Issues of spirituality are paramount for many people as they face the end of their life or the life of someone they love. As humans, we are multi-dimensional, comprised of body, mind, intellect, and spirit. At different points in life, some aspects assume greater priority and meaning. As you face the transition of death, you may experience changes in your awareness of and attention to your spirituality.

Spirituality can be described as making meaning of one's relationship with self, others, the world, and, for many, with God. Spiritual issues may include questions about meaningfulness and purpose in one's life that may encompass relationships, work, and other activities. Some people feel the need to reconcile with themselves, with others, or with God - to set relationships right. Some people experience fear¾ of the unknown, of being alone, of not having necessary resources, or of loss of independence and physical abilities.

Issues of spirituality surround the notion of a "good death." A good death is generally one that is in keeping with the beliefs, values, and wishes of yourself and your loved ones and one in which pain and distressing symptoms are controlled.

There are many resources to help tap into a sense of spirituality, that help connect one's self and the world. These may include music, poetry, art, nature, rituals, or prayer. For many people, spirituality includes, or is shaped by, religious beliefs. If you identify with a particular religious tradition, the practices of your faith may be especially important when dealing with end of life issues.

Guidance or support from clergy, chaplains, spiritual counselors, or others specifically prepared to attend to spiritual care, who have an understanding of how to work with questions about God, suffering, faith, hope, and despair, may be extremely valuable. Goals of spiritual care generally include developing an understanding of beliefs and wishes for care at the end of life; developing a sense of having lived a meaningful or good life; and experiencing an end of life that includes joy and has minimal pain or suffering. Spiritual care also extends to support for family members and other loved ones during this time and during bereavement following the death.

For many people, religious organizations can be an important resource when dealing with end of life issues. The following is a list of resources in Massachusetts that may be helpful.

For other information and resources:
	Buddhism Clear Light Society P.O. Box 304 Stockbridge, MA 01262 Phone: 413-298-4446 website: www.clearlightsociety.org
	Catholicism In Support of Life, End of Life Education: A Roman Catholic Initiative Massachusetts Catholic Conference West End Place 150 Staniford Street, Suite 5 Boston, MA 02114-2511 Contact: Maria Parker Phone: 617-367-6060 Fax: 617-367-2767 website: www.macathconf.org/Support.htm Office of Health Care Ministry Archdiocese of Boston 736 Cambridge Street Boston, MA 02135-2997 Contact: Jean Marchant Phone: 617-789-2457 email: Jean_MMarchant@cchcs.org website: www.rcab.org/Healthcare/HomePage.html
	Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons) Boston Mission Office 385 Concord Avenue Belmont, MA 02478 Phone: 617-489-3733
	Islam Islamic Society of Boston 204 Prospect Street Cambridge, MA 02139 Phone: 617-876-3546 Fax: 617-576-6268 email: info@isboston.org website: www.isboston.org Islamic Center of New England 470 South Street Quincy, MA 02169 Phone: 617-479-8341 Fax: 617-471-9522 Muslim Chaplain Brigham and Women's Hospital 75 Francis Street Boston, MA 02115 Contact: Imam Salih Yucel Phone: 617-908-3554 email: syucel@partners.org
	Judaism Jewish Healing Connections Jewish Family and Children's Services 1340 Centre Street Newton Centre, MA 02459 Contact: Marjorie Sokoll Phone: 617-558-1278 email: msokoll@jfcsboston.org Synagogue Council of Massachusetts 1320 Centre Street Newton Centre, MA 02459 Phone: 617-244-6506 Fax: 617-964-7055 email: info@synagoguecouncil.org website: www.synagoguecouncil.org
	Protestant denominations Massachusetts Council of Churches 14 Beacon Street, Suite 416 Boston, Ma 02108-3760 Phone: 617-523-2771 email: council@masscouncilofchurches.org website: www.masscouncilofchurches.org

back to Consumer Information topics list