Dear Parish Family,

This weekend, as we observe World Mental Health Sunday, I want to share with you something my spiritual director often tells me: “We are not perfect, but we are perfectly created by God.” What a beautiful truth to remember, especially when we are struggling with our mental or emotional health.

The Bible tells us: “God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

And after God looked upon everything He has created, Scripture says: “God Looked at everything he had made, and found it very good.” (Genesis 1:3) God looked at His creation and saw goodness. That includes you and me. Being created in the image of God does not mean that we are perfect or that life will always be easy. We have weaknesses. We make mistakes. We experience anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, stress, disappointment, and moments when we may not even feel good about ourselves. But none of these things erase the image of God within us. The Psalmist beautifully reminds us: “I praise you, because I am wonderfully made.”  (Psalm 139:14)

Sometimes we need to hear those words again: I am wonderfully made. This is also why caring for our mental health is important. When we care for our body, mind, emotions, and spirit, we are caring for a life that God created and called good. Seeking help when we are struggling is not a sign that our faith is weak. Sometimes God brings healing through prayer and the Sacraments; sometimes through family and friends; and sometimes through doctors, counselors, therapists, and other professionals.

And when God looked upon what He had created, He Saw that it was very good. Seeking help

from a counselor, therapist, doctor, priest, or trusted person is not a lack of faith. Sometimes

asking for help is one of the most courageous steps we can take. God often places people in our

lives to walk with us when the journey becomes difficult.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the wedding feast and gives the invitation:

“Come to the feast.” (Matthew 22:4) God continues to invite us to come to Him just as we are.

We do not have to become perfect before we approach His table. As a parish family, let us

recognize the image of God in one another. Let us be patient with one another, listen without

judging, and remember that we may not know the struggles another person is carrying.

This Mental Health Sunday, remember:

You are created in the image of God.

You are wonderfully made.

Your life has dignity and purpose.

God is not finished with you.



Fr. Yvans Jazon

Pastor

2026 South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal

By supporting the 2026 South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal, you are supporting many programs and ministries of the Diocese of Camden and Saints Peter & Paul Parish. These ministries serve the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the hungry and challenged. When you support the South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal, you offer comfort to those in your parish, your community, and throughout the entire Diocese.

This year’s theme, “Missionaries of Mercy,” supports the social and spiritual needs of our 62 parishes and 29 schools, with social services, hospital chaplaincy, youth & teen campus ministries, Catholic education, pastoral care initiatives, vocations, and faith formation programs. 

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