Holy Departure Prayer Ministry

Death is one of the most sacred moments of the human journey. As Catholics, we believe that death is not simply an ending, but a departure into the hands of God and the hope of eternal
life in Jesus Christ. The Holy Departure Prayer Ministry accompanies parishioners and their families during the final stages of earthly life through compassionate presence and the prayers of the Church.

Our Purpose

Our purpose is to ensure that, whenever possible, no member of our parish faces the final
journey without the prayerful presence of the Church. Volunteers may sit quietly with the dying person and family, pray Scripture, the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and other approved Catholic prayers, or simply offer a peaceful and compassionate presence.

Our Vision

From the beginning of Christian life until its earthly completion, the Church accompanies her
children.Just as the Church welcomes us at Baptism, nourishes us throughout life through the Eucharist, and strengthens us through the Sacraments, she also desires to accompany us as we prepare to meet the Lord. The Holy Departure Prayer Ministry seeks to help our parish become a community where no one dies forgotten, no family grieves unsupported, and every final journey is surrounded by prayer and Christian hope.

What Our Volunteers Do

Volunteers:
1. Offer a quiet and compassionate presence.
2. Pray with the dying person and family when invited.
3. Pray Scripture, the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and other prayers of the Church.
4. Respect periods of silence.
5. Respect the dignity, privacy, and wishes of the dying person and family.
6. Work respectfully alongside hospice personnel, nurses, physicians, and caregivers.
7. Help contact a priest when sacramental care is needed.
8. Maintain strict confidentiality.Sometimes the most important ministry is simply being there.

What Our Volunteers Do Not Do

Volunteers do not:
1. Give medical advice.
2. Interfere with medical or hospice decisions.
3. Provide professional counseling.
4. Pressure anyone to pray.
Debate religious beliefs with patients or family members.
6. Attempt to explain why God has permitted someone's suffering.
7. Make promises about recovery or what will happen.
8. Share private information about the dying person or family.
9. Perform any sacramental ministry reserved to a priest.

The Role of the Priest

The Holy Departure Prayer Ministry does not replace the ministry of a priest. Catholics approaching death should, whenever possible, receive the Sacraments of the Church, particularly Confession, the Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Communion as Viaticum. A priest may also impart the Apostolic Pardon. If someone is seriously ill or approaching death, families should contact the parish as early as possible rather than waiting until the final moments.

Become a Prayer Volunteer

You don't need to have all the right words.
You need a prayerful heart, compassion, discretion, and a willingness to be present.
All volunteers will receive formation and practical guidelines before serving.
“Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.” — Romans 14:8

Request Prayerful Accompaniment

If you or someone you love is approaching the end of life and would like the prayerful presence of the Holy Departure Prayer Ministry, please contact our ministry coordinator:

Wendy Halliday
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 435-602-9950

Wendy will help coordinate a prayer volunteer to accompany the dying person and family.
In an urgent situation requiring Anointing of the Sick, Confession, Viaticum, or other
sacramental care, please contact the parish directly and request a pries