Advance Care Planning for Catholic Families

Embracing Faithful Preparation for Life's Final Journey

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a compassionate process of reflection and communication, allowing individuals to make decisions about their future health and personal care. Rooted in Catholic values, ACP respects the dignity of every person and encourages discussions that align with our faith's teachings on life, death, and the afterlife. 

What is Advance Care Planning?

ACP involves:

• Reflecting on personal values and wishes for future health care.
• Discussing these wishes with loved ones and health care providers.
• Documenting preferences to guide future medical decisions.

It's about ensuring that your care aligns with your values, especially when you might not be able to voice your decisions. 

Catholic Perspectives on End-of-Life Care

The Church teaches:

• Life is sacred. We are stewards, not owners, of our lives.
• We must provide ordinary means of care, but are not morally obliged to pursue extraordinary measures that prolong suffering without hope of recovery.
• Palliative care and hospice care are deeply supported by the Church as a way of providing comfort and dignity.
• For help getting started, contact the Diocese of London Stewardship Office or speak to your parish team.

Canadian Resources for Advance Care Planning

Here are some trusted Canadian resources to assist in your ACP journey:

• Advance Care Planning Canada: Offers guides like My Advance Care Planning Guide to help reflect on values and document care preferences. advancecareplanning.ca

• Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association: Provides tools and suggestions for discussing end-of-life wishes with loved ones. chac.ca
• Horizons of Hope: A toolkit developed by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops to support discussions on palliative care from a Catholic perspective. cccb.ca
• Diocese of London End-of-Life Resources: Offers guidance rooted in faith on palliative care and the moral implications of euthanasia .Diocese of London

Starting the Conversation

Having these conversations is a gift of love for your family. Talk with:

• Your loved ones
• Your parish community
• Your health care providers

Documenting Your Wishes

It's crucial to record your health care preferences:

• Advance Directives: Legal documents outlining your care preferences.
• Power of Attorney for Personal Care: Appointing someone to make decisions on your behalf if you're unable.
• Personal Statements: Writing letters to loved ones expressing your wishes and values. 

Ensure these documents are accessible and shared with your family and health care providers.

Embracing the Journey with Faith

Advance Care Planning is not just about medical decisions; it's a spiritual journey that honors the life God has given us. By preparing thoughtfully, we affirm our faith and provide peace of mind to ourselves and our loved ones.

A Prayer for the Journey

Heavenly Father, teach us to embrace each moment as a gift from You. Guide us in making decisions that honour the dignity of life and bring comfort to our loved ones. May our hearts be open to Your will as we prepare for the journey to eternal life. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.