The Valley Catholic November 20, 2018 | Page 5

tvc.dsj.org | November 20, 2018 COMMUNITY 5 It’s the Beginning of the End-of-Life Where do I begin? How do you begin to make end-of- life plans, let alone, think intentionally about them? Begin by thinking about the fact, if you do not make them someone else will have to and more often than not in a crisis situation. We do not know our future other than as faithful servants of God we are assured God has prepared a place for us and has asked us to be good stewards. What does it mean to be good stewards? If we wish to embrace stewardship, we must gradually learn to embrace every defi nition or aspect of steward- ship. Scripture says: “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s grace.” 1 Peter 4:10. Good stewards are responsible disciples, generously shar- ing of time, talent and treasure. Our society in a general sense has moved to the here and now, seeking immedi- ate gratifi cation and not preparing for what may be in the future. We have an opportunity through our faith of knowing there is a place for us when we are no longer walking on this earth to plan for the end of our life. We do this by companioning with others on our journey. Catholic Cemeteries has the resources available to assist you with Estate Planning, Advance Directive, Funeral Services and securing a rest- ing place before a crisis. We can also assist you with having the conversation with your loved ones who can help you make decisions. Play the Game Several years ago, Coda Alliance, developed a deck of cards to help you have the conversation with your loved ones and healthcare providers. It is a sorting game that helps you prioritize your wishes when making end-of-life decisions such as; “to say goodbye to important people in my life,” “to prevent arguments by making sure my family knows what I want,” “to be free from pain,” “to be kept clean.” You can learn specifi cs about the cards at http://gowish.org or play on-line. Through partnerships with other orga- nizations, the Go Wish cards are avail- able for cultures and languages other than U.S. and Spanish. You can visit the websites of organizations making Go Wish available in other languages: British, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, France, Japanese, Swedish, Vietnamese. This organization however, does not give you the faith based examples you may be looking for. Include Faith When you begin to put the faith component into the decisions you are making, it is best to speak with your pastor or someone educated in the fi eld. Again Catholic Cemeteries has resources like Catholic Advance Direc- tive and Proxy and other information we are happy to share with you or include you in our next workshop on the topic. You have an opportunity to share your discipleship in the choices you make with your end-of-life plan- ning. For more information please contact us at [email protected] or [phone]. Upcoming Workshops SOLACE – Soul + Grief Monthly drop-in Grief Support Group November 28: 7 – 9 p.m. (4th Wed. each month) O’Connor Hospital Chapel, Use Main Entrance 2105 Forest Ave, San Jose Parking in the back lot Facilitator: Candee Lucas, M.A. Pastoral Ministries. We hope to create a sacred space for you to share your grieving. No RSVP necessary. Free. Sponsored by Catholic Cemeteries and O’Connor Hospital. Afternoon of Remembrance December 1: 2 – 4 p.m. Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery All Saints Chapel 22555 Cristo Rey Drive, Los Altos All are welcome to a special prayer service followed by a reception. We remember and we give thanks for life is changed, not ended. RSVP* recom- mended with name of loved one to be acknowledged during the prayer service. Free. National Wreaths Across America Day Gate of Heaven Cemetery Veterans Plaza December 15: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Come join us in saluting America’s heroes, honoring their legacy and bringing comfort to their loved ones. Help us lay a wreath on every veteran’s grave. Sponsored by American Legion Stevens Creek Post #642. For additional information, or to *RSVP, please call [phone], or email [email protected]. Reverse Mortgage Lending Limit is NOW $679,650! December 14-16 Men’s & Women’s Non-Silent Retreat Daughters of Carmel Nuns Inner Healing Retreat To register call [phone] or email [email protected] 2019 January 18-20 www.retroca.com February 8-10 Father Peter Sanders www.anewpentecost.com Retrouvaille Marriage Help New Pentecost Catholic Ministries Retreat (Español) February 22-24 Women’s Silent Retreat Father Gary Sumpter Mary as the Model of Closeness to Jesus For more information: 831-423-8093 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.stclaresretreat.com Staffed by Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows You may be entitled to more money! Also, our Proprietary Jumbo Reverse Mortgage Loan Program may offer you even more money! CALL Me! I’m Local. 408.297.0000 Dan Casagrande, Harvard MBA www.ReverseManDan.com Borrower must maintain property as primary residence and remain current on property taxes and insurance. maintain property as primary residence and remain current on property taxes and insurance. These materials are not from HUD or FHA and the document was not approved by HUD, FHA or any Government Agency.