COMMUNITY
tvc.dsj.org | February 6, 2018
5
Importance of Advance Directives
“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your
promise preserves my life.” Psalm 119:50
In last month’s article, “New Year,
New Resolutions: Planning Your Lega-
cy,” we stressed that end-of-life planning
deserves your restful, intentional focus.
Catholic Cemeteries is here to guide
you in understanding and accomplish-
ing essential end-of-life plans: burial
property selection, Catholic Funeral
Services, an Advance Directive and Es-
tate Planning, all within the embrace of
Catholic Church teachings.
Today we focus on a critical legal
document which every person 18 years
and older should complete, have on file,
and discuss with loved ones, doctors
and clergy.
Do you have an Advance Health Care
Directive (AHCD)?
An AHCD allows you to control the
types of medical procedures you want
to be provided or withheld in the event
of an incapacitating illness or injury.
Medical treatments are never required.
An AHCD also allows you to desig-
nate a person(s), or agent, who will make
sure that your wishes are carried out.
This person might be a completely dif-
ferent person than the one you choose
to attend to your financial matters.
Without an AHCD, the courts or others
may have the power over such decisions.
Educate yourself about Palliative
Care medications used at end of life that keep people aware, but out of
pain. Discover what artificial nutrition
and hydration, CPR, and other medical
treatments are used for and when they
are a bridge to restore health. Consider
attending our workshop: End-of-Life
Decisions – A Catholic Perspective.
Know that your health care agent(s)
may always contact a priest for guidance
when faced with a difficult decision on
your behalf.
Cindy Safe, former Executive Direc-
tor and founding board member for
Coda Alliance, has given advance di-
rective workshops for the past 15 years.
People often express that they don’t
know how to begin the discussion with
their loved ones.
So Coda developed a deck of cards,
called “Go Wish,” which features 36
goals that people at end-of-life want
to achieve. To identify and prioritize
your own end-of-life wishes and begin
having these important conversations,
play GoWis h online or purchase a
deck of cards in English or Spanish
(codaalliance.org). Cards are available
for purchase at our workshop.
Cindy Safe believes that death has
become “medicalized” – most people
either die in hospitals or other medical
facilities instead of at home – the place
most people prefer to die. Do your loved
ones know your preference?
It is absolutely essential to have con-
versations with your appointed agents
and your loved ones about your end of
life preferences.
Rest in Peace,
Florence Marquez Rest in Peace, Sister
Noella Cavallero, BVM
On January 5, Flor-
ence Marquez, widow of
Deacon Phil Marquez,
passed away. Survived
by her children, Phil
Marquez, Jr.; Barbara
Marquez (David Ginsburg); Ernie
Marquez (Kim); and Becky Marquez.
Florence is also survived by her seven
grandchildren and one great-grandchild
as well as her siblings, Isabel Marquez,
Rina Flores, and Joe Marmolejo.
For 86 years, Florence led a vibrant
and giving life and was active in
many church and community service
projects including serving as a trustee
on the Mount Pleasant School Board,
and serving as founding member and
President of the Grail Development
Corporation. Her brilliant smile and
joyful laughter will be missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be
made to the Alzheimer’s Association at
www.alz.org. Sister Noella Caval-
lero, BVM, 98, died De-
cember 26, at Caritas
Center in Dubuque,
Iowa.
In t he Diocese of
San Jose, Sister Noella
taught second grade at Saint Leo the
Great in San Jose, Calif. She taught
elementary school in Council Bluffs,
Iowa; Kealia, Kauai, Hawaii; Butte,
Montana; and San Francisco and Sac-
ramento, Calif., where she also served
as principal.
She entered the BVM congregation
in 1936, from Saint Brigid Parish, San
Francisco. She professed First Vows in
1939, and Final Vows in 1944.
She was preceded in death by her
parents and sister, Elda Saccone. She
is survived by brother-in-law, Joseph
Saccone, Sr.; nieces; nephews; and the
Sisters of Charity of the BVM, with
whom she shared life for 81 years.
By Kathy Fanger
After your Advance Directive has
been completed, signed and witnessed,
give copies to your doctors, agents and
family members. Read over and update
it every few years. To receive our free
Legacy Planning Guide – a comprehen-
sive step-by-step booklet to document
important end-of-life information, or
make a free appointment, call (650) 428-
3730 or visit www.ccdsj.org.
Attend our free workshops
Catholic Cemeteries hosts work-
shops to assist you in accomplishing
end-of-life plans in alignment with
Catholic Church teachings. Give the gift
of peace of mind to yourself and your
loved ones by having these documents
in place and with your estate plans. For
more information please contact Kathy
Fanger at (650) 428-3730 or cemetery-
[email protected].
Advance Directives
March 3 • 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Saint Joseph of Cupertino Parish
10110 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino.
Presenter: Cindy Safe
Learn about this essential document
which every person 18 years of age and
older should have. It names a person(s)
to speak and carry out medical wishes
if you are unable to do so. Cindy Safe
discusses important considerations
and case studies. She walks you step-
by-step through a sample form. Free.
End-of-Life Decisions –
A Catholic Perspective
February 10 • 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Saint Francis of Assisi Parish
5111 San Felipe Road, San Jose
Presenter: Deacon Ray Gans
Choices at end of life present unique
challenges, particularly within a com-
plex and technologically advanced
society. Physical death is perceived
within modern society as the ultimate
human tragedy. This presentation will
explore end-of-life choices within the
context of faith in Jesus and the moral
tradition of the Church. Free.
Planning Your Christian Funeral
February 21 • 6:30 p.m. Hospitality;
7 – 8 p.m. Presentation
Holy Family Parish
4848 Pearl Avenue, San Jose
Presenter: Father Christopher Bennett
Come learn of the history and
comfort of our Catholic Funeral ritu-
als (Vigil, Mass and Committal) and
the services and options at Catholic
Cemeteries. Pre-planning gives peace
of mind to yourself and your loved
ones. Free.
St. Clare’s Retreat
2381 Laurel Glen Road, Soquel, CA 95073
February 23-25
Women’s Silent Retreat
Fr. Martin Cain
Begin Your Lenten Journey with St. Ignatius:
“Finding God in All Things”
March 2-4
Fr. Theodore Lange
Love’s Second Name is Mercy Women’s Silent Retreat
March 9-11
Fr. Michael Barry, SSCC Men’s & Women’s Silent Retreat
March 16-18
Fr. Tom Allender, SJ
St. Joseph the Great Giant Women’s Silent Retreat
March 23-25
Palm Sunday Women’s Silent Retreat
Fr. Joseph Nassal, CPPS
At the Crossroads: Refl ections at the Intersection of Death & Life
For more information:
831-423-8093
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.stclaresretreatcenter.com
Staffed by Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows