What is the program about?
Comforter Companion (an end-of-life spiritual care volunteer program) trains parishioners to journey spiritually with those at the end of life. The Holy Spirit is the inspiration of the program name. Comforter is one of many names given the Holy Spirit in scripture and Catholic tradition. Companion is a person journeying with another. Our hope for this program is for parishioners to be with those at end of life, with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit leading.
Pope Francis, in his first encyclical, Lumen Fidei provides an account of the Holy Spirit at work
Those who believe are transformed by the love to which they have opened their hearts in faith…The self-awareness of the believer now expands because of the presence of another; it now lives in this other and thus, in love, life takes on a whole new breadth. Here we see the Holy Spirit at work.
How did this program come about?
Resurrection and Our Lady of the Lake are two Catholic Parishes in Oregon where parish nurses came together during the fall of 2015 to establish an end-of-life spiritual support program. These nurses have a common ministry in support of optimal health and wellness of our faith communities. Through the years each parish’s health and wellness ministry has provided a variety of supportive care for parishioners experiencing end of life challenges. The need to expand our support comes from parishioner requests for additional information and guidance. We brought these requests forward to our priests and pastoral councils.
Both parish priests and their pastoral associates identified how to weave end-of-life spiritual support into parish life. Our Parish Council members provided the necessary approval and support to move the project forward. Comforter Companion, End of Life Spiritual Care Volunteer program is the result of the combined effort.
Who is it for?
Parishioners at Resurrection Catholic Parish or Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Parish may request a Comforter Companion for themselves or a family member.
Who is a Comforter Companion?
A Comforter Companion is a Resurrection or Our Lady of the Lake parishioner who has completed the Comforter Companion workshop, the Comforter Companion Application form and received approval to join the Comforter Companion team from the designated parish nurse.
How do I get one?
The designated parish nurse will contact you and ask a few questions from the Comforter Companion Intake Form to assist in placing a volunteer. The first home visit will include the parish nurse and Comforter Companion(s). All meet and determine the visit schedule. Typically the weekly visit would last for 1-2 hours (or less if needed)
Where can I get more information?
Resurrection Catholic Parish: 503 638-1579
- Indicate to staff if your request is for a Comforter Companion or Application to be a Comforter Companion
- Staff will request your name and contact information
- A Faith Community Nurse will contact you to follow up
Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Parish: 503 636-7687
- Indicate to staff if your request is for a Comforter Companion or Application to be a Comforter Companion
- Staff will request your name and contact information
- A Faith Community Nurse will contact you to follow up
Links to related documents:
Franciscan Hospice and Palliative Care: Hospice Patient and Family Information
This booklet speaks in detail about what hospice care can offer (as well as what it does not offer.)
Hospice Volunteers: Helping People Live
This is a publication of Caring Info, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization that provides free resources to help people make decisions about end-of-life care and services before a crisis.
Memories Book
A book to help individuals reflect on people, places and events that are important.
OSHA
Standards and precautions for protecting yourself from risk
What to expect
Helping a loved one through the process of dying (used with permission by Providence Health and Services www.providence.org/ethics)
Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter: Lumen Fidei (The Light of Faith)
There is an urgent need today to understand the value and importance of faith—not just to Christians but all humankind. The metaphor Pope Francis introduces and expands upon throughout the encyclical is that of light. Faith is the light that illumines our journey in life and provides clarity to all aspects of human existence.
Other resources
Chronic and life-limiting illness
Our list simplistically highlights diseases and conditions that are life limiting and more than likely life-ending, as well as local and national organizations focused on these diseases and conditions.
Catholic retreats
A listing and review of Oregon retreat sites; list and reviews by Body Theology, itmonline.org
What do we tell children?
You do not have to be alone as the parent or caregiver of a grieving child. There are many resources available via the internet and in the form of grief support for your child.
Bereavement Resources
A listing of groups in the Portland Metropolitan area that are made up of caring people who know the pain and turmoil of grief. These groups are often ongoing and you are welcome to join; some ask you to pre-register. Please find a location closest to you.
Forms
Comfort Companion Request for a loved one