathering, acknowledging that the stigma attached to mental health issues "needs to be erased." During a recent conversation, he brought his personal and passionate interest in ministry to those suffering with mental illness and their families to the fore.

Charlie Camosy: Can you tell us a bit about how you understood your initial calling to be a priest? Are there challenges for bishops to stay connected to that foundational part of your journey?

Bishop John P. Dolan: My initial calling to be a priest was three-fold. As a senior in high school, I was asked by my associate pastor to consider the possibility of priesthood. I said I’d think about it, and that night I said to myself, “well if I get asked by two other people within the next month then I’ll consider it.” Not too long later, I got asked by the pastor of the parish -- though I think he and the associate pastor were in cahoots. And then the third person to ask was also a priest and the liturgy director for the Diocese of San Diego. I was being trained as a lector, and when asked to choose a reading, without thinking I chose a Gospel passage. When I got up to practice, I said, “Wait a minute, this is supposed to be read by a priest!” and he said, "Well maybe you should be a priest.” So that one I basically brought upon myself.

At the time I was active in my parish, I was active in a youth group, and I decided to go on a discernment retreat -- that’s when I was pretty well hooked. There was something really unique and attractive about the experience to me, and it confirmed that this was a real thing I should consider.

In that initial time of discernment, asking God to give me some kind of sign or revelation that maybe this is a path worth pursuing, was really about listening to the Holy Spirit. That’s how I stay connected -- every day I look at my calendar and beg the Holy Spirit to guide me through the whole process and grant me wisdom. This dependence on the Holy Spirit is absolutely necessary to keep my vocation alive.

Camosy: Can you get more into your very important focus on mental health ministry? From where did that come? To what are you calling the church with respect to meeting the signs of the times when it comes to these issues?

Bishop Dolan: Mental illness is prevalent in our society today, and my own family has had our fair share of struggles with this cross. I lost my brother, Tom, two of my sisters, Mary and Therese, and my brother-in-law, Joe, to suicide. There is a need in the church today to walk alongside those who are struggling with mental illness, and their loved ones, and to help them see that they have a place at the table.

The signs of the time have both revealed an increase in suicides and isolation, as well as many encouraging scientific advances -- like Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRIs) that allow us to “look under the hood” and gain an understanding of the role the brain plays in mental illness. In other words, modern technology is very quickly helping us to understand that mental illness is truly that, an illness.

As church, it’s important for us to see that faith and science complement one another, and that when it comes to mental illness, we must not first go to a spiritual explanation but treat the illness for what it is. When someone goes to a doctor with a broken arm, they don’t ask, “am I possessed?” They say, “my arm is broken.” And they get the proper treatment. We must approach mental illness in the same way.

I’m immensely grateful that the opportunity arose to establish the Mental Health Ministry in the Diocese of Phoenix in December 2022. This ministry has three focuses: Education, Advocacy and Accompaniment:

Education of our priests, clergy, religious and laity on the most current understanding of mental illness in scientific studies, psychological resources and church teachings.

Advocacy through speaking on behalf of those who are struggling with mental illness and encouraging those in government to keep mental health at the forefront of discussions.

Accompaniment through creating pastoral environments where people whose lives have been impacted by mental illness can meet, share their experiences, and know they are not alone.

The Mental Health Ministry is not a ministry where we diagnose; we don’t prescribe, and we don’t treat. We accompany. It’s about “walking WITH” -- that’s where it begins, and that’s where it ends. If you or a loved one have struggled or are struggling with mental illness, know that the church is here for you.

Camosy: What are some aspects of what it is like to be a bishop that we lay people might find surprising?

Bishop Dolan: I would say some people might have the notion that a bishop drops out of the sky and without any history, just sort of becomes the boss. But bishops are normal people who come from families -- in my case, a large family -- I have eight siblings. And we also come from broken families, my own family having had our mental health-related challenges. Just like anyone else we need advice, we depend on other people, and we need to pray and go to confession.

I can’t speak on behalf of all bishops, but it might surprise people that I personally don’t really like all of the do-dads and the entourage that can sometimes come with being bishop. I’d wear a Hawaiian shirt every day if I could! And sometimes I do.

I also really enjoy people, so as often as I can at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, I love to get out of my office, roam the halls and just chat it up. That’s a huge part of who I am, being with and enjoying the company of other people. Really, bishops are regular people who have been called to this role in the church.

Camosy: Do you get down time to have fun or simply relax? What does that look like? Do you follow sports? Have favorite music or bands you listen to? Mindless TV? Your all-time favorite movie? Give us some insight into you as a person.

Bishop Dolan: I don’t have much downtime as a bishop, but when I do it usually comes at the end of the day. Sometimes I jump in the pool or just veg. I’ll do some reading or watch a television show, just something to give my brain a rest. I look forward to those moments in such a busy schedule.

I used to go to the movies all the time, but I haven’t much since Covid. I’d have to say that my favorite movie of all time is “A Trip to Bountiful,” a 1980’s movie with Geraldine Page. It’s a wonderful story of a mother who wants to get back to her place in Bountiful. It’s a fun one, great acting!

I like to hike as well, and I do follow sports. I enjoy watching baseball and football. In San Diego, I used to follow the Padres and the Chargers pretty regularly. Since becoming bishop of Phoenix, I haven’t been able to follow closely throughout the season, but after having the World Series here in October -- literally right across the street from my office -- it inspired me to follow the teams more closely next year.