Last Things First

Last Things First shows how taking a realistic look at death can help you focus on life. How overcoming your natural fear about what happens then can encourage you to make better choices now.

Here is what the Church teaches about:

• The "last things": death, judgment, heaven, and hell
• The Communion of Saints and prayers for -- and by -- the dead
• The resurrection of all bodies -- including yours and your loved ones.

Understand the particulars about the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, about the Catholic funeral liturgy, and about the transition between this temporal life and the eternal life to come.

Regis Flaherty is the director of The Gilmary Center, a Catholic retreat center in western Pennsylvania. He has 30 years of experience in working with Catholic organizations. Along with numerous articles in national and diocesan publications, Regis’ book credits include Catholic for a Reason III: Scripture and the Mystery of the Mass, The World’s First Christmas, Catholic Customs: a Fresh Look at Traditional Practices, and Last Things First. Regis resides in Pittsburgh with his wife, Libby, and chidren.