Catholic Healthcare

The Office of Life, Justice and Peace provides support to Catholic healthcare professionals through the Catholic Healthcare Ministry. Visit the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Catholic Healthcare page for more information.

End of Life Care

Caring for the Whole Person is a state-wide initiative of the California Bishops and Catholic healthcare systems that enable each parish to provide community support and meaningful resources to individuals and families. The objective of Caring for the Whole Person is to educate, equip and empower each person to make informed decisions for their health and well-being. All efforts of the Caring for the Whole Person initiative utilize science-based research, Catholic Healthcare ethics, and the Gospel message to inform all people for optimum care and health practices at any stage of life.

The initiative of Caring for the Whole Person takes its guidance from the Ethical Directives for Catholic Health Care, with much of the directives focusing on enhancing end of life care. Visit this page to learn more about Catholic bioethics, download the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Healthcare Directives, and access helpful tools for End of Life Care.

Care and Prepare

Care & Prepare: Finding Loving Care at the End of Life is a parish workshop put on by the Office of Life, Justice & Peace in parishes throughout the Archdiocese. Discussion topics include Church teaching on end of life ethics, accessing quality palliative care, hospice care and advance healthcare directives, and pastoral care at the end of life. These trainings are great for parish leaders, caregivers, and the elderly and their family members. Visit this page to access example Care & Prepare presentations and learn more about hosting a workshop at your parish.

Mental Health and Suicide

Caring for those with mental illness or suicidal thoughts is an essential part of the Church’s pastoral responsibility. The Church seeks to provide help, hope and healing in any stage of life. Visit the LA Catholics Mental Health and Suicide page to read the message about mental health from the California Bishops, utilize community support resources, find a Catholic mental health professional, and access resources for personal or parish education.

COVID-19 Webinars

The Office of Life, Justice and Peace has hosted a webinar series to facilitate conversation and foster learning in the current pandemic. Visit this page to view past webinars and receive suggestions for ministry engagement during the current pandemic. Learn more about COVID-19, the impact on today’s culture, and receive encouragement in your response as a parishioner, parish leader, family member, or healthcare profession.

Get Involved: 

Get involved! Interested in being a Caring for the Whole Person liaison or building a Caring for the Whole Person ministry at your parish/organization? Provide your contact information here and a member of the Caring for the Whole Person team will contact you.

Educate Your Parish on Opposing Assisted Suicide
Why Oppose Assisted Suicide Flyer
Assisted suicide sends the message that we do not care nor wish to accompany our brothers and sisters at the end of their lives. It affects the poor and the vulnerable, who may be unable to afford expensive treatments but may be pressured to purchase the drugs. Physician-Assisted Suicide also increases suicides in general.

Pray with the Prayer Card to St. John Paul II (English) (Spanish)

Educate Students with Respect Life Week Curriculum
Respectlifeweek.com
Our annual Respect Life Week includes information for TK-12 about assisted suicide, end of life ethics, and caring for our elderly neighbors and grandparents.