All
Saints' Support: Living with a Terminal Diagnosis
The
Christian view, empowered by faith in the Resurrection, is that life
is precious
and limited.
At All Saints', we like to think that life is to be lived to
its fullest, perhaps especially in the face of any diagnosis of a
terminal illness. We can offer fellowship that will focus on helping
you live.
Our parish started Ottawa's hospice twenty years ago. It
began as The Hospice of
All Saints, an explicitly Christian outreach to help the
dying to live and cherish every moment. The hospice has grown into a
larger and more secular version, becoming The Hospice at May Court
some ten years ago. This history still enriches our attitudes
towards supporting those facing a terminal diagnosis, and towards
supporting their families and their friends.
Prayers
All, for
whom prayers are requested, are explicitly included in the weekly
prayers of the
people. Normally, personal details are not included
are included in these public prayers. Prayers concerning specific
personal details can be arranged within a circle of the desired extent.
Prayer support can be arranged through the church office and the
clergy. Special blessings can be had at the altar rail during
communion, or after the service with annointing and laying on of hands
- which may include a wide circle of parishoners.
Prayer
requests for particular individuals can be written on a
slip of paper and added to the prayer request box at the back of the
church (see picture at right). These names are mentioned in
the prayers of the
people in our service of worship. We try to err on the side of
confidentiality, so usually first names only will be used, without
personal details.
Visiting
When appropriate, you can be
visitied and brought holy communion by the All Saints' pastoral care
team. This special support is in addition to the natural program of visits by
friends.
At need, visits can be coordinated to support not only the
sick, but also to support the primary care givers.
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