Venerable Fulton Sheen says 
“A Happy death is a masterpiece, and no masterpiece was ever perfected in a day.”
 

How to prepare for a Holy & Happy Death:  

Spiritually: Daily …

†     Stay in a state of Grace

†     Frequent and worthy reception of the Sacraments. (Confession every 1-2 months)

†     Daily Scripture Reading

†     A Daily Rosary

†     Daily seeking a partial or plenary Indulgence

†     Eucharistic Adoration

o  When you have health issues

†     Before any procedure where you go under general anesthesia go to Confession and get the Anointing of the Sick.

†     If you go on Hospice/Palliative care, call and let the parish know As Soon As Possible. (856) 825-0021. Your parish family is here to support you at this time. Since we do not know when the soul leaves the body, it is necessary for the person to be alive for proper reception. The Last Rites include Viaticum (food for the journey) the reception of Holy Eucharist by the dying (you need to be able to swallow in order to receive), Anointing of the Sick and the Apostolic Pardon. This trifecta of graces give the terminally ill person, as well as their loved ones the peace of mind knowing they have done everything possible for the soul of their loved one.  

Physically: 

~Name a healthcare proxy – make sure it is someone who understands the teachings of the Catholic Faith and/or is willing to listen to someone that does. They may consult a priest or catholic ethicist.

~ Nutrition and hydration are necessary for the dignity of each person. (Just because someone has a “poor quality of life” does not mean they deserve to be starved.) This may mean the placement of a feeding tube provided you are:     
a) strong enough to survive the procedure                     b) your body is still able to process the nutrition

o  As the human body shuts down due to the dying process small meals and snacks may be a better option.

o  Digestion may be slowing down, liquids may be preferred, soups, smoothies, juice and water

o  Always provide fluids of some kind. Sips of water, moist wash cloths and good oral care.

~ Personal care – bathing, personal hygiene, incontinent care and a clean and safe environment are part of the dignity which should be afforded every human being.

~What are extraordinary means:

o  Ventilators are only extraordinary if they are the only method by which you would be able to breath for the rest of your life. Please contact a priest for the Last Rites prior to having anyone removed from a ventilator.  They are ordinary for short term illnesses or operations.

o  Oxygen is an ordinary means and readily available to anyone who is in need through your healthcare provider.

o  Embryonic Stem cell treatments – All treatments whose origin is in embryonic stem cells are not permitted. Adult stem cells are however permitted and are actually more effective than embryonic stem cells

o  Chemotherapy, Dialysis, Organ transplants - If you are diagnosed with a terminal illness: Cancer, End-stage Renal Disease, End-stage Emphysema/Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, ALS etc. and you are faced with treatment options you can choose palliative rather than aggressive care.

~ Palliative care is focused on taking care of the symptoms rather than curing the illness. For example someone with a diagnosis of stage 4 Cancer which has spread to other organs can choose not to undergo Chemotherapy. He/she may seek out pain management, treatment for digestive issues, dizziness, and more. The goal is comfort not cure.

~Pain management – controlled substances morphine and other narcotics are effective in alleviating pain and can be used to allow for physical comfort and mobility. These medications when used correctly can improve your quality of life. The use of these medications should be done under doctor’s supervision from a visiting nurse.  

o  Suicide - You are not permitted to take your own life or that of anyone else. Morphine and other narcotic drugs can cause death. This is a strong temptation when someone is in pain or depressed. Even Saint Therese of Lisieux wrote in her final letters when she was dying not to leave strong medicines for those close to death as the temptation may be too great.

o  You are not allowed to introduce any new/intentional cause of death. Therefore intentional overdoses, starvation, neglect are not permitted.

o  You must take your medications if they do not have grave side effects

Our origin and ultimate goal is Heaven and union with the One who loves us above all else. Our Lives ultimately must be an oblation. It begins now and ends only when we commend our souls to God, which, if we do it right should be the greatest day of our lives! New Paragraph