From left, Kristie Knights of iR;se Leadership Institute and Marta Barger, mother of Tyler Barger, examine the quilt with patches in honor of lost loved ones with Ron Flick of CORE (Center for Organ Recovery and Education) on Saturday at Karns City Athletic Field. The Barger family organizes the Warr;or Walk for Hope to support families with loved ones who died by suicide and educate the public on suicide prevention.

The St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare of Assisi parishes, which include six Catholic churches in northern and eastern townships in the county, have taken on the mantle of mental health awareness and assistance through a number of activities and events.

Marta Barger, of Chicora, is a parish member and member of the mental health ministries program in the two parishes.

After her son, Tyler Barger, committed suicide in 2018 at age 27, Barger picked up the cause of suicide awareness because her son had shown no disturbing or concerning signs before he took his life.

One way Barger honors her son’s memory while promoting suicide awareness is through the Warrior Walk of Hope. The purpose of the event is to promote suicide awareness, prevention and education.

The sixth annual walk will be held at 2 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Karns City Junior/Senior High School athletic field.

She said those who walk pay $25 and all proceeds benefit iR;se To Save Lives suicide prevention program.

The event attracts 200 to 250 people each year. All are invited to participate.

The parishes’ mental health ministries program also will offer a Suicide Healing and Remembrance Mass at 2 p.m. Sept. 15 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 668 Clearfield Road, Fenelton.

A parish priest will lead the service, where family and friends of those who have committed suicide can honor their lives, and prayers will be offered for those struggling with mental illness.

“We just started the Mental Health Ministries at church because we felt like almost everyone’s life has been touched by suicide in some way,” she said.

Photos of those who have died by suicide can be placed on a butterfly and hung on a special tree at the church during the special service, Barger said.

Church members will then pray for the souls pictured on the tree and their loved ones throughout September.

Yet another event planned by the those at the parishes’ mental health ministries program is a screening of “My Ascension,” followed by a panel discussion on the film.

“My Ascension” will be shown at 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at St. Wendelin Hall, 210 St. Wendelin Road, Butler.

The film follows the story of Emma Benoit, who attempted suicide at age 16.

“Through navigating the challenges of recovery, she discovers purpose and passion in helping other struggling teens,” according to a description of the film. “’My Ascension’ is the story of the day that changed Emma’s life, and everything that’s happened since.”

Barger said the ministries team partnered with Butler VA Healthcare, which funded the cost for the rights to the movie.

All veterans in the health care system are being invited to attend, Barger said.

She hopes those who struggle with depression, suicidal ideation, or who love someone who has committed suicide will take advantage of the programs offered by the parishes.

“We wanted to connect with the community by addressing this public health problem, which has impacted so many,” Barger said.