How many times have we said, “there’s plenty of time, I’m healthy and plan on living a long time”. Then the unthinkable happens, a tragic accident, a sudden change in heath. For many, decisions must be made while those closest to the situation are in the fog of the event, the diagnosis, the pain.

“We know not the hour” (Mt 24:36), only God knows the circumstances that will surround our death and the deaths of our loved ones. We can only be certain it will come for all of us, and perhaps when we least expect it. We may be young, middle, or advanced in age. We may be physically and emotionally healthy or may be suffering with illness or injury. It may strike at 100+, 63, 39, or 18 years old, or 16 months old, infancy, or in utero. The question everyone should ask themself is: am I prepared spiritually, emotionally, financially, and legally?

“You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come” (Mt24:44).

In March, 2023, St. Mary of the Mills offered a 3-part seminar addressing these important issues. Recordings and available handouts are posted below. Selection of speakers for this series is not intended to be an endorsement of any of the organizations/businesses. If you have any questions regarding anything covered in the materials, please feel free to contact the parish office for further information

Session 1:

Fr. Larry Young: What do death and the events that may lead up to it mean for Catholics and our families? The Bible, Catechism and Saints on Death, Dying, and Grief.

Dean Marie Nolan, Ph.D., RN, FAAN: Help in making difficult decisions, part 1. Catholic Moral Principles around Death and Dying

Content addresses:

What is my approach to death? Is it something to be feared; something to prepare for; something to embrace when in God's time I or my loved ones are called home to Him? Is there such a thing as a "good death"?
What does the Church teach about suffering?
What does the Church teach about the difficult decisions we must often make when confronting serious illness or injury, or as we grow older?
Where can I turn to in scripture for guidance?
What does the Church offer (sacraments, spiritual support, information, etc.) and who can I reach out to with my questions, concerns, fears, etc.?
How do I decide what's right for me and for my family?
What's the difference between ordinary care and extraordinary care? When are tube feedings, ventilators, pacemakers, dialysis, etc. optional?
What are my rights? What can I ask/expect of healthcare professionals and others?
What is an Ethics Panel?

Videos:

The Bible, Catechism and Saints on Death, Dying, and Grief

Catholic Moral Principles around Death and Dying

Slides:

Death and Dying (3/4/2023)

Session 2:

Sheila Bisson, RN, BSN, CHPN, CBE: Help in making difficult decisions, part 2. Everything You Want to Know about Dying but Were Afraid to Ask.

Content addresses:

o Care options: Care for loved ones and for caregivers

What is a “Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)” order?
What does it mean to withdraw care?
What is death with true dignity?
Transplants: types, process, criteria for organ/tissue removal
Physical needs in serious illness/end-of-life (Palliative and Hospice Care, and places for care)
Care of the Living: resources for those preparing for the death of a loved one
Care of those who mourn.

Videos:

Understanding the Process of Dying Well

Slides and handouts:

Leaving a Legacy of Love

Session 3:

Legal issues, Funeral planning, and other details

Fr. Larry Young: The Three Components of a Catholic Funeral and the Question of Cremation

Gina Marie Imapieri, Director of Music and Liturgy, St. Mary of the Mills: Planning the Funeral Liturgies

Greg Karpman, General Manager, Donaldson Funeral Home: What is the Purpose and Value of a Funeral Home?

Caitlyn Joy, Assistant Manager, All Souls Cemetery: Cemetery Perspectives on Death

Stephen Wallace, JD, Downs Law Firm: Legal planning, Planning with the End in Mind (Please note, information provided is intended as a basic overview and not individual legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is intended from viewing this presentation.)

Content addresses:

The 3 parts of the Funeral Rite (Vigil, Funeral, Burial); why we have them; and why they are important
What our faith teaches about the care of the body and how that compares with the options society presents
Who may have a Catholic funeral?
Having funeral wishes on file at St. Mary of the Mills
When the dying person is the only or one of the few practicing Catholics in the family and addressing situations where the family’s plans may vary from their deceased loved one
Funeral planning with the funeral home and the cemetery

What’s required and what isn’t?
What options are available? Costs?
The process for making arrangements at/after the death of a loved one
Benefits of pre-arrangements

Legal issues (Please note, information provided is intended as a basic overview and not individual legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is intended from viewing this presentation.