A Dictionary of Patients' Spiritual & Cultural Values for Health Care ...
A Dictionary of Patients' Spiritual & Cultural Values for Health Care ...
A Dictionary of Patients' Spiritual & Cultural Values for Health Care ...
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Roman Catholicism* Roman Catholicism is the largest group in the USBeliefsDaily practicesDying and deathFacilitatingpracticesFood<strong>Health</strong>Holy days andfestivalsStrong tradition <strong>of</strong> liturgy (ceremony)Emphasis on practices (usually termed, sacraments), including: baptism,Eucharist, prayers <strong>for</strong> the sick, holy orders, marriage, confirmation andconfession/penanceDedication to creeds (<strong>for</strong>mulated statements <strong>of</strong> beliefs)Belief in Apostolic succession in leadership, meaning leaders should bemale successors <strong>of</strong> the original apostles <strong>of</strong> JesusPrayers at table, bedside and other timesMay desire daily Eucharist or attendance at MassUse <strong>of</strong> sacramentals or aids in the spiritual life, such as rosary beads/prayer,holy images, candles, etc.Belief in life after deathPersons experiencing grave suffering and/or approaching death are usuallyencouraged to pin their suffering to that <strong>of</strong> Christ’s.Sacrament <strong>of</strong> the Anointing <strong>of</strong> the Sick very important <strong>for</strong> the seriously ill,frail and elderly. Used to be called Last Rites.Autopsy and Organ Donation acceptableBody to be treated with respectWakes encouraged- usually in a funeral home the day be<strong>for</strong>e the funeral.Funeral Mass is the norm but can be replaced with a funeral version <strong>of</strong>Liturgy <strong>of</strong> the Word.Graveside service is also typicalAsk patient and family about preferred practicesAsk about rituals and needs such as Eucharist/Communion or anointingProvide <strong>for</strong> privacy as neededTraditional Catholics may fast and/or ask <strong>for</strong> sacramental confession priorto receiving Eucharist and may wish to avoid meat on Fridays, especiallyduring season <strong>of</strong> Lent; <strong>of</strong>fer to provide fish insteadNo general dietary restrictions.Blood and blood products acceptableMay wish major amputated limb to be buried in consecrated groundSacrament <strong>of</strong> the Sick (anointing by a priest) may be very importantMay believe suffering is ‚part <strong>of</strong> one’s fate‛ or punishment from GodTraditional Christian holidays as well as observance <strong>of</strong> special holy dayswhen attendance at Mass is viewed as an obligation.Holidays such as Christmas and Easter are celebrated as a season, not only18
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