Hydration & Nutrition
“The administration of food and water even by artificial means is, in principle, an ordinary and proportionate means of preserving life. It is therefore obligatory to the extent to which, and for as long as, it is shown to accomplish its proper finality, which is the hydration and nourishment of the patient. In this way suffering and death by starvation and dehydration are prevented.
A patient in a "permanent vegetative state" is a person with fundamental human dignity and must, therefore, receive ordinary and proportionate care which includes, in principle, the administration of water and food even by artificial means.”
Proportionate Treatment
Any medical action that has a reasonable chance of to cure the patient or assist with the cure, that does not present a significant risk of death nor does it present an excessive burden. These treatments are mandatory, and cannot be morally withdrawn.
Disproportionate Treatment
Any medical action that is not mandatory and is excessive in its burden (pain, emotional, spiritual and financial), and fails to offer a reasonable chance to cure. These treatments can be withdrawn and be morally correct. This allows for a person to be removed from an artificial life support system, if there is virtually no hope of recovery.
Palliative Care
This is the alleviation of pain and other symptoms, including mental, emotional and spiritual support.
Advance Directives
An advanced directive is a legal document by which a person makes provisions for health care decisions in event that they become unable to make such decisions themselves. Two common forms fo advanced medical directives are a "living will" and a "durable power of attorney."
"Living Wills" are not a helpful document. It tends to be open to various interpretations and cannot take into account the actual situations the patient is in.
"Durable Power of Attorney" is a much more helpful document. It legally designates a person to make health care decisions in the event one becomes incapacitated.
Individuals who wish to execute a "Durable Power of Attorney" for health care are not required to have the assistance or advice of an attorney.
These materials are not to be considered legal advice and they are not to be considered a substitute for the assistance or advice of an attorney.
Because we cannot decide if the PMDD is best for your individual situation, you must use your own judgment and to the extent you believe appropriate, seek the assistance of an attorney.
Funerals
When a loved one dies, there are many decisions to be made, all at a time when there are high emotions. Pre-planning funerals with your priest may be a good way to help during these times.
First thing to know is are the Catholic Funeral Rites. Ideally the Catholic Funeral rites consist of a vigil service, the funeral Mass, and the committal service.
The Vigil service, generally held the day before the funeral service involves celebrating with the Word of God. It has a couple of readings, a brief homily, and prayers. It can be presided over by a priest, deacon, or lay person. The Vigil service also allows for story sharing by family and friends. This is a great way to eulogize the deceased, and gives many more people an opportunity to speak.
The Funeral Mass is presided over by the priest. The mass is very similar to the Sunday liturgy, but will have different prayers. There are options in the number of readings. There can be a 1st reading, psalm, 2nd reading and Gospel, or the 2nd reading can be eliminated. Generally there would be no eulogies, as they would have been given at the vigil service, but there are options that allow one or two persons to give short talks.
The Committal Service takes place after the mass at the place of burial. This is a simple service of prayers, generally lasting no more that 10-15 minutes. This service can be led by the priest, deacon or lay person.
A Memorial Service is another option. This would be a simple ceremony involving Sacred Scripture, prayers and blessings, but would not be a mass. This may be for families that have had no or little connection with the Catholic Church.
Cremation
Cremation is permitted for Catholics. The ideal though, is that the body within a casket is present for the vigil service and funeral mass. Once these services are complete, the body is cremated, and the ashes are then either buried in the ground or placed within a special wall built for cremated remains. The ashes are not to remain within a house, nor are to be spread about.