The Final Shepherd: Compassion and Clarity at the End of Life

When a family is facing the death of a loved one, they don't just need a priest; they need a guide. Between the complexities of modern medical ethics and the emotional weight of funeral planning, a pastor must provide both spiritual comfort and concrete moral clarity.

This course equips you to walk with families through the most difficult days of their lives. We provide the tools to handle "End-of-Life" ministry with professional organization and profound compassion, ensuring that the dignity of the person and the traditions of the Church are honored at every step.

  • Module 0 – Course Introduction and Orientation
  • Module 1 – End-of-Life
  • Module 2 – Sacrament of the Sick
  • Module 3 – Funerals

What you will be able to do:

  • Navigate the Bioethics: Confidently explain Catholic teaching on extraordinary means, hydration/nutrition, and palliative care to families in the ICU.

  • Master the Advance Directive: Help parishioners prepare "Catholic Advance Directives" that ensure their medical care aligns with their faith.

  • Streamline Funeral Planning: Implement a compassionate, step-by-step process for families to plan a Requiem Mass without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Be Present in the Pain: Reclaim your "Pastoral Availability" by using structured tools to handle the logistics, leaving you more mental space for the Sacrament of the Sick.

"We know how important death is for the salvation of a soul, but seminary didn't teach me these practical lessons that I had to learn and now share with you." 

Fr. Anthony Stoeppel - Vicar General, Pastor, School President & Seminary Vice-Rector

Click HERE for Biography

Associate Professor of Church Management
The Busch School of Business
The Catholic University of America (Washington, DC)

Completion of this course grants a $149 voucher toward our Graduate Certificate or MCA (Masters of Church Administration). Enroll for $149, and if you choose to pursue a Graduate Certificate or MCA later, your $149 will be applied as a tuition credit.

Most dioceses offer reimbursement for clergy ongoing formation of this kind. Contact your Vicar for Clergy to confirm this course applies to your diocesan policy. 

Total Time: 3 Hours

Completion Time: One Afternoon

Time Saved: Hours Every Week

Solve a Problem: Take a self-paced non-credit course ($109).
Stack Your Skills: Earn your Certificate of Completion and a $109 credit.
Lead the Church: Apply your credits toward a Master of Science in Church Management.

Solve a Problem: Take a self-paced non-credit course.
Stack Your Skills: Earn your Digital Badge and a tuition credit.
Lead the Church: Apply your tuition credits toward a MCA degree.

A Shepherd must know how to lead his flock through the valley of the shadow of death. Our Master’s in Church Administration provides the organizational foundation to ensure your parish's pastoral ministries are robust, well-funded, and effectively staffed.

Pathway to Mastery


Is your parish facing financial hardship? We believe no priest should be denied formation due to budget. Click here to apply for a Parish Excellence Grant to your enrollment, or send an email to busch-cmp@cua.edu.

Most dioceses offer reimbursement for clergy ongoing formation of this kind. Contact your Vicar for Clergy to confirm this course applies to your diocesan policy. 

Online, asynchronous through Brightspace at The Catholic University of America.

No in-person or specific course days/times required.

Start and end when you want. 

This course is taught in English. Other languages are available upon request. Please email busch-cmp@cua.edu for more details.

Price: $149.00
Quantity:

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