Catholic Considerations

As the first Catholic Hospice in the Diocese of Phoenix, we are equipped to provide the ministry that Catholics need as they face a life-limiting illness.  The support is extended to the families and caregivers as they struggle to cope with their loved ones’ decline.  As a hospice organization locally owned and operated by practicing Catholics, we understand the spiritual services our Catholic patients seek in end-of-life care.

Our Catholic Priest, Fr. Michael Reinhardt, visits patients to offer the Sacraments of Penance, Anointing of the Sick, and the Eucharist.  As a Hospice Chaplain, Fr. Reinhardt provides spiritual counseling and support, bringing the healing presence of Jesus to the bedside.  Fr. Reinhardt is also available to celebrate funeral masses, officiate memorial services, and provide guidance on proper Catholic burial.

To aide in spiritual comfort, our Catholic patients receive Sacred Support bags containing blessed sacramentals such as a Crucifix, Rosary, and the Brown Scapular of our Lady of Mount Carmel.  As we encourage patients and their loved ones to pray, the Sacred Support bag also includes the guide to praying the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Our Catholic Mission Coordinator, Bobi Martinez, serves as a liaison between patients and their local parishes.  If a patient wishes to receive Holy Communion regularly, Bobi diligently makes the arrangement with Pastoral Care of the local parish.  She is also available to visit and pray with patients, as well as answer any questions regarding Catholic Hospice and our services.

In 2016, Bishop Olmsted granted the permission for The Villa Hospice Inpatient Unit to keep the Eucharist in its Catholic Chapel called Mother Teresa’s Chapel. The intimate chapel displays a tabernacle from the Vatican and a first-class relic of Saint Mother Teresa. As a Catholic Hospice, being graced by the presence of the Most Blessed Sacrament is truly a blessing.

As Catholics, we believe in the  importance and the power of the Sacraments and sacramentals in bringing us reconciliation and comfort.  During this critical period, we pray to be instruments used by the Lord to bring about a peaceful death.

“We are closest to heaven when we’re with the dying, because that’s when Jesus and Mary are coming down to pick up the soul.” — Blessed Mother Teresa