The Caring for the Whole Person Initiative is a collaborative project of the California Catholic Bishops and Catholic Health Systems which seeks to ensure that parishioners and patients are accompanied, loved and supported in their serious illness and end-of-life journey. To that end the Initiative will provide each Parish with tools, resources, guidance, training and other supports to implement Whole Person Care.
Catholic Moral Teaching on End-of-Life
To start a Whole Person Care ministry or host a learning series at your parish, contact: rfreeman@rcbo.org
Advance Care Planning
Expressing your healthcare wishes and completing an Advance Directive.
Guided by Grace
In Guided by Grace, estate planning attorney and mother, Laura Meier, provides Catholic families groundbreaking guidance for creating a family estate plan that goes well beyond just the legal and practical considerations.
What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
OC Catholic Cemeteries
Things to know about Catholic burials and funeral planning.
Spiritual Support for Illness and End-of-Life
Anointing of the Sick
The Rite of Anointing tells us there is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive the Sacrament. A careful judgment about the serious nature of the illness is sufficient.
When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the hoped-for effect is that, if it be God’s will, the person be physically healed of illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit’s gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age.
-from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults | en español
Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick and Homebound
These Eucharistic Minsters take Communion, Sunday bulletins, and the encouragement of community to the elderly, sick and housebound. Ministers visit the local nursing homes as well. To request for Communion to be brought to you or a family member who is sick or housebound, please contact your parish office.
Visitation Ministries
The following parishes offer visitor ministries to senior and housebound parishioners. They offer listening ears, understanding hearts, and the presence and friendship of the parish community. More information is linked below by location or contact the respective parish office for more information.
- Santiago de Compostela (Lake Forest)
- Helping chronically sick and caregivers to share, support, and pray for each other. Contact: Merly Gorospe (949) 584-2798 gorospe@icloud.com or Edith Rosales (949) 350-3824 edithrosalesrdh@gmail.com
- A parish initiative to bring Christ’s Presence and Hope to those who are coping with chronic illnesses and end stage conditions. We listen, support, encourage and pray with them, with their families and caregivers. Friendly home visit can also be requested by calling the parish office. Contact us – emmanuelministry@gmail.com
- Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano Friendly Visitors
- Contact: 949-234-1391 cpuga@missionparish.org
- St. Irenaeus Care Facilities Ministry (Cypress)
- Contact: 714-826-0760 healthministry@sticypress.org
- St. Martin de Porres
- Contact: Mary Coulter homevisitsmdpyl.org
- Contact: Mary Coulter homevisitsmdpyl.org
For Those Who Work or Are Interested in Working in Healthcare
Senior Support
Provides companionship and in-home care services to help seniors stay independent in their homes. Our unique program matches mature adults who want to help with seniors who are in need of help. Chapters throughout Orange County and the nation. Multilingual support available.
Contact: Danielle and Chris Tuason (657)608- CARE (2273) seniorcare@shsorange.com
Senior Care Referral Specialists
For free assistance finding independent living communities, in-home care services, assisted living communities, residential board & care homes, dementia/Alzheimer’s Care, and other community resources, contact Sharon Holmes, Eldercare Consultant, at 714-955-4781
Saint Francis Home
The St. Francis Home is a home for senior women since 1944, located in the heart of Santa Ana and run by the Franciscan Sisters. Open to Catholic and non-Catholic residents.
1718 W. 6th Street Santa Ana, CA 92703
(714) 542-0381 stfrancishome@sbcglobal.net Office Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
http://www.st-francis-home.org/
OC Navigator local community resources and support by topic (Available in all Languages)
Caregiving
Caregiver support group at St. Timothy Parish, Laguna Niguel
for those caring for a loved one with any type of illness, beginning October 16, 2025
Meetings take place the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 9:30-11am
Contact the Parish: (949) 249-4091
Spiritual support for the Catholic caregiver and persons with chronic illness or pain.
Our mission is to support and empower caregivers through the gift of faith.
Family Caregiver Resource Center
Sponsored by St. Jude Medical Center, the Family Caregiver Resource Center helps Orange County families who are coping with the physical, emotional, and financial responsibilities of caregiving. Support Groups and free resources available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and interpreter services can help with other languages as well.
(800)543-8312 or (714)446-5030
Alzheimer’s OC Caregiver Support Resources
Magnificare Caregiver Staffing Solutions
Magnificare LLC is a values-driven home care organization with a mission and philosophy in mind to always be family-oriented. We believe in the true meaning of the word “care”. We care about building relationships with our clients and their families. We care about nurturing respect between our clients and their caregivers. We ensure that freedom of choice, individuality, and dignity remain firmly in the hands of those we care for. We understand that being able to stay in your own home can make a huge difference to your mental and physical well-being. We believe that you are the expert in knowing what is best for your lifestyle and will work closely with you and your family members to provide reliable, tailored care enabling you to live the best life that you can. Ryan Mendoza (949)300-6740 ryan@magnificare.net
Reading Resources
Book: “Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Illness & Pain” by: Maureen Pratt
(available in Christ Cathedral Book Store or online) https://www.maureenpratt.com/
Book: “The Peace with Dementia Rosary: Education, Intentions, Community”
Contact officeforfamilylife@rcbo.org to order a copy for $12
from Catholic Aging: A Ministry for Aging and Cognitive Impairment