Continual advances in medical technology bring many blessings but also pose complex ethical questions. While many of us avoid thinking about illness and death, they are a reality. We encourage you to take time now, before a crisis, to prayerfully consider your wishes with your Catholic faith in mind, to talk with family members, and to put your wishes in writing.
The resources here will help you in this process, and bring comfort and peace.
Resources
Healthcare Decision Making for Catholics
The declaration includes principles of health care, an FAQ, and the advanced care directive, which is consistent with Catholic teaching and may be used by Maryland residents.
- Maryland Catholic Declaration for Health Care Decision Making | en español
- Advanced care directive form (fillable PDF) | en español
Talking with your family about health care wishes
The Conversation Project (outside resource)
Support for Caregivers
- General - Caregiver Action (outside resource)
- Military - Hidden Heroes (outside resource)
Hospice and Palliative Care
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (outside resource)
Pastoral Letter from the Maryland Bishops
Comfort and Consolation: Care for the sick and dying is a pastoral letter from the Catholic Bishops of Maryland to assist Catholics in Maryland with reflecting upon and preparing for illness and the end of life in the context of Catholic teaching. The letter was developed in consultation with moral theologians, health care and legal experts, and includes the health care directive form also provided in the Maryland Catholic Declaration for Health Care Decision Making.
Download Comfort and Consolation | en español
PARISH TOOLKIT
Our parish resources include the following (English and español)
- Bulletin | web | Flocknote | email announcements
- Mass intercessions
- Social media posts
- Graphics
