Ministry of Care and Companionship
as we care for the sick and comfort the dying.
Death of St. Joseph
Stain Glass Window, St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, Halifax, NS
Imagine a healthcare system where death is considered a therapeutic treatment. Imagine being a Christian doctor in that system. Imagine being told by your medical regulator that you are abandoning your patient if you don’t make arrangements for them to get an assessment for euthanasia. That healthcare system is in Nova Scotia today. The Nova Scotia medical regulator is pushing through a policy that would force physicians to refer patients for euthanasia, abortion, and transgender services. Twenty-three courageous Christian physicians have told Nova Scotia’s medical regulator that they cannot abide by this new draft policy.
February 11 has been designated as the World Day of the Sick since 1992 by Pope Saint John Paul II. A few weeks ago Pope Francis offered a message for the 32nd Word Day of the Sick entitled: ““It is not good that man should be alone”: Healing the Sick by Healing Relationships.
Echoing the Holy Father's message, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) renews its commitment to prayer and accompaniment of the sick and encourages the faithful across Canada to remember with compassion all who are sick and those that care for them. They offer a prayer card for World Day of the Sick that you can view here (pdf).
This program is a three-part series that presents a hope-filled perspective on a universal experience using video presentations, a workbook, and small group discussions. The video presentations, featuring theologians and healthcare professionals, give timeless perspectives on suffering, grief, dying, our duty to care, and how dying with Christ is attainable for everyone.
Late last week the Canadian Bishops released a statement regarding the non-permissibility of MAiD in health organization with a Catholic identity. In part the statement reads:
There is ever-growing concern for how euthanasia, or medical assistance in dying (MAiD), is evolving across Canada. As Catholics how do we respond? Archbishop Dunn encourages the faithful to educate themselves on the issue and our Catholic teaching on the dignity of life. Last week Archbishop Dunn released a letter to the faithful that expressed his concern about MAiD and offers some resources. You can read the full letter here or pdf.
The Way of the Cross Today Booklet
Reflections on Suffering in Sickness and Dying
Download Booklet version (Pdf)
or visit Salt & Light TV
for web version
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Ministry of Care and Companionship Videos
Advanced Health Care Directive
Pastoral Letters on Physician Assisted Dying
* Pastoral Letter on Physician Assisted Dying (Eng/Fr)
By Archbishop Mancini - Link
(includes a download - FAQ on Physican Assisted Dying)
* A Pastoral Reflection on Medical Assistance in Dying
by the Atlantic Bishops
English
French
Catholic Funerals
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.