Catholics Prepare for the Future With “The Conversation”

The Conversation: A Catholic Perspective on End-of-Life Issues

In 2017, the Roman Catholic Foundation began offering a new educational seminar designed to help Catholics prepare for the future in accordance with their faith. Since then, The Conversation has helped more than 700 local Catholics understand Church teaching on many of the issues that arise at the end of life, allowing them to give the priceless gift of planning to their families. The Conversation consistently draws crowds of 100+, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Catholics everywhere seem to be eager for knowledge on the important issues surrounding the end of life.

Topics Covered at The Conversation

• Principles of Catholic Bioethics
  Includes discussion of ordinary and extraordinary means of preserving life and quality of life and the dignity of the human person
• Advance Directives & Estate Planning
  Offers details on avoiding probate, asset titling and more
• Charitable Gift Planning
  Provides ideas on how to sustain local Catholic ministries for future generations
• Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Planning
  Includes discussion of pastoral care of the sick and dying and anatomical donation and cremation

“So pleased I attended.”
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque parishioner

“The priest presenters were spectacular!”
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne parishioner

“Enjoyed the entire presentation.”
St. Joseph (Neier) parishioner

The Effect on the Catholic Community

Parishioners are not the only ones who are enthusiastic about The Conversation. Many pastors are also excited about the seminar as a new resource for the faith community. Msgr. Ted Wojcicki, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Dardenne Prairie, called the The Conversation “a home run” and recently hosted the seminar at his own parish. One Conversation at a time, our Catholic community is becoming better prepared to plan for the future in accordance with Church teaching.

To date, The Conversation has been offered in the following deaneries: St. Charles, South City, West County, Washington, South County and North County. If your parish or Catholic ministry is interested in hosting The Conversation, please contact us. To see a list of upcoming seminar dates and locations or to register to attend, please visit The Conversation.