The beauty of prayer is that it applies to every aspect of life (and death), to every person and to every situation. “Pray for the Living and the Dead” reminds us of the breadth of prayer, encouraging us to be generous and merciful.
Julie Berggren embodies this generosity of spirit in her daily life and her work as Director of Pastoral Care at Holy Name Cathedral. Joining the HNC just a year ago, Julie brings a wealth of life experience and wisdom on how to practice our faith.
“Meeting God in the simplicity of prayer has changed everything about what it means to me to be a Disciple of Christ,” says Julie. “As one who follows Jesus, I know that I can meet him anywhere at any time.”
Raised locally, Julie has an MA from Loyola University and is a Secular Franciscan and associate of the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart. Inspired by Franciscan and Ignatian spirituality, Julie has elevated the HNC Ministry of Care program and introduced a variety of new ministries.
Julie emphasizes the importance of how to “pray with” someone. More than “pray for” – this is a special beautiful moment to share with someone. You are there to listen, not judge, be present for someone and bring the healing gift of prayer. Julie shares a ministry experience from a hospital visit:
“As I was bringing communion to the last patient of the morning, I saw that a large family group was gathered in a circle around the woman in the bed that, I soon discovered, had just passed away. Only one host was left in my pyx but I realized that there was potential in this moment that could never be replicated if it was interrupted.
We held hands, prayed for the soul of their loved one and then broke the bread of the one host—and there was enough for each person in the circle –to share the body of Christ.
It was a moment of prayer I will never forget and a gift for everyone in the room. It was such an honor to pray our sister home.”
Julie also leads the new bereavement ministry to support family and friends who have lost a loved one. Under her umbrella is also the important (but very quiet) Ministry of Praise, which provides prayer requests to people all over the Chicago area and nationwide. Volunteers experience the gift of what it means to hold the living and the dead in prayer as they devote themselves to this beautiful ministry.
“More than anything, prayer and especially the Act of Mercy of praying for the living and the dead is a gift. It doesn’t need to be complicated or overthought. It is simply being in the loving presence of the One who loves us just as we are. That, my friends is mercy.”
Lori Doyle - Joined Holy Name Cathedral 6 1/2 years ago when I moved to Chicago. Currently the Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council, I also served as Chair of the Human Concerns Commission. Actively involved in our parish, I also serve as an Extraordinary Minister and a Minister of Care at Prentice Hospital/Northwestern Hospital. Was honored in 2015 with the annual Archdiocese of Chicago Christifidelis award
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