Testimonials

Testimonials from Ars Moriendi: The Art of Dying Well:

• Just what we needed when we needed it most….What a day- a weight was lifted and I was given the strength and information I needed to begin to prepare my terminally ill parents and myself as their health care agent for the inevitable. I didn’t realize how badly I needed this day, until it was over… Isn’t that just like God? Giving us just what we need when we need it the most... Phil and I learned something from all the sessions but Dr. Mark provided me with information and resources I could use immediately to resolve some very serious issues; as a matter of fact I put a packet of information together for my parents, drove down to Des Moines, and my parents and I spent almost 3 hours going through the information. We’ve already made much progress, and though I am profoundly saddened by their eventual deaths – I am not afraid. Thank you and Blessings, Brenda Atkinson, SJTW parishioner

• Why I am volunteering to be on the committee for Ars Moriendi-Preparing to Die Well, I am staring at my advanced health care directive for the 20th time. My obnoxious Healthcare Provider always asks this old lady if she has signed one yet? No! I have not. I bet half of St Joseph’s parishioners have not either! I know what I believe; I know what experiences I lived through with family and friends. I have seen the pain when many last events in life go different than envisioned by the family. Old or young, there is a time to ponder dying well in an informed and satisfying manner. I believe [the spiritual practice of] Ars Moriendi gives our parish a compressive way to be ready for “a time to live and a time to die”. Yes, and please sing “When the Saints go Marching In” at the end of my funeral Mass- and I need to put that in my plan too! Pat Ruffing, SJTW parishioner

• Your community welcomed me as a seeker! Although I am not a member of St. Joseph The Worker parish, I have always been welcomed as though I am already a valued member. Your welcoming presence in the larger community is a breath of fresh air for seekers like me.

• When I saw a flyer posted in the church titled Ars Moriendi, The Sacred Art of Dying Well, I was intrigued. One thing we are seldom encouraged to do in this world is to “die well”. The medical community and most of society are dedicated to helping us to “live well” which is our culture’s main focus. As a consequence, we expend tremendous energy defying and denying death. Death becomes the enemy in opposition to life. We often fear it and avoid talking about it or planning for the inevitable.
• The community of St. Joseph The Worker is being invited to help us change that “head in the sand” approach to our sacred task of dying well. This community is inviting its members and others, who are interested in a healthier approach to dying, to consider new and renewed choices now available. This community is on the cutting edge of making known to its members an art abandoned for centuries by the Church.

• Member or not, I would like to be a part of this opportunity to help individuals and families be aware of what is available to them with regard to this final stage of their lives. Iam seeking help for me and my family by learning what I can and by putting my choices in writing. By making these plans and discussing them before a crisis arrives, I hope to make the time of my passing a little easier for my loved ones. I can invite them to share their feelings and thoughts on how they would like to be a part of my passing, and I can live and die more peacefully knowing I have given my loved ones that gift. Learning more about the sacred art of dying, Ars Moriendi, at St. Joseph The Worker parish, would be very helpful to me and my family. I think it would be very helpful to anyone willing to participate. I was very impressed by the dedicated speakers who presented topics to consider and a plan to bring them to the parishioners.

• Two choices now available in Minnesota that you may not be aware of are “green” burials and home funerals. These were available prior to the Civil War when embalming became necessary for transporting those killed in battle long distances. Families can be more involved with the funerals and burials of their loved ones, if they choose. There is lots of help available. Check out these and other choices for yourselves.You may be pleasantly surprised.

• Thoughts from Linda Bergh on Ars Moriendi day of reflection:This [Ars Moriendi} event was light-filled - people so conscious about wanting to meet this part of life. This parish has leadership and participation and that was a privilege to be a part of. We enjoyed presenting about Family-directed after death care - the stories and the possibilities and the facts about greening up funerals. Carolyn Laine [Minnesota State Representative] was awesome to work with!