As September is suicide prevention month, this prayer service was offered virtually as part of the NACC's "First Friday of Faith and Fortitude" monthly prayer offering (National Association of Catholic Chaplains). Accompanying slides can be downloaded here. It is offered for anyone impacted by suicide.

For reflection, #1:

"We all know that life is a journey, along different roads, different paths, which leave their mark on us. We also know in faith that Jesus seeks us out. He wants to heal our wounds, to soothe our feet that hurt from traveling alone, to wash us clean of the dust from our journey. Jesus comes to meet us, so that He can restore our dignity as children of God. He wants to help us set out again, to resume our journey, to recover our hope, to restore our faith and trust. ...to all of us He stretches out a helping hand". -Pope Francis

For reflection, #2:

"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28

Intercessory Prayer

Please respond: Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray that families and friends experiencing the loss of a loved one by suicide may find healing and comfort. We pray to the Lord

We pray that those living with a mental illness, depression, and suicidal thoughts may find the help and support that they need. We pray to the Lord.

Thankful for God's eternal mercy, we pray for the repose of the souls of those who have died by suicide. We pray to the Lord.

We pray that our church may be a place of hope and refuge for persons experiencing suicidal thoughts. We pray to the Lord.

For our Pope, our Bishops, our priests, deacons, chaplains, and lay Catholic ministers, that they bring the healing presence of Christ's peace into the lives of those who are suffering with suicidality and into the lives of those who are grieving a suicide. We pray to the Lord.

For our elected officials to come to an understanding of the need for laws, policies, and funding for effective mental health care and suicide prevention programs. We pray to the Lord.

For the psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and all who research the causes of suicidality and provide treatment to people who are suicidal, may God grant them wisdom and compassion. We pray to the Lord.

For those living with a mental illness, depression, and suicidal thoughts, may they find the help and support that they need to lead peaceful and full lives. We pray to the Lord.

We commend to your mercy and defense all who are contemplating suicide this day. Bring someone or something to intervene. We pray to the Lord.

For families and friends experiencing the loss of a loved one by suicide, may they find healing and comfort in your Church. We pray to the Lord.

We lift up all those who have died by suicide and the fathers and mothers, friends, and families who are now living as survivors of suicide. We pray to the Lord.

Gracious and loving God, for all the families who have lost a loved one to suicide, bring them comfort in trusting that your mercy and grace accept their loved one into the eternal bliss of heaven. We pray to the Lord.

If you feel comfortable doing so, please share the name of your loved ones lost to suicide.

Closing Prayer

Prayer after Suicide

Crucified Savior, you know all things, and I do not.

Help me accept the reality that I may never fully understand why my loved one died by suicide. You suffered on the Cross, and cried out, "My God, my God why have you abandoned me?" My loved one must have experienced such intense, persistent psychological pain. Remove his/her suffering and bring him/her eternal peace. I know that all things work for the good of those who love you, and that we are called according to your purpose. Help me to remember what my loved one loved and to bring that love into the world.

Help me take his/her suffering and transform it into loving service to those who suffer. Guide me to find ways to honor my loved one's memory and to live gratefully and as he/she would have hoped.

Give me hope and confidence in your loving mercy.

Help me to survive the trauma of this suicide and be healed.

-Deacon Ed Shoener, University of Notre Dame Book of Prayer, Ave Maria Press