Ministry of Care and Companionship

We follow the example of Jesus and Mary
as we care for the sick and comfort the dying.

As Catholics we are Christian disciples committed to follow the way of the Lord whose response to suffering was to provide care! As Christ healed the sick and broken-hearted with his acts of compassion, our present Christian response to suffering must be in keeping with Christ’s actions by transforming suffering with meaning. When there is no meaning to suffering, that is when it is only pain, and of course people become afraid, angry and depressed. But where there is meaning, because there is love and proper care, in a community of support, suffering can become sacrifice! Sacrifice, in our Christian perspective, is not just another word for ‘put up with’. It literally means, from its Latin root, to make something ‘sacred’. Archbishop Anthony Mancini June 5, 2016 Letter to the Faithful.

Death of St. Joseph

Stain Glass Window, St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, Halifax, NS

An evangelizing community knows that the Lord has taken the initiative, he has loved us first. It has an endless desire to show mercy, the fruit of its own experience of the power of the Father’s infinite mercy. Let us try a little harder to take the first step and to become involved. The Lord gets involved and he involves his own, as he kneels to wash their feet. An evangelizing community gets involved by word and deed in people’s daily lives; it bridges distances, it is willing to abase itself if necessary and it embraces human life, touching the suffering flesh of Christ in others. An evangelizing community is also supportive, standing by people at every step of the way, no matter how difficult or lengthy this may prove to be. Pope Francis 2013 Evangelii Gaudium, The Joy of the Gospel. #24.

Dying with Christ, Living with Hope

If I Choose MAiD Can I Still Have a Catholic Funeral?

The decision to die by euthanasia is contrary to the mission of Jesus Christ who came “that they might have life”. (Jn.10:10) While our culture would have us believe that euthanasia is a loving act that ends suffering, it is not what God wills for them. The world will be a much more impoverished place without their presence. We all grow in charity through our care for the most vulnerable.

For more information and reflections on MAiD and its impact CLICK HERE

How Can I Help Someone Considering MAiD?

If someone wants to die by euthanasia, how can we respond to help them choose life? First, we need to listen. Careful listening will help them feel safe to share their innermost thoughts about what led them to this conclusion. We need to help them vocalize their suffering. This requires vulnerability and great trust. Once they are honest about their true feelings, they may be willing to undertake some brainstorming about other ways to deal with the feelings that are at the root of their decision. A commitment to accompany the person through whatever they face can give them the courage to live through their dying process.

Dying with Christ – Living with Hope

The Christian Medical and Dental Association – Canada (CMDA) will host another series of it’s Dying with Christ, Living with Hope sessions this winter. The two options for the sessions are: