In an effort to offer assistance involving end of life issues, the New York State Catholic Conference has produced a high-definition video and a brand new website (www.catholicendoflife.org) entitled “Now and at the Hour of Our Death” that tackles many of the common questions and concerns, offers clarity and compassion and serves as an education resource for Catholics nationwide.

“Catholic Church teachings regarding the end of life are not black and white; rather they are shades of gray,” said Kathleen M. Gallagher, director of pro-life activities for the Catholic Conference.

“There is no one-size-fits-all response. Each case is different. What the video and website attempt to do is, not so much give answers, but help Catholics to ask the right questions.” Funded by a $25,000 grant from Our Sunday Visitor, the website and video grew out of a booklet produced by the Conference, also titled “Now and at the Hour of Our Death.”

“The demand for the booklet is unlike anything we have ever produced at the Conference,” Gallagher said. “We knew there was a need to be met, but did not fully grasp how great that need was until we saw the reaction to the booklet. And when we looked around the country, we realized that the resources didn’t exist in any one place.”

The 8:30-minute video is available directly on the website, as well as on the Catholic Conference channel on YouTube.