God Is Still With You: A Catholic Guide to Medical Aid in Dying (MAID): Facing the End with Grace: A Teaching Handout for Patients, Families, and Care

God Is Still With You: A Catholic Guide to Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) Facing the End with Grace - A Teaching Booklet for Patients, Families, and Care Teams By Father Chris Bashaw, OFJ In the face of terminal illness, Catholic patients and their loved ones often wrestle with deep moral and spiritual questions-especially around Medical Aid in Dying (MAID), also known as Death with Dignity. This compassionate, theologically grounded guide offers clarity, comfort, and support for those navigating one of life’s most sacred thresholds. God Is Still With You explores MAID through the lens of Catholic doctrine, Scripture, and pastoral care, acknowledging the emotional, ethical, and spiritual complexity of end-of-life decisions. With sections on biblical perspectives, Church teachings, the nature of the soul, and God’s enduring mercy, this booklet invites honest reflection and prayerful discernment-without judgment. Written for patients, families, chaplains, and care teams, this guide: - Explains the legal and ethical context of MAID in Maine, New Hampshire, and the U.S. - Examines key biblical stories and Catholic teachings that speak to suffering, conscience, and dignity - Addresses common fears about sin, judgment, and the soul’s fate - Offers practical resources, spiritual practices, and pastoral questions for discernment Whether you are considering MAID, supporting a loved one, or ministering to the dying, this guide reminds us: God’s love never departs-even at the edge of life. Includes resources, reflection questions, and a gentle theological approach rooted in mercy.