What Happens When We Die?
At the moment of his or her death, the soul, separated from the body, goes immediately before Christ to receive their Particular Judgment.
Don't I get a "last crack" at accepting God's Mercy after I die?
No. The Church teaches infallibly that Judgment is immediate. Our time to choose God's Mercy is limited to this life. Many, unfortunately, believe instead they will surely have an opportunity at the last moment in this life, however, no one knows the day, hour, or minute they will be called from this world. Prudence dictates we should never assume death will not be sudden.
What Is "Particular Judgment"?
The Particular Judgment refers to you, and you alone, at the moment of your death, as opposed to the General Judgment.
What is the "General Judgment"?
The General Judgment takes place at the end of time, when every soul who has ever lived is re-united with their body, through resurrection, to receive public judgment before God, the Saints, and their fellow man.