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End of Life


The end of life is a sacred time, on the threshold of eternity. Learn how you can prepare now for yourself and your loved ones to receive care proper to your dignity as a human person and so enter into this stage of life with peace. 

Ways to Prepare

The best way to plan ahead in end-of-life decisions is to have a health care proxy. Click here to download a Health Care Proxy Form in English or in Spanish.

Not sure how to choose the right legal document for your health care decisions? Visit this page to learn more.

Read this flyer on Making End-of-Life Decisions as a Catholic. (En Español).

Read this interview with Fr. Thomas Berg on End of Life Ethics.

A Guide to Catholic End-of-Life Decisions

This Catholic Guide by the New York State Catholic Conference is designed to explain the moral principles of Catholic teaching in end-of-life decision-making and outlines the options that exist in NY State for advanced care planning.

Click on the image for the full booklet.

For more clarity, guidance and resources go to www.catholicendoflife.org.

Ethical question?

The National Catholic Bioethics Center offers consultation services to individuals free of charge. The NCBC consultation service is intended for individuals seeking moral information and guidance in the face of real-life problems. 

There are two ways to submit a consultation request:  

  1. Call 215-877-2660; 24 hours/day — 7 days/week. 
  2. Online Consultation Request Form: An ethicist will respond to you by email within 5 business days.

Care & Prepare: End-of-Life Education Video

Watch this 30-minute video and 15-minute Q&A on how to care for others and prepare for the end of life. This excellent video offers a comprehensive overview of Catholic end-of-life ethics and practical ways to prepare.

Care Facilities

ArchCare

Home Care, Short-Term Rehab, Nursing Homes, End of Life Care, and Specialized Care Services throughout the Archdioces

Cabrini Eldercare

Calvary Hospital

Carmelite Sisters of the Aged and Infirm – St. Patrick’s Home

Encore Community Services

Senior services in Manhattan

Hawthorne Dominicans, Rose Hill Home

Little Sisters of the Poor, Jeanne Jugan Residence

Providence Rest

Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick

In-patient home services for the poor

 

Education

Parish Education

These pre-made parish presentations will make it easy for you to communicate the truths of Catholic teaching on the end of life clearly and effectively.

Accessing Good Care

Catholic Ethics of End of Life Care

What does true compassion at the end of life look like?

In this compelling interview, Dr. Michael Brescia shares what patients really need at the end of their life.

Assisted Suicide

Learn more about the dangers of assisted suicide legislation and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. Visit the Public Policy website or our page for more information.

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