By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
A four-part, video-based workshop from the Canadian Catholic Conference of Bishops about palliative care and end-of life issues continues to be offered in parishes across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.
Horizons of Hope was recently offered at St. James Parish in Wilkie, SK, and St. Augustine Parish in Humboldt, SK.
St. Philip Neri Parish in Saskatoon is preparing for a two-Saturday presentation of the four-module program Jan. 14 and 21 (call 306-343-0325 to register).
St. John Bosco Parish in Saskatoon will also offer Horizons of Hope over two Saturdays in February: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 10 and Feb. 17 (call 306-652-1045 to register.)
The goal for Horizons of Hope is ultimately to have all parishes use the four-module program., says Jacqueline Saretsky, coordinator of Hospital Chaplaincy in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.
“Horizons of Hope is an inspiring and engaging resource, with theological, ethical, medical, and practical perspectives presented together in an accessible way – on a subject that touches us all.”
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) launched the toolkit prepared for parishes in 2021 to address serious and ongoing questions surrounding palliative care, dying, death, suffering, accompaniment, and bereavement, noting: “Our faith in Jesus Christ has much to teach us about living and dying well.”
Designed to help participants learn more about how to respond to the Christian call to provide compassionate care for loved ones at the end of life, the program offers reflection and support to anyone seeking to learn more about palliative care and the Catholic Church’s teaching on end-of-life; including caregivers, those who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and family members who need resources and guidance as they journey with a loved one who is seriously or terminally ill; and parishioners and pastoral care teams.
“I am very excited about this resource for our parishes,” said Saretsky. “It is very well done, and it won’t overwhelm people, but will really encourage and inspire them.”
Four modules of the CCCB Horizons of Hope Toolkit for Catholic Parishes on Palliative Care. (Screen capture image from CCCB promo video)
The resource is presented over four learning modules. Themes include: understanding the human experience of dying and death, discerning and making decisions at the end of life, accompanying those on the journey and supporting and integrating within the wider community.
Each module features two videos. One short film tackles the topic from a medical perspective, while the other explores ethical and theological teachings.
For more information about offering Horizons of Hope, please contact Jacqueline Saretsky at jsaretsky@rcdos.ca or (306) 659-5839.
Hospital Chaplaincy in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon is supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.
Horizons of Hope video promotion:
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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.