IRDSH
will work with your retreat center or congregation to address the many spiritual issues that surround an individual's
need to plan for death by completing an Advanced Directive, while also assisting your retreat in the establishment of spiritual-centered
deathcare and bereavement.
Retreat Programs
In either an evening or weekend long retreat, we will guide retreatants through the spiritual process of contemplating an
Advanced Directive and planning a healing funeral service with the use of funny and inspiring stories, while also providing
up-to-date literature and information about end-of-life decisions. Our approach helps individuals, families, and spouses explore
difficult questions in a light-mannered and spiritual context.
For more information, please contact the Institute at retreats@irdsh.org
Establishing a Natural Burial Sanctuary
IRDSH will work with your Executive Director and Board to establish a spirituality-centered Natural Burial Sanctuary at
your Retreat Center
How we do
it:
• We will assist you with creating policies and practices that meet your organization's mission
• We
will assist you with creating practices and policies that advocate for low and middle-income families and the environment
• We will assist you with creating supplemental liturgies and utilizing and creating spiritual space
• We
will assist with collaborations between you, local funeral homes, carpenters, hospices, and congregations
• We will
assist with educational materials
• We will assist you with grant development and outreach
• With the
help of our partners, we will assist you with legalities
Establishing New Policies for your Pre-existing
Cemetery
IRDSH works with congregations and townships that operate a conventional cemetery by assisting with the
implementation of more ecologically sound practices that embody stewardship
How we do it:
• We will assist you with creating policies and practices
that meet the spiritual needs of your community
• We will assist you with addressing issues of fiscal responsibility
for the poor and stewardship of the earth
• We will assist you with implementing new burial practices that forgo
vaults
• We will assist you with collaborations between the cemetery, funeral homes, congregations, and larger community
through educational awareness and commitment
