Dying with Christ – Living with Hope Launch
This September, CMDA Canada officially launched the Dying with Christ – Living with Hope Series. This series was made possible by a generous donation and the support of CMDA Canada. It is designed for use by CMDA Canada members, but also Churches and individual Christians. Our sincere thanks to the presenters who make this series possible by sharing their time and expertise with us. Their contribution was invaluable! In August, we ran special previews both in person and online and the early reviews have been very positive. If you would like to host the Dying with Christ – Living with Hope Series, contact Stéphanie Potter at communications@cmdacanada.org.
We ask each participating Church to make a donation to CMDA Canada to help defray the costs of the program and to promote it. We recommend $10.00 per participant as a suggested donation. This can be coordinated with our Finance and Administration Manager (office@cmdacanada.org; 1-888-256-8653) or by donating below. Donations to your Church can then be collected to defray the cost of the program and your other expenses.
How can ministries, organizations, and families benefit from the use of the Dying with Christ – Living with Hope Series?
The Dying with Christ – Living with Hope Series is designed to be presented to a group in three 2-hour sessions. It consists of three videos and a workbook which help guide the group through discussion, presentation, and individual reflection. It gives participants a clear idea of the Christian view of death and what Christians can do to accompany others during the dying process. A section on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) explains why MAiD is incompatible with Christian belief. Since death is inevitable, this resource provides participants with the means to discuss death with loved ones and to support others.
Suffering takes on many forms for humanity. Considering the Christian duty to love amidst suffering, can you share some practical ways we can show love during times of suffering?
One of the goals of the Dying with Christ – Living with Hope Series is to remind us of our duty to care for one another. That care can be medical, spiritual, or practical. As a Church, we can support families and individuals going through the dying process through prayer, accompaniment, and listening and through acts of kindness like preparing meals, offering respite care, offering help around the house, and providing financial support for unexpected expenses. There is also a role for the Church to advocate for services and supports for people who are vulnerable in Canadian society.
What does the Dying with Christ – Living with Hope Series say about palliative care?
Palliative care specialists are skilled in providing comfort and pain control at the end of life. They are also experts in counselling patients in ways that help them deal with fears and concerns that inevitably arise through this process. Palliative care deals with the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. It helps patients feel less alone and acknowledges their dignity.
What was one of the highlights while creating the video/written resource for the Dying with Christ – Living with Hope Series series?
The Dying with Christ – Living with Hope Series is a resource developed with voices from various backgrounds and Christian communities. The highlight was filming each of these voices independently and seeing how the Holy Spirit created a coherent and consistent message among all the voices together.
For Christians unaware of MAID, can you give a simplified explanation of Medical Assistance in Dying?
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) is the process of intentionally taking the life of a patient through lethal injection with their consent. Canadian law allows this for patients with a terminal diagnosis, as well as patients with disabilities, and, in March 2024, mental health concerns.
It is so helpful to hear the Christian view of death, especially since we are continually bombarded with the 
secular view. Speaking with others who have experienced death of a loved one, it was helpful and informative.
What kind of encouragement would you give to someone who is walking alongside a loved one who is suffering today?
You need to remember that what you are doing is caring for Christ, because He identifies with those who are sick, suffering, and vulnerable.
Reviews for the Dying with Christ – Living with Hope Series
It is so helpful to hear the Christian view of death, especially since we are continually bombarded with the secular view. Speaking with others who have experienced the death of a loved one, it was helpful and informative.
Education, education, education! So helpful in understanding the truths about death and dying and dispelling pre-conceived notions.
A beautiful overview of death and dying with faith. An encouraging course to consider and discuss my views and Christian teachings on death and dying, MAiD and palliative care.