Health care in the United States is marked by extraordinary change. Not only is there continuing change in clinical practice due to technological advances, but the health care system in the United States is being challenged by both institutional and social factors as well. At the same time, there are a number of developments within the Catholic Church affecting the ecclesial mission of health care. Among these are significant changes in religious orders and congregations, the increased involvement of lay men and women, a heightened awareness of the Church’s social role in the world, and developments in moral theology since the Second Vatican Council. A contemporary understanding of the Catholic health care ministry must take into account the new challenges presented by transitions both in the Church and in American society.
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Care & Prepare is a parish-centered workshop to empower individuals and families to prepare for the end of life and advocate for their loved ones. This with an understanding of Catholic moral teaching and The goal of Care & Prepare is to empower individuals and families with Catholic moral doctrine and medical information to prepare for the end of their lives and to care for and advocate for loved ones as their lives end.
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 care, 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.
To schedule Care & Prepare at your parish for free, please contact the Office of Life, Justice, and Peace by emailing [email protected].
To view past presentations from a Care & Prepare workshop, select a topic below
View Care & Prepare Powerpoints:
If you’ve hosted Care & Prepare at your parish, why not have a Conversation Project Weekend? The Conversation Project is a great way to involve parishioners in talking about their wishes at the end of life and to help adults fill out their Advance Health Care Directives.
Download the Conversation Project Starter Kit in English (En Español)
Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST)
POLST forms are medical order forms that tell medical staff what to do if you have a medical emergency and are unable to speak for yourself.
POLST FAQ (Alliance of Catholic Healthcare)
POLST vs. Advanced Directive (National POLST Paradigm)
A Guide to POLST (ACP Decisions)
Facing Serious Illness: Making Your Wishes Known (Coalition for Compassionate Care of California)
POLST Form (Emergency Medical Services Authority of California)
https://wholeperson.care/advance-directives (Click to download forms listed below)
Expressing Your Health Care Wishes-CHA
About Advance Directives
POLST vs AD Chart 2018
Values Worksheet