Comfort in Suffering: Christian Care for the Sick and Dying

Let one of America’s foremost liturgical scholars lead you to a deeper understanding of Catholic beliefs about mortality. If you are a pastor, or if someone in your life is sick or dying, this powerful course is for you.

Over the course of our lives, we all suffer from serious illnesses. We all mourn the losses of loved ones. We all, at the end, confront death. Despite its certainty, many regard mortality with fear and try to avoid these events.

The Catholic Church instead faces this reality with hope, assuring us of our final destiny: to live with God forever. Comfort in Suffering: Catholic Care for the Sick and Dying will enrich your faith and your understanding of human sickness, the process of dying, and the need to grieve in liturgical moments.

The Church addresses these events through rituals: anointing the sick, giving Communion as Viaticum, and burying the dead with dignity. To understand the power of these traditions, you will explore their scriptural roots, looking at Jesus’ healing ministry. You will see how the Catholic Church continued this ministry from its earliest days through Vatican II.

Next, you will explore Catholic teachings about the care of the sick and dying, considering our rich variety of prayers. Finally, you will look at practical ways to prepare for these sacramental moments.

Discover the full depths of our holy rituals in this powerful course.

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