April 29, 2026

By New York State
Catholic Conference

With physician-assisted suicide set to be legalized in New York State this summer, the Catholic Bishops of New York State have released a revised and updated edition of their teaching booklet Now and at the Hour of Our Death: A Catholic Guide to End-of-Life Decision-Making.

The first half of the eight-page booklet, published by the New York State Catholic Conference, summarizes Church teaching on various end-of-life issues, including assisted suicide and euthanasia, ordinary vs. extraordinary treatment, and what is required regarding artificial nutrition and hydration. The second half outlines legal options for advance planning available in New York State. It is intended as a guide to help Catholics navigate difficult issues and decisions that face every family eventually.

“The original edition of the booklet has been extremely popular for more than 15 years,” said Dennis Poust, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference. “Our hope is that many thousands more Catholics in the years to come will find Now and at the Hour of Our Death to be a useful guide in what is by nature a very stressful time. We urge Catholics to read the booklet and familiarize themselves with Catholic teaching on these issues and the options available in New York now, before they or their loved ones are facing a health crisis.”

In the revised booklet, the Bishops continue to recommend the healthcare proxy as “the most morally appropriate advance care planning tool in New York State.” A New York State Department of Health healthcare proxy template can be downloaded at www.nyscatholic.org/healthcare-proxy-form. The NYS Catholic Conference booklet suggests sample language Catholics may wish to use in their proxy forms.

Now and at the Hour of Our Death is available for free as a digital download at www.nyscatholic.org/now-and-at-the-hour-of-our-death. Individual hardcopy booklets are available free of charge. Bulk purchases are 50 cents per copy for up to 50 copies, and 34 cents per copy for amounts above 50 copies. Email info@nyscatholic.org or call 518.434.6195.