A Prayer to Be Offered by the Gathered Family As a Loved One's Death Nears
"Go forth, Christian soul, from this world
in the name of God the Almighty Father,
who created you,
in the name of Jesus Christ,
Son of the living God,
who suffered for you,
in the name of the Holy Spirit,
who was poured out upon you,
go forth, faithful Christian." (Pastoral Care of the Sick)
I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord, whoever believes in me even though he die, will live. And whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”
We extend to you our deepest condolences as you grieve the death of your loved one. You are in our prayers for healing and strength. We want to gently accompany you. We are ready to offer you counsel and support as you struggle with the finality of death, and are reassured of eternal life for the ones you love dearly.
At the death of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the living waters of baptism and strengthened during mass at the Eucharistic table, the church prays for those who have died because we have confident belief that death is not the end. Death does not break the bonds of love forged in life.
We want to minister to you in your grief. You will find hope and new life in the funeral rites; both with the comforting Word of God at the wake and committal services, and at the Funeral Mass.
The Priests, Deacons and
Consolation Ministry of
St. Kilian Parish
“The souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God, and no torment shall touch them.”
St. Kilian Rectory -The Initial Meeting with a Minister of Consolation
As you grieve, we encourage you to take an active part in the celebration of the funeral rites, especially the vigil for the deceased (wake service), the funeral mass, and the rite of committal at the cemetery. Let our prayer and praise of God be a celebration of our loved one's life, and in the mercy of God, eternal life.