The Valley Catholic August 22, 2017 | Page 7

COMMUNITY tvc.dsj.org | August 22, 2017 7 Back to School Preparations Nudge Parents to Prepare for End of Life By Kathy Fanger This is an exciting, perhaps even overwhelming, time of the year as par- ents launch children off to school. The weeks preceding involve many lists, shopping for clothes, shoes, and school supplies, paying fees, fi ling out paper- work, completing medical exams and immunizations, perhaps even meet- ing with teachers. Some parents are launching their high school graduates off to college or university life – more lists! They assist them with gathering countless dorm and apartment neces- sities and together assure that courses, supplies, required documentation, fees and fall fi nances are all in place. Whew! As parents bid children good- bye on the fi rst day, there is a sense of peace and relief that, for the most part, their children are ready! When children feel secure, supported and loved, they can move forward more confi dently. Undue stress is removed. What a gift you’ve given them. Have you put the same amount of time and energy into preparing for your own funeral and end of life? Have you begun the conversation with your spouse, your aging parents, on what you and they would want? Or do you have no idea at all? There are over 136 questions that must be answered at the time of death. By taking time now to begin the conversation, to intention- ally plan, purchase, document and have everything in place when death occurs, then you, too, can feel a sense of peace and relief. You are able to go on living, looking with promise to what lies ahead: life in heaven. What a gift of peace of mind to yourself and your loved ones! You free them of the countless decisions, locating required documentation, and paying the costs – all during the immediate days when they or you are grieving. It can be overwhelming! Joe and Sondra O’Halloran of Saint Cyprian Parish, recently visited Gate of Heaven Cemetery. They chose an open, sunny burial spot near the beautiful willow tree in our Veterans Section. Sondra shared, “We want to have all our plans in place for our adult daughter. We know she will be emo- Linda and Howard Graham Honored Bishop Patrick J. McGrath is pictured with Linda and Howard Graham after awarding them the Knight and Dame Commander, Equestrian Order for Saint Sylvester, Pope and Martyr, during a celebration at the Bishop’s home on July 7. The Grahams were instrumental in the now-completed Endowment and Capital Campaign for the Diocese. In addition, they have been a vital part of the coming together of The Saint Katharine Drexel Ini- tiative, which is enabling new methods of pedagogy and school governance to allow schools to serve more eff ectively. Howard Graham is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the School System. The Grahams are long-time faithful and generous members of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Los Gatos. SAN DAMIANO RETREAT “Discovering the Sacredness of Creation” with Kathy Miranda & Sue Caldera, 8/27 “Finding Our Way Home” with Paula D’Arcy, 9/8-9/10 Day of Dialog for LGBTQ will discuss “Building a Bridge” by Fr. James Martin, 9/10 “Entering the Cave of the Heart” with Fr. Michael Fish Commuters welcome, 9/15-9/17 “Labyrinth Day: Seasons of Life” with D.Charbonneau , 9/28 “What Is Yours to Do?” with Anne & Terry Symens-Bucher & music by Jesse Manibusan , 9/29-10/1 More information or register 710 Highland Dr., Danville, CA 925 837 9141 Visit us at sandamiano.org and on Facebook tionally stressed when we die. If we can lessen her burden, it will make it easier for her.” Sondra added, “I never looked at death as being grim. It has a lot to do with faith. Death is a begin- ning, not an end. It is spiritual, uplift- ing and joyful. That’s why I want to be buried in the light, not the shade.” Catholic Cemeteries is here to assist you. This is our ministry. Pre- planning takes less time than you may think. Call us for a free appoint- ment and tour of our beautiful, holy grounds, chapels, mausoleums and Veterans Section. We listen to your wishes, describe burial options and off er zero-interest monthly payment plans (utilizing today’s prices). We also off er a comprehensive Catholic Funeral Plan™. Let us help you start this conversation. Contact us at [phone] or visit, www.ccdsj.org. CFIS Insurance Service License 0136007. Questions at End of Life A Catholic Perspective September 12, 1 – 3 p.m. Church of the Transfi guration – in the church 4325 Jarvis Ave, San Jose 95118 Presenter: Father Joseph Benedict Choices at end of life present unique challenges, particularly within a complex and techno- logically advance society. Physical death is perceived within modern society as the ultimate human tragedy. This presentation will explore end-of-life choices within the context of faith in Jesus and the moral tradition of the Church. Free. For more information, please contact [phone] or email, [email protected].