“The Christian meaning of death is revealed in the light of the Paschal Mystery of the Death and Resurrection of Christ in whom resides our only hope. The Christian who dies in Christ Jesus is ‘away from the body and at home with the Lord’ (2 Corinthians 5:8).”

~ Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1681

The following prayers may be recited with the dying person, alternating with times of silence. Sometimes, the same prayer should be repeated many times. The Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be are also appropriate. The dying person may be signed on the forehead with the cross, as was done at Baptism.

Short Texts

• What will separate us from the love of Christ? ~ Romans 8:35
• Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. ~ Romans 14:8
• We shall always be with the Lord. ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:17
• To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. ~ Psalm 25:1
• Though I should walk in the valley of the shadow of death,
• no evil would I fear, for you are with me. ~ Psalm 23:4
• Into your hands I commend my spirit. ~ Psalm 31:6a
• Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. ~ Luke 23:42
• Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. ~ Acts 7:59
• Holy Mary, pray for me.
• Saint Joseph, pray for me.
• Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony.

Scripture Readings

Among many appropriate scripture readings are the following:

• Job 19:23-27
• Psalm23
• Psalm 91
• Psalm 121 1 John 4:16
• Revelation 21:1-7
• Matthew 25:1-13
• Luke 22:39-46
• Luke 23:44-49
• Luke 24:1-8
• John 6:37-40
• John 14:16, 23, 27

Those gathered might take time reading these passages from the family Bible.

Prayer of Commendation

As the time of death approaches, this prayer may be said.

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. May you live in peace this day;
may your home be with God in Zion,
with Mary, the Virgin Mother of God;
with Joseph, and all the angels and saints.