By David Karas | Correspondent

It is one of the most difficult things to talk about.

Broaching the topic of end-of-life decisions and preparations is a challenge for loved ones, but an annual program being held this month seeks to offer support.

The ninth annual “Now and at the Hour of our Death” workshop, presented by Via Lucis – the Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice Ministry for Catholic Patients & Families – in collaboration with the Dioceses of Trenton and Camden, provides attendees with a Catholic perspective on the “taboo topic.”

“If you don’t consider these issues and engage in these conversations now, someone else may do it for you, later – someone who may not know your own preferences, or what your Catholic faith teaches,” said Deanna Sass, director of the diocesan Department of Pastoral Care.

The evening program will be held Oct. 23, from 5 to 9 p.m. in St. John of God Community Services Campus, located at 1145 Delsea Drive, Westville. The program will begin with dinner and fellowship, followed by the program and closing with remarks and a prayer ritual.

The program will utilize portions of the award-winning documentary, “Consider the Conversation: A documentary on a taboo subject,” with a Catholic focus. Organizers have shared their hopes that the program will “jump start meaningful conversations” on the topic among couples, caregivers, healthcare professionals, families and ministers.

“Conversations about end of life are one of the most difficult things for most people to talk about,” said Christine Corti, marketing coordinator for Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice, who added that such conversations can bring a great deal of peace to families and loved ones. “Discussing end-of-life wishes gives loved ones a gift of understanding that will bring them peace, makes tough decisions easier, and helps ensure a quiet, peaceful death.”

Corti said that attendees should expect fellowship, conversation and inspiration to act on what they have discussed.

The workshop cost is $15 per person in advance – with registration options by mail and online – and $20 at the door. Registration fees cover a light dinner. Nurses, chaplains, social workers and funeral directors can receive continuing education credits upon completion.

The program will include five segments, including both video segments and a discussion facilitated by an expert panel. Segments focus on everything from discussing the realities of grappling with a life-threatening illness to striking the balance between hoping and planning. Discussions will also touch on quality of life concerns as well as the various spiritual and emotional needs of someone who might be close to passing away.

Sass said that the program will be useful not only for family members and loved ones, but for professionals as well.

“With more professionals aware of the Catholic advance directives, it is more likely that more Catholics will have the opportunity to complete them prior to an incident which may render them unable to make decisions,” she said.

Sass discussed the deep connections that such processes have with the Catholic faith, and spoke about the mission of the Diocese of Trenton and its parishes to encourage such discussions to take place.

“We must encourage our families to have these kinds of conversations with our aging relatives, in a hope-filled and informed manner,” she said. “This conference will contribute greatly towards helping folks become more informed about these teachings, and the hope that is intrinsic to our Christian faith.”

Visit Samaritannj.org/via-lucis-workshop for more information and to register online.

Panelists to offer insights, facilitate discussion at the 2015 Via Lucis conference include the following: 

Marianne Holler, DO, MSW, Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice – Dr. Holler presently serves as a hospice and palliative physician, with a background as a social worker and an osteopathic physician. She previously taught and practices medicine in several medical centers.

Susan Cedrone, MSW, LCSW, Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice – Before coming to Samaritan, Cedrone served as a medical social worker. She has a background in social work and spent several years as director of admissions for a rehabilitation hospital.

Chaplain Elizabeth Warner, MS, BCC, Samaritan Healthcare& Hospice – Certified by the National Association for Catholic Chaplains, Warren has served in Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice since 2005. She has held posts in a number of hospitals and healthcare centers, and remains active in her parish.

Father Joseph Monahan, TOR, Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center – Father Monahan serves as director of the Pastoral Care Department of Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, where he also serves on the Bioethics Committee. With 25 years of experience in Catholic health care, he has worked in various hospitals and served as a hospital chaplain.

Brother Thomas Osorio, OH, St. John of God Community Services – Brother Thomas is a member of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, an international Religious Order in the Roman Catholic Church dedicated to serving the sick in more than 50 countries. He is a nurse with experience serving the needs of the elderly, the disabled and those with mental illness.

Facilitator: Carol Paprocki, MA, Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice