In the Catholic faith, death is the end of earthly life but not of existence. Dying is a part of life, but how do we face the end of our natural life while respecting true dignity, the dignity of a child of God?
Sadly, many have lost a sense of a Catholic approach to death and dying, turning away from natural death surrounded by loved ones and the sacraments. Instead, they have accepted a death-averse culture where we hide the sick and dying away from view, while simultaneously enacting laws that allow physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Dying well is an art, a spiritual preparation that culminates in the trusting surrender to God. Join Father Shenan Boquet, for an insightful and practical presentation exploring how we can accompany those approaching the end-of-life with authentic compassion, courage, and hope. Learn how to navigate difficult end-of-life decisions while respecting the dignity of every human person, providing appropriate care, attending to spiritual needs, and helping loved ones prepare well for death.
Come away better equipped to support those you love and to understand what true death with dignity really means.
Tuesday 15 September
6pm Mass
7pm Presentations
St Thomas More Catholic Church | 17 Gloucester Road | Mount Maunganui

PROGRAMME
| 6:00PM | Holy Mass |
| 7:00PM | Why We Need This Conversation: The New Zealand Context Michelle Kaufman (Family Life International) |
| 7:25PM | Demystifying Death with Dignity Father Shenan J. Boquet (Human Life International) Followed by Q&A session |
| 8:45PM | Supper |
Father Shenan J. Boquet
President of Human Life International
A leading voice in the international pro-life and family movement, Father Boquet has carried the Gospel of Life to over 90 countries and speaks widely on bioethics, human dignity, and the sacredness of life from conception to natural death.

Events

Day of Prayer for Life & Family
Saturday 19 September, 2026
St Michael’s Catholic Church
6 Beatrice Road
Remuera | Auckland

Seminar: Begotten Not Made
Thursday 24 September, 2026
St John Vianney Catholic Church
317 Hillsborough Road
Hillsborough | Auckland

Conference: Hope for the World
Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September, 2026
Friday:
St John Vianney Catholic Church
317 Hillsborough Road
Hillsborough | Auckland
Saturday and Sunday:
Ellerslie Events Centre
100 Ascot Ave
Remuera | Auckland

