We Are the Lords: A Catholic Guide to Difficult End-Of-Life Questions

No one likes to think about death and many are not ready for it, either as the patient or a loved one. And yet, the dying process is oftentimes marked by an array of diverse and confusing questions that can catch anyone off guard.

What are we supposed to do? 

We Are the Lord's is a succinct, quick-reference guide to difficult end-of-life questions, framed by divine wisdom and Church teaching. Its easy-to-read chapters and question-and-answer format can be a welcomed help to any person or family who are searching for answers during a difficult and traumatic time.

We Are the Lord’s answers such questions as:

• What's the difference between medical care and medical treatment?
• Are pain medications okay? How much is too much?
• What should I do if my loved one refuses to eat or drink?
• When is it okay to suspend nutrition and hydration?
• What to do if medical personnel pressure you to accept treatment that you feel is not morally acceptable?
• Is a breathing tube considered “extraordinary care”?
• Is a breathing tube morally different from a feeding tube?
• How do I know when it’s okay to let go and stop treatment of my loved one?
• How to handle challenging situations concerning DNR (“do not resuscitate”).
• How do I handle the guilt of making a decision that ended a person’s life?
• …and more

This book is an invaluable resource for direct and focused responses to some of life’s most difficult and painful questions. It straightforwardly addresses end-of-life questions, such as the gift of life, redemptive suffering, judgment, and the hope of eternal life, as well as how to properly understand the Catholic Funeral Mass.

Whether as a preparation for a future journey or as an immediate guide for you now, We Are the Lord's is available and ready to help.

Fr. Jeffrey Kirby is pastor at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in the Diocese of Charleston in Indian Land, South Carolina. He is the author of several books, including Kingdom of Happiness: Living the Beatitudes in Everyday Life; Doors of Mercy: Exploring God's Covenant with You; and Lord, Teach Us to Pray. He has appeared on EWTN, Salt + Light television, and the BBC, as well as on Catholic radio.

In 2016, in recognition of his widespread service to young adults, he received the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.

Kirby is an adjunct professor of theology at Belmont Abbey College and Pontifex University/Holy Spirit College. He is also a spirituality contributor to Crux and a guest columnist for The Catholic Thing. He served in a number of parish and Catholic school positions in South Carolina. He is a veteran of the Army National Guard, for which he received several ribbons and medals. Kirby also has led retreats for various monasteries and schools of the Visitation Sisters throughout the world.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he also was given the 2017 John King Mussio Award for Faithful Service to the Church. Kirby also earned a bachelor’s degree in sacred theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University. He has a master’s degree in bioethics from the Pontifical Athenaeum Queen of the Apostles in Rome and a licentiate in moral theology from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, where he also earned a doctorate in sacred theology.