HEALTH ADVOCACY, ADVANCE FUNERAL PLANNING, and ACCOMPANIMENT as a CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

On the eve of the new millennium, Pope John Paul II advised meditation “on how quickly time flies, not in order to resign ourselves to an inexorable fate, but rather to make full use of the years we still have before us.” Coming out of our pandemic experience, with all its challenges and  with many of us missing loved ones whom we have lost, it seems a good time to contemplate this hopeful advice. To assist in this and begin a discussion about how we as members of the Body of Christ can better accompany our family, friends, and community members, St. James Parish invites parishioners from across Oakville to three evenings  (from 7 - 8:30 p.m.) to begin a discussion which we hope can be carried on across Oakville’s parishes. The sessions will be hosted in the church at 231 Morden Road. The guest speakers/moderators will include a doctor, a professor of nursing, a long-time family caregiver and care advocate, and of course, the pastor.  

Thursday, February 16, 2023 – OUR THEOLOGICAL TRADITION AND ADVOCATING FOR OUR HEALTH AND THAT OF OUR LOVED ONES –  practical advice for Catholics in navigating our contemporary medical system from the point of view of a doctor and devoted caregiver.

Tuesday, March 7, 2023 – HELPING OUR FAMILIES – TALKING ABOUT OUR ADVANCE DIRECTIVES, OUR FUNERAL PLANS, AND OUR FAITH – inspiring suggestions from the Catholic Bishops and a lawyer who specializes in substitute decision-making, suggestions, and ideas that speak to people of all ages who want to make individual and family plans long before any life crisis might arise.

Tuesday, March 28, 2023 – FOSTERING A MINISTRY OF CARE – A MINISTRY OF SACRAMENTS AND MIRACLES – after an introductory presentation on the need for accompaniment in our world today and the gifts that we offer one another as members of the Body of Christ, an experienced Catholic medical professional will moderate a discussion on what actions parish families can take.