In an increasingly secular culture, the need has perhaps never been more critical for Catholic individuals and families to prepare for the eventualities of sickness and end of life issues in a way that honors God’s view of the sacredness of life while caring for our loved ones.
This urgent call for preparedness was the topic of “Care and Prepare,” an informational meeting which took place June 25 at Saint Peter and Saint Paul Parish in Alta Loma, sponsored by the parish Respect Life Team.
Upon entering the Care and Prepare event held in the parish hall, attendees were provided access to many printed resources that provide information on Church teaching and other relevant information. Among the materials was a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document from Dignity Health about the California End of Life Option Act, a new law that legalizes doctor prescribed suicide in California.
Mary Huber, the event organizer and Director of Respect Life and Pastoral Care for the Diocese of San Bernardino, was on hand to welcome and discuss
Care and Prepare questions.
“The information presented tonight will be a helpful resource for those who are caregivers and who are dealing with loved ones who are at or nearing end of life,” she said.
The meeting opened with a talk by Father Cyriacus Ogu on the “Theology of Suffering.” Fr. Ogu explained that the human person suffers in many ways: physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. Yet in all our suffering, he said, “we must not view suffering as pointless. We must first come to an understanding of the ‘big picture’ in God’s plan of Salvation.
“To suffer means to be open to the working of the salvific powers of God ... because of Original sin, God offered love to humanity in Christ on the cross. In him, God has confirmed his desire to act especially through suffering ...” Thus, in a state of suffering, like Job, many of us rely on God’s will and repudiate our own will.”
After Fr. Ogu’s talk on suffering, Huber discussed the Bishop Gerald Barnes’ proactive response to current events and the legalization of doctor prescribed suicide. Huber related examples of the many challenges facing the Diocese as it proclaims Catholic teaching on the sanctity of all human life. End of Life issues can be addressed in a way that provides the needed comfort to those in need, while also addressing the needs of care givers and families who are also under the strain and the pressures of such care. All can share in this ministry and support Bishop Barnes’ provisions and direction in this area, Huber said. “Are we prepared,” she asked the audience, “for the challenges that face all of us in our Diocese, parish and family?”
Deacon Mark Hodnick spoke next on the “Church World View on the Human Condition.” He offered a practical application of Church’s teaching to help make the difficult choices and decisions for end of life situations, while initiating or continuing medical treatments. Deacon Hodnick stressed the need to address the legal aspects of health care to assure the wishes of the family are carried out.
“Medical Directives and Power of Attorney documents play an essential part in assuring your family member gets the correct medical care,” stated Deacon Hodnick.
Karen Hein, Business Manager at Saint Peter and Saint Paul, shared her experience as a daughter and family member while addressing losses within her family. Her testimony offered a glimpse into the suffering one experiences on a physical and mental level, and was a powerful witness to relying on God’s strength, and not our own.
Kiki Egger, a Bereavement Ministry leader for Saint Peter and Saint Paul, explained the goals of the Bereavement Ministry and the ongoing effort to provide support to those in need of comfort while addressing end of life issues.
For more information, or to hold a similar Care and Prepare event at your parish or ministry group, contact: Mary Huber at 909-475-5352 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Hart Ponder is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Coordinator at Sacred Heart Parish in Palm Desert.