A living will is designed to let your family and medical care providers know how you want to be treated if you are terminally ill and cannot speak for yourself. A medical power of attorney is a written document that names a specific person to make health care decisions for you. Together these documents are considered an advance health care directive.
As a Catholic, it is important to consider the sanctity and dignity of life when discussing and planning an advance directive. Having an advance directive helps to ensure that the decisions about the care you receive are what you want and are in accordance with Catholic religious beliefs.
Below please find information about Advance Directives for Health Care and a sample of text for a Medical Power of Attorney for a Catholic Living Will. Please note that the information presented here is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of presenting legal advice. We strongly encourage you to consult fully with your professional and legal advisor(s) to develop a plan and an advance health care directive that is right for you.
We are happy to work with you and your advisor(s) to answer any questions that you have. Please call Lisa Marie Gerondeau at 973-777-8818 ext. 290 or email at lmgerondeau@patersondiocese.org.
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