Christ Our Light Catholic Church - Loudonville, NY

From Deacon Dick

Respect Life

          The month of October is designated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as Respect Life Month.  There is a wealth of information about the Church’s teaching on Respecting Life from Conception to Natural Death at:  www.usccb.org/respectlife.  We encourage all to visit this site frequently.  During October, we will be sharing articles on different dimensions of the primacy of human dignity.

Caring for a Loved One at Life’s End

An old Irish proverb says:  “It is in the shelter of each other that people live.”  Indeed we are created to depend upon one another and walk together in suffering.  When family members or friends approach life’s end, we may not know how to best “shelter” them … we may not know how to provide compassionate care.  Surround your friend or family member with love, support, and companionship that are “anchored in unconditional respect for their human dignity, beginning with respect for the inherent value of their lives.”  (To Live Each Day with Dignity, USCCB)
Learn more about these 10 tips at:  usccb.org/endoflifecare

 Invite God in
Listen
Inform yourself
Be steadfast in compassion
Help them achieve closure
Provide opportunities for resolution
Reminisce
Provide a peaceful atmosphere
Show tenderness
Bear their transition patiently