By Kathy Fanger
I am going to prepare a place for you , so that where I am you also may be . John 14:2-3
A recent poll cited that 82 % of people agreed that is important to put end-of-life wishes in writing . Yet surprisingly only 23 % of those polled had done so . Just thinking about your endof-life wishes , or mentioning them to a close friend over coffee , isn ’ t enough .
When we are so confident in the Lord ’ s promise to us of eternal life , then what a gift - a legacy - it is to make a final statement of faith by planning our funeral , paying for it , and documenting our wishes for Catholic funeral services . Having these and other medical and financial documents in place can be a gift of peace of mind to yourself and your family . What remains on your checklist ? Last will and testament – specifies how your assets will be distributed , appointing an executer , a guardian for children and a trustee to manage assets for them .
A Living Trust – assigns any / all of your assets to the trust , usually includes a will , and transfers ownership to your heirs bypassing tax payment to a later date .
Charitable donations – designated gifts to the Catholic Church , parish ,
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ministries , and institutions ensure that good works continue for future generations . You may provide a specific dollar amount , annual endowment , or percentage of your estate after other specific gifts have been made .
A California Advance Health Care Directive - allows you to control which medical procedures to provide or withhold in the event of incapacitating illness / injury ; specifies life-support choices ; designates agents to carry out your wishes . Forms are available online .
POLST ( Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment ) - medical orders for health care workers to honor during a medical crisis . Discuss / provide copies to physicians , agents , and family members .
Note : Most people die in hospitals or other medical facilities , even though home is the place they prefer to die . Medical treatments are never required . Consider Hospice or Palliative Care . Many Catholics seek assurance that their end-of-life decisions align with Catholic Church teachings . A priest may always be contacted for guidance .
Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Decisions - designates a person to act on your behalf if you become incapacitated .
Funeral home / crematory - They will transport and prepare the body ,
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the death certificate , obituary , offer caskets / urn , host the Vigil , or wake . There will be 136 questions that will be asked when someone dies . Your final wishes and life details can be kept on file .
Catholic Cemetery property - We have three Catholic Cemeteries in our Diocese : Gate of Heaven , Los Altos ; Calvary , San Jose ; and Saint John the Baptist , Milpitas . We listen to your wishes , provide a tour , and discuss burial options , finance plans , and savings opportunities , utilizing today ’ s prices . We also will help you to plan your funeral arrangements , service and burial in accordance to church teachings and your personal desires .
Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick – offers spiritual and physical strength to those seriously ill , advanced age , preparing for surgery , chronic illness or impending death ; can be received more than once . Loved ones are encouraged to be present . Do not wait until the time of death to call a priest . If someone dies , a priest may come and pray with the family for the deceased .
End of Life Funeral Legacy and Planning Guide - Catholic Cemeteries has created an easy-to-complete comprehensive guide . It offers helpful steps to follow at the time of death : information on Catholic Cemeteries , and explanations of the Catholic
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Funeral Rites ( Vigil or Wake , Funeral Mass , Committal ) noting your choices for Scripture readings , music , and individuals . Pages are also provided to document personal , sacramental and financial details and will assist you with your checklist .
For more information , to make an appointment or to order a free Legacy Planning Guide , contact Catholic Cemeteries , ( 650 ) 428-3730 or visit www . catholiccemeteriesdsj . org . We also offer free parish workshops : Planning Your Christian Funeral , End of Life Decisions – A Catholic Perspective , Advance Directives , Estate Planning .
Advance Directives Workshop
February 25 , 10 a . m . – 12 p . m . Saint Joseph of Cupertino Community Center 10110 N . DeAnza Blvd ., Cupertino Presenter : Cindy Safe Learn about this essential document that names a person ( s ) to speak and carry out your medical wishes if you are unable to do so . Included are important issues , case studies and completion a sample form . Workshop is free . For more information , contact Kathy Fanger ( 650 ) 428-3730 or visit , www . ccdsj . org .
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