The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) reminds us that, “Death is the end of earthly life,” and that “remembering our mortality helps us to realize that we have only a limited time in which to bring our lives to fulfillment.” (CCC #1007) For people of faith, death is above all else a religious experience by which we come face to face with our Creator, from Whom our life originated. Because of the profound significance of that moment, “the Church encourages us to prepare ourselves for the hour of our death.” (CCC #1014)
There are many ways in which we can prepare for death. We do so spiritually by living each day as if it were our last, in a manner that reflects our readiness to go before God to be judged. Since we “know not the day nor the hour,” as Scripture says, we should live holy lives so that we are ready at any moment to be called to eternity.

We can also prepare for death in very practical ways - by having a will, by making decisions now that will benefit our loved ones when we are gravely ill or gone, and by making our final arrangements ahead of time so that our families are not burdened by those tasks at a very difficult and emotional time.

Planning together as a couple or family not only acknowledges smart and thoughtful preparation, it is an act of faith illustrating that we are destined for God in our eternal life thereafter. CCA offers a variety of planning options to meet every need.