God’s Precious Gift of Life
Human life is sacred from conception until natural death. As loved ones grow older or face serious illness, the Church calls us to protect their dignity, surround them with care, and accompany them with love.
What the Church Teaches
When families face terminal illness or end-of-life decisions, it can feel overwhelming — full of fear, confusion, or loneliness. Some carry the grief of watching someone suffer or losing a loved one. The Church sees that struggle and offers compassion, accompaniment, and hope in Christ.
Euthanasia and assisted suicide wound not only the person whose life is taken, but also families, caregivers, and society. Still, no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy. The Church stands with the sick and dying, with families facing hard choices, and with anyone searching for peace in suffering.
“Even though I walk in the dark valley, I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage.” — Psalm 23:4
📖 USCCB Resources on Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide
To Live Each Day with Dignity is the U.S. bishops’ foundational statement on physician-assisted suicide, affirming the dignity of every human person even in suffering.
Assisted Suicide – Pro-Life Activities provides fact sheets, Church teaching, and practical resources to help Catholics understand and respond to this issue.
Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide – Respect Life Program gathers articles, reflections, and pastoral tools for parishes and individuals.
Life and Dignity of the Human Person situates end-of-life care within Catholic Social Teaching and the Church’s vision of human dignity.
Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities outlines the Church’s comprehensive response to life issues, including end-of-life concerns.
📜 Catechism of the Catholic Church on Euthanasia
CCC 2276–2279
“Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible.” (CCC 2276)
“Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable.” (CCC 2277)
“Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate… Here one does not will to cause death; one’s inability to impede it is merely accepted.” (CCC 2278)
“Even if death is thought imminent, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately interrupted. The use of painkillers to alleviate the sufferings of the dying, even at the risk of shortening their days, can be morally in conformity with human dignity if death is not willed as either an end or a means.” (CCC 2279)
Caring for a loved one with serious illness or at the end of life is heavy — full of fear, exhaustion, and grief. The Church sees that pain and offers compassion, encouragement, and the hope of Christ’s presence.
Palliative care and hospice, when done ethically, protect dignity by easing pain, offering comfort, and supporting families through hard days. Choosing care that relieves suffering while still honoring life reflects the Church’s call to mercy and solidarity.
If you’re facing these decisions, you don’t have to carry it alone. Christ walks with you in suffering, and the Church is here with prayer, care, and mercy.
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
📖 USCCB Resources on Palliative Care & Hospice
Supportive Care and Treatment Decisions explains Catholic principles for medical care at the end of life, distinguishing between ordinary care, extraordinary means, and moral decision-making.
Confronting a Culture of Assisted Suicide provides guidance on affirming life-giving alternatives such as palliative care and hospice.
To Live Each Day with Dignity affirms the Church’s teaching that every person deserves care and respect through natural death.
Palliative Care and Hospice – Respect Life Program gathers pastoral articles, fact sheets, and reflections for parishes and families.
Life and Dignity of the Human Person situates palliative care and hospice within Catholic Social Teaching and the call to uphold human dignity.
📜 Catechism of the Catholic Church on End-of-Life Care
CCC 2278–2279
“Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate. It is the refusal of ‘over-zealous’ treatment. Here one does not will to cause death; one’s inability to impede it is merely accepted.” (CCC 2278)
“Even if death is thought imminent, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately interrupted. The use of painkillers to alleviate the sufferings of the dying, even at the risk of shortening their days, can be morally in conformity with human dignity if death is not willed as either an end or a means, but only foreseen and tolerated as inevitable.” (CCC 2279)
Families sometimes face tough choices about treatments that keep life going — ventilators, feeding tubes, dialysis, and more. It can feel confusing, scary, and even guilt-filled. The Church wants you to know: you’re not alone in this.
Life is a gift, but not every medical treatment has to be used at all costs. If a treatment offers real hope, it should usually be accepted. But if it’s too burdensome or offers little benefit, it’s okay to let it go. What matters is dignity, compassion, and trusting God when natural death comes.
If you or a loved one is walking through these decisions, Christ is with you — and the Church is here with prayer, guidance, and support.
“I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” — John 10:10
📖 USCCB Resources on Life-Sustaining Treatment
Nutrition and Hydration offers guidance on providing food and water to patients, clarifying when such care is ordinary and obligatory.
Life-Sustaining Treatments and Care at the End of Life explains Catholic principles for evaluating burdensome or extraordinary medical interventions.
To Live Each Day with Dignity emphasizes the importance of affirming life without resorting to either euthanasia or overzealous treatment.
Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services provides detailed norms for Catholic hospitals and families on end-of-life decision-making.
Life and Dignity of the Human Person places medical decisions within the broader Catholic vision of human dignity and the common good.
📜 Catechism of the Catholic Church on Life-Sustaining Treatment
CCC 2278–2279
“Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate. It is the refusal of ‘over-zealous’ treatment. Here one does not will to cause death; one’s inability to impede it is merely accepted.” (CCC 2278)
“Even if death is thought imminent, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately interrupted. The use of painkillers to alleviate the sufferings of the dying, even at the risk of shortening their days, can be morally in conformity with human dignity if death is not willed as either an end or a means, but only foreseen and tolerated as inevitable.” (CCC 2279)
Choosing to donate organs is an act of generosity and love. For many families, the decision comes in moments of deep grief, when everything feels heavy. The Church teaches that organ donation, when done freely and ethically, can be a powerful gift of life and hope.
But the dignity of the donor always comes first. Organs can only be taken after true death, never by directly ending a life. When done rightly, organ donation reflects Christ’s call to lay down one’s life in love for others.
If you’re facing this choice, you don’t have to walk it alone. The Church is here with prayer, guidance, and compassion to help you find peace.
“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13
📖 USCCB Resources on Organ Donation
- Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services provides guidance for Catholic hospitals and families on the conditions for morally licit organ donation and transplantation.
- Life and Dignity of the Human Person situates organ donation within Catholic Social Teaching, highlighting solidarity and the call to serve others.
📜 Catechism of the Catholic Church on Organ Donation
CCC 2296
“Organ donation after death is a noble and meritorious act and is to be encouraged as an expression of generous solidarity. It is not morally acceptable if the donor or his proxy has not given explicit consent. Moreover, it is not morally admissible to bring about the disabling mutilation or death of a human being, even in order to delay the death of other persons.” (CCC 2296)
Pastoral Resources
When serious illness or end-of-life decisions hit, it can feel overwhelming. Families often feel alone, scared, and unsure of what to do next. The Church doesn’t show up to pressure you — it shows up to walk with you.
Pastoral care means prayer, guidance, and real support for patients, families, and caregivers. If you or someone you love is in this place, you don’t have to face it alone.
Reach out — these local and national resources are here to help.
Local Pastoral Resources — Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston — Pastoral Care / Respect Life Offices: Your first contact for pastoral guidance, referrals to parish-based ministries, and diocesan resources on end-of-life care. Contact your parish office or visit the Archdiocese website to be connected with the right office. (archgh.org)
Catholic Charities — Counseling & Family Support: Confidential counseling, grief support, and practical assistance for families facing serious illness and end-of-life issues. Phone: 713-526-4611. (catholiccharities.org)
Parish Priest / Hospital Chaplain: For immediate pastoral presence, contact your parish priest or ask the hospital for their Catholic chaplain. Chaplains provide sacraments, spiritual consolation, and help with medical-ethical conversations.
Local Hospice & Palliative Care Chaplains: Many local hospice agencies have Catholic or ecumenical chaplains who offer spiritual care, family support, and guidance about comfort-focused care. Ask your healthcare provider or parish for trusted local hospice contacts.
National Pastoral & Catholic Bioethics Resources
USCCB — To Live Each Day with Dignity / End-of-Life Resources: U.S. bishops’ resources on end-of-life care, pastoral guidance, and moral principles for medical decisions. Useful for parish leaders and families seeking Church teaching and pastoral materials. (usccb.org)
National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC): Provides faithful Catholic bioethics guidance, consults on specific medical/ethical cases, and offers resources for Catholic patients, families, and clinicians. (ncbcenter.org)
Catholic Health Association (CHA): Resources and best practices for Catholic hospitals, palliative care, and pastoral support for patients and families. (chausa.org)
National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC): An organization of professional chaplains — a helpful directory if you need to locate a Catholic chaplain or spiritual care provider in a hospital or hospice. (nacc.org)
National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO): Practical national resources about hospice and palliative care (what it is, how to access services, and how it supports patients and families). Good for families seeking comfort-focused care options. (nhpco.org)
Immediate help & next steps
If someone is in immediate danger or crisis, call 911.
For urgent spiritual support while in hospital, ask nursing staff to page the hospital chaplain.
If you’d like the parish to visit, call your parish office and request a pastoral visit, Communion to the sick, or the Anointing of the Sick.
Walking with someone at the end of life is hard. Families often feel worn out, scared, and unsure of what the next step should be. Hospice and palliative care aren’t about “giving up” — they’re about dignity, comfort, and making sure no one has to face suffering alone.
The Church is here for you. Through sacraments, prayer, counseling, and support, the parish and Catholic ministries want to help you and your loved ones carry this cross with hope, peace, and compassion. You don’t have to do it alone.
Local Pastoral Resources — Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Parish Priest / Hospital Chaplain: Ask your parish office or hospital for a Catholic chaplain. They can provide the sacraments (Anointing of the Sick, Holy Communion, Confession), prayer, and pastoral presence.
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston — Pastoral Care Ministry: Offers support for the sick, dying, and their families through parish and hospital outreach. Learn More
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston — Office of Aging: Provides resources and guidance on end-of-life care from a Catholic perspective. Learn More
Catholic Charities of Galveston-Houston: Counseling, grief support, and practical help for families facing illness, hospice, or loss. Phone: 713-526-4611 • Visit Website
National Catholic Resources
USCCB — End-of-Life Resources: Pastoral guidance and Catholic teaching on palliative care and hospice. usccb.org/prolife/end-life-care
National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC): Free consultations and resources for families navigating complex medical and ethical questions. ncbcenter.org
Catholic Health Association (CHA): Resources on Catholic healthcare, hospice, and palliative care practices. chausa.org
Supportive Care Coalition: A Catholic network advancing excellence in palliative care with faith and compassion. supportivecarecoalition.org
National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO): National guidance and resources on hospice care. nhpco.org
Making decisions about medical treatments like ventilators, feeding tubes, or dialysis can feel overwhelming. Families often wonder, Are we doing too much? Are we doing too little? These choices are never easy, but the Church wants you to know that you don’t have to face them alone.
Catholic teaching affirms that life is sacred — but not every treatment is required at all costs. Ordinary care (like food, water, and comfort) must always be provided, while extraordinary or burdensome treatments may be stopped in good conscience. What matters most is protecting the dignity of the person, relieving suffering, and trusting in God’s love at every step.
If your family is facing these decisions, the Church is here with prayer, guidance, and support.
Local Pastoral Resources — Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Parish Priest / Hospital Chaplain: Your parish priest or a Catholic chaplain at the hospital can help you discern medical choices, pray with you, and provide the sacraments.
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston — Pastoral Care Ministry: Offers pastoral guidance and resources for families navigating end-of-life or life-sustaining treatment decisions. Learn More
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston — Family Life Ministry (Respect Life): Provides resources rooted in Catholic teaching on medical ethics and human dignity. Learn More
Catholic Charities of Galveston-Houston: Offers counseling, grief support, and family assistance during times of medical crisis. Phone: 713-526-4611 • Visit Website
National Catholic Resources
USCCB — End-of-Life Resources: Guidance from the U.S. bishops on medical decision-making and Catholic principles for life-sustaining treatment. usccb.org/prolife/end-life-care
National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC): Provides free consultations and resources to help families and healthcare providers navigate difficult medical and ethical questions. ncbcenter.org
Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (ERDs): Official guidance for Catholic healthcare institutions and families on medical ethics. Read Here
Catholic Health Association (CHA): Offers resources on Catholic healthcare practices and decision-making at the end of life. chausa.org
Choosing to donate organs is a deeply personal decision, often made in moments of grief and loss. The Church teaches that when it is done freely and ethically, organ donation can be a true act of charity — giving life and hope to others. At the same time, the dignity of the donor must always be protected, and organs may only be taken after true death has occurred.
If you or your family are discerning organ donation, know this: you don’t have to make the decision alone. The Church is here with pastoral care, prayer, and guidance to help you walk through it with peace.
Local Pastoral Resources — Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Parish Priest / Hospital Chaplain: Your parish priest or a Catholic chaplain in the hospital can provide pastoral support, prayer, and help you discern the Church’s teaching in moments of decision.
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston — Pastoral Care Ministry: Provides resources and guidance on bioethics and medical decisions, including organ donation. Learn More
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston — Family Life Ministry (Respect Life): Offers education on Catholic moral teaching and human dignity in healthcare choices. Learn More
Catholic Charities of Galveston-Houston: Offers counseling and pastoral support for families facing loss and difficult medical decisions. Phone: 713-526-4611 • Visit Website
National Catholic Resources
USCCB — Organ Donation and Transplantation: Explains Church teaching, affirming organ donation as an act of charity when it respects human dignity. usccb.org
National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC): Provides consultation and guidance on ethical organ donation decisions for families and healthcare providers. ncbcenter.org
Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (ERDs): The Church’s official guidance on organ donation and Catholic healthcare ethics. Read Here
Catholic Health Association (CHA): Offers resources on ethical organ donation within Catholic healthcare systems. chausa.org
How We Can Respond
- Pray: For the elderly, the sick, and those near death.
- Support: Visit homebound parishioners or volunteer in pastoral care.
- Learn: Explore Catholic resources on making ethical medical decisions.
- Talk: Families, remind your children that “We are called to love and care for people in every stage of life.