I. Opening Prayer
Jesus Christ, our brother,
helps us to serve those who are very sick
give us the joy to visit the elderly
help us to remember that
no matter how young or old a person is
we are called to love them and make them
a part of our community.
Please take care of all of those who are sick or are
close to death by giving them peace and happiness
in this time of sadness.

Amen.
(Prayer for the sick and dying)

II. Scripture
Gospel from 5th Sunday of Lent – Lazarus is raised from the dead

III. Catechesis Video Questions

K-6 grade

1. Sometimes older people are forgotten about, especially when they are sick. What kind of lessons can we learn from this video on how we treat the elderly?
2. Even though older people cannot always do everything they once did when they were younger they still enjoy many things, especially company. What are ways that you can help people who are in nursing homes or are elderly so they know that you care about them?
3. Have you ever experienced the suffering or death of someone you loved? Were they in pain? How did you feel about this?

Domestic Church – the family

1. Are your parents/grandparents or other relatives or friends suffering from physical ailments? Do they suffer from depression? What can you do to journey with them through their suffering?
2. Do you know what hospice is? Has your family known somebody who was or is currently on hospice?
3. How can your family help people who are sick and may die from their sickeness?

IV. Witness Video Questions

K-6 grade

1. Mother Theresa cared for the very sick in India and her religious order spread across the world to help others who are sick. What do you think about the work she did for the sick and poor?
2. How can you be like Mother Theresa in your life?

Domestic Church – the family

1. Did you know about Mother Theresa and the work she did for the poor and sick in India and around the world?
2. What do you think is the most interesting thing about Mother Theresa?
3. How did she live her Catholic faith while helping people?

V. Action Steps

K-6 grade

1. Visit a nursing home and get to know the lives of the people who live there.
2. Make holiday cards for people who are sick or dying to let them know that you are thinking and praying for them.
3. Visit an elderly member of your parish.

Domestic Church – the family

1. Visit a nursing home and get to know the lives of the people who live there.
2. Make holiday cards for people who are sick or dying to let them know that you are thinking and praying for them.
3. Visit an elderly member of your parish and check in on them regularly.

For whom should we pray for that is facing a terminal diagnosis?

VI. Closing prayer
Hail Mary, Full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed are thou among women
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen

Additional Resources for Session Leader:

Catechism 2276-2283;

Compendium 155;

USCCB page on Physician Assisted Suicide

Archdiocesan page on End of Life issues