Intercession: May those near the end of their lives receive medical care that respects their dignity and protects their lives.

Prayers: Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection: When Maggie's active father suffered an accident that eventually led to his passing, he taught her that pain and loss of autonomy doesn't diminish our human dignity, and that life—however much is left—is worth living.

As a 50-year-old wife and mother of three, Maggie needed this message when she was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Instead of giving up hope, she embraced her father's legacy: "[M]y life is, always has been, and always will be, worth living."

Meet Maggie in a 3-minute video (www.goo.gl/SGF7rP), and read the brief article it inspired: "Maggie's Story: Living like Dad" (www.usccb.org/maggies-story).

Acts of Reparation (choose one):

• Pray a decade of the Rosary (www.usccb.org/rosary) for your deceased friends and family, as well as those who have no one to pray for them.
  
  
• We look forward to eternal life by preparing now, in hope, for our passage from this life to the next. Spend some time prayerfully reflecting on "Catholic Considerations for Our Earthly Passing" (www.usccb.org/end-of-life-considerations). Several considerations are given as starting points for understanding and preparing for our earthly passing in a way that respects God's gift of human life.
  
  
• Read and reflect upon "Caring for Loved Ones at Life's End" (www.usccb.org/endoflifecare). Ten suggestions anchored in unconditional respect for human life help readers know how to provide authentically compassionate care. (Supplemental information: www.goo.gl/Ji3n35)

One Step Further: Proponents of doctor-assisted suicide try to draw a sharp (and tragic) distinction between those with a mental illness who want to end their lives and those already nearing death who express the same wish. Although polls indicate the public is receptive to the general concept of assisted suicide, when people understand the associated dangers, they are less likely to support the practice.

Learn seven compelling reasons you can share for opposing assisted suicide: "Top Reasons to Oppose Assisted Suicide" (www.usccb.org/reasons-against-assisted-suicide).

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