EPISODE · Jan 20, 2026 · 57 MIN
What the Catholic Church REALLY Says About Suicide | Fr. Chris Alar
from Chris Stefanick Catholic Show · host Chris Stefanick | Real Life Catholic
Suicide rates are rising—and almost all of us have been touched by it. If you’ve ever wondered “What happens to someone who dies by suicide?” or felt crushed by fear, guilt, or unanswered questions, this episode will bring you real hope. I sit down with Fr. Chris Alar, author of After Suicide, to unpack what the Catholic Church actually teaches: why suicide is grave matter, why that does not automatically mean someone is damned, and how God can work mercy in ways we can’t see. Our conversation also touches briefly on the lie behind assisted suicide and Fr. Chris tells a beautiful story that explains the power of offering up your suffering as a prayer for the living and those who have died. We also talk about practical warning signs and what to do when someone is struggling with suicidal ideation. If you’ve lost someone, love someone who’s struggling, or you’re carrying silent pain yourself—this conversation is for you. God's mercy is real—and it's powerful beyond our human comprehension. Get Fr. Chris' book "After Suicide": https://www.amazon.com/After-Suicide-Theres-Hope-Them/dp/1596144343 Highlights: 0:00 Intro 5:00 The myth: “Suicide = automatic hell” 9:45 Catechism 2282: mitigating factors & God’s mercy 22:45 Catechism 2283: don’t despair—God can act in ways we can’t see 29:10 Your prayers can still matter (even when it feels “too late”) 37:03 Why some people prefer legalism over mercy 42:12 Suicide today is not an epidemic but a pandemic 44:35 The #1 risk factor for those considering suicide 46:13 Warning signs + what to say when you’re worried about someone 50:11 “I’m a burden” — the lie behind assisted suicide/euthanasia 56:18 Closing prayer + blessing If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or considering self-harm: please call 988 (U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or your local emergency number right now. If you’re outside the U.S., look up your country’s crisis line and reach out immediately. ........ Sign up for The Daily Anchor to get Chris Stefanick's bite-sized reflections every morning: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ........ Support the creation of this content by becoming a Missionary of Joy with a monthly gift to Real Life Catholic and get free access to the new Living Peace study series: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ........ Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage: https://www.reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages Chapters (00:00:11) - How to Help Someone Who's Suicidal(00:00:56) - Missionaries of Joy(00:04:49) - Read Your Own Book(00:05:03) - After Suicide: The Catholic Church teaching(00:06:53) - Is Abortion a Mortal Sin?(00:11:08) - Mission at Joy(00:16:22) - The Vocation of a Priest(00:21:53) - The Life of Padre Pio(00:26:45) - The Crucified Prayer Card(00:31:01) - In the Elevator With Father Spitzer(00:35:40) - "I struggle with impatience"(00:36:40) - The message of divine mercy in the Catholic Church(00:42:07) - Why Suicide Is an Epidemic(00:46:11) - How to Talk to Someone About Suicidal Thoughts(00:50:09) - Abused Suicide and Euthanasia(00:55:12) - A Suicide by Dignity
What this episode covers
Suicide rates are rising—and almost all of us have been touched by it. If you’ve ever wondered “What happens to someone who dies by suicide?” or felt crushed by fear, guilt, or unanswered questions, this episode will bring you real hope. I sit down with Fr. Chris Alar, author of After Suicide, to unpack what the Catholic Church actually teaches: why suicide is grave matter, why that does not automatically mean someone is damned, and how God can work mercy in ways we can’t see. Our conversation also touches briefly on the lie behind assisted suicide and Fr. Chris tells a beautiful story that explains the power of offering up your suffering as a prayer for the living and those who have died. We also talk about practical warning signs and what to do when someone is struggling with suicidal ideation. If you’ve lost someone, love someone who’s struggling, or you’re carrying silent pain yourself—this conversation is for you. God's mercy is real—and it's powerful beyond our human comprehension. Get Fr. Chris' book "After Suicide": https://www.amazon.com/After-Suicide-Theres-Hope-Them/dp/1596144343 Highlights: 0:00 Intro 5:00 The myth: “Suicide = automatic hell” 9:45 Catechism 2282: mitigating factors & God’s mercy 22:45 Catechism 2283: don’t despair—God can act in ways we can’t see 29:10 Your prayers can still matter (even when it feels “too late”) 37:03 Why some people prefer legalism over mercy 42:12 Suicide today is not an epidemic but a pandemic 44:35 The #1 risk factor for those considering suicide 46:13 Warning signs + what to say when you’re worried about someone 50:11 “I’m a burden” — the lie behind assisted suicide/euthanasia 56:18 Closing prayer + blessing If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or considering self-harm: please call 988 (U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or your local emergency number right now. If you’re outside the U.S., look up your country’s crisis line and reach out immediately. ........ Sign up for The Daily Anchor to get Chris Stefanick's bite-sized reflections every morning: https://bit.ly/48Xfhfk ........ Support the creation of this content by becoming a Missionary of Joy with a monthly gift to Real Life Catholic and get free access to the new Living Peace study series: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0 ........ Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage: https://www.reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages
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What the Catholic Church REALLY Says About Suicide | Fr. Chris Alar
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