Health · Mental Health · 1 day ago
Chicago Catholic archdiocese dedicates memorial to people lost to suicide
The Catholic archdiocese of Chicago has dedicated a memorial at Queen of Heaven Catholic cemetery in Hillside, Illinois, to people who died by suicide and their families.
It honors the Rev Charles Rubey, who founded a counseling and support program for bereaved families in 1979.
The archdiocese says the memorial is the first of its kind by a US archdiocese.
Catholic rules once barred people who died by suicide from funeral rites and burial on consecrated grounds, but the rules changed in 1983.
Catholic teaching still regards suicide as a sin, while recognizing that mental health problems can contribute to it and that salvation is possible.
The memorial reflects a more compassionate approach, including support for families without shame or judgment.
Religious leaders and health professionals are due to meet at the Vatican this month to discuss how parishes can respond to mental health needs and reduce stigma.
The Chicago Archdiocese has dedicated a memorial to people who died by suicide and their surviving families.
The memorial, called At Peace, is at Queen of Heaven Catholic cemetery in Hillside, Illinois.
It honors the Rev Charles Rubey, who founded a Catholic Charities counseling and support program for families affected by suicide in 1979.
The archdiocese says it is the first memorial of its kind by a US archdiocese.
The dedication reflects a more compassionate approach by the Catholic church toward people affected by suicide.
- Who
- The Chicago Archdiocese dedicated the memorial in honor of the Rev Charles Rubey and people who died by suicide and their surviving families.
- What
- It dedicated At Peace, a memorial to lives lost to suicide and their families.
- When
- The dedication took place in 2026; the exact date is not stated.
- Where
- Queen of Heaven Catholic cemetery in Hillside, Illinois.
- Why
- To honor Rubey’s work supporting families affected by suicide and recognize those who died and their surviving families.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
They’ve made a complete turnaround embracing families who have lost a loved one to suicide
a safe space where everyone has a place – a community that accompanies and never excludes, that listens without judging and draws near without fear
This is not something we are ashamed of.
To be able to extend pastoral care to the family members is extremely important, and to not make them feel any sense of shame or isolation, or judgment on them from the church
Charles Rubey founded Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide, a counseling and support program run by Catholic Charities of the Chicago Archdiocese.
A 1917 church law that denied Catholic burial on consecrated grounds to people who died by suicide was revised.
Ed Shoener met with Pope Leo and thanked him for his interest in mental health.
The Chicago Archdiocese dedicated the At Peace memorial at Queen of Heaven Catholic cemetery.
- Memorial
- At Peace
- Location
- Queen of Heaven Catholic cemetery, Hillside, Illinois
- Honoree
- Rev Charles Rubey
- Support program founded
- Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide, 1979
- Claimed distinction
- First memorial of its kind by any US archdiocese
Sources
Related news
Couples urged to consider consensual masturbation as a shared sexual option
Fathers’ Regret Can Reflect What They Lost in Themselves
Psychotherapist links anxiety, anger and creativity
Mother’s work commitment clashes with urgent care for her daughter
A Weekly, Structured Conversation May Help Couples Raise Concerns
Changes in communication and affection may signal marital withdrawal
Review says rising youth distress is real and services are falling short
Study links cannabis-related anxiety in mice to central amygdala neurons
Testing Hidden Assumptions Can Help Build Self-Validation
Young carers in Western Australia say care duties limit their childhood and studies
Behavioral parent training can help neurodivergent children, evidence suggests
