No one likes to think about death and many are not ready for it, either as the patient or a loved one. And yet, the dying process is oftentimes marked by an array of diverse and confusing questions that can catch anyone off guard.
What are we supposed to do?
We Are the Lord's is a succinct, quick-reference guide to difficult end-of-life questions, framed by divine wisdom and Church teaching. Its easy-to-read chapters and question-and-answer format can be a welcomed help to any person or family who are searching for answers during a difficult and traumatic time.
We Are the Lord’s answers such questions as:
- What's the difference between medical care and medical treatment?
- Are pain medications okay? How much is too much?
- What should I do if my loved one refuses to eat or drink?
- When is it okay to suspend nutrition and hydration?
- What to do if medical personnel pressure you to accept treatment that you feel is not morally acceptable?
- Is a breathing tube considered “extraordinary care”?
- Is a breathing tube morally different from a feeding tube?
- How do I know when it’s okay to let go and stop treatment of my loved one?
- How to handle challenging situations concerning DNR (“do not resuscitate”).
- How do I handle the guilt of making a decision that ended a person’s life?
- …and more
This book is an invaluable resource for direct and focused responses to some of life’s most difficult and painful questions. It straightforwardly addresses end-of-life questions, such as the gift of life, redemptive suffering, judgment, and the hope of eternal life, as well as how to properly understand the Catholic Funeral Mass.
Whether as a preparation for a future journey or as an immediate guide for you now, We Are the Lord's is available and ready to help.
Father Jeffrey Kirby is the Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Indian Land, South Carolina. He serves as an Adjunct Professor of Theology at Belmont Abbey College. He has authored several books, including Be Not Troubled: A 6-Day Personal Retreat with Father Jean-Pierre De Caussade, Lord, Teach Us to Pray, and Kingdom of Happiness: Living the Beatitudes in Everyday Life.
Father Kirby holds a doctorate in moral theology from the Holy Cross University in Rome, a Master of Arts in Philosophy and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the Franciscan University of Steubenville.
In 2016, Father Kirby was recognized for his service to local communities and young adults throughout South Carolina by then- Governor Nikki Haley with the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.
Working with St. Benedict Press and Catholic Scripture Study International, Father Kirby was the Host of the award-winning program Doors of Mercy and was one of the co- instructors of the programs, Luke: The Gospel of Mercy and Jesus Revealed. He is the Host of the program Kingdom of Happiness.
Father Kirby is a Senior Contributor for the news site Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse. For more information on Father Kirby, please visit frkirby.com, or follow him on Twitter @fatherkirby.
