As recently as 50 years ago, people expected their doctors to expend every effort to preserve life. Since then, with the advent of ventilators, dialysis, tube feeding, transplants, exotic antibiotics, and intensive care units, efforts by healthcare professionals may be prolonging the dying process rather than preserving life. Most people can tell a sad story about a friend or a loved one whose death was fear-filled, painful, and lonely.

Our website, which has a uniquely Catholic perspective, offers a better way for individuals, families, and friends to approach end-of-life issues.

We hope that this website will serve you and yours well as you deal with end-of-life issues.

EmbracingOurDying.com
is a Project of the Bishops of the
California Catholic Conference.

• An overview of Catholic moral theology on death and dying,
• A report on the current medical and hospital practices,
• A summary of the state of the law regarding end-of-life issues,
• Articles of interest,
• Pertinent Church documents,
• Information on parish nurses, parish health ministry, hospice care and other parish-based services,
• And answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ).

• Welcome—Most Reverend Gerald Wilkerson
• Full Page Bulletin Inserts Color | B & W
• Small Size Bulletin Inserts Color | B & W

• View our 15 minute video on YouTube!
• Now Available: Father Richard Benson's Pastoral Guide to End of Life Decisions.
• Looking for immediate help in caring for the dying? We can help you find the hospices in your county.
• Find Your Parish: If you know the California (arch)diocese in which you live, we can help you locate the parish nearest you.