In light of the fact that physician assisted death may come into effect in Canada on June 6th, 2016, the Archdiocesan committee on the Ministry For Care and Companionship has prepared a brief questions and answer document explaining physician assisted suicide and our Catholic teaching on this matter. This very grave matter affects all Canadians. Catholic Canadians in particular are being asked to be fully informed on what our faith says about the sanctity of life – from conception to natural death. All are invited to share this document widely. It can be found on the archdiocesan website by clicking here.
“… I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days…” (Deut. 30:19)
Tenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
June 5, 2016
To the faithful of the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth,
Dear Friends,
Greetings and blessings to all of you!
Today, we stand on the threshold of a major cultural shift in our country. We do not know if tomorrow the Government of Canada will have enacted legislation confirming the practice of medically assisted suicide. Whatever the decision on this matter will be, the fact that such a practice can be imagined and legalized is a reflection of how much Canadian society has moved away from values which were commonly upheld, respected and rooted in the Christian foundations of Canada. These values are no longer supported culturally or legally. Respect for life from conception to natural death is no longer to be presumed or expected, nor is it protected by law.
Sr. Nuala Kenny will be giving the opening keynote address at the first ever Hayes Symposium hosted by the Atlantic School of Theology. This keynote address is open to the public and will be held, Monday, May 9, at McNally Theatre Auditorium on the Saint Mary’s University Campus.
Last week the government of Canada introduced Bill C-14 which sets out proposed legislation to make available “assisted dying” to those who wish to use medical means to end their lives. It must be made clear that this is contrary to our Catholic understanding and teachings regarding life and death.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has released a statement and many individual bishops, including Archbishop Mancini, have issued their own statements. In part Archbishop Mancini’s reads:
Prayer
Samples of prayers for specific moments, as well as contact info for a great variety of resources.
Services & Outreach
Descriptions and contact information for the services that are available throughout the archdiocese.
Resources
Contact info for information and materials to meet the great many needs, interests and circumstances.
