activities and resources guide

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National Week for Life and the Family
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BRADI BARTH
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ACTIVITIES�AND�RESOURCES�GUIDE�
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Theme:
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Life’s Vision
National Week for Life and the Family May 11‐18, 2014 Activities and Resources Guide for Parishes in Manitoba “LIVING INCLUDES DYING”
Protecting our unborn, caring for all, until our natural death
Table of Contents INTRODUCTION 1 SECTION 1: SUGGESTIONS OF ACTIVITIES 2 SECTION 3: SUGGESTIONS OF REFERENCES 7 SECTION 2: SUGGESTIONS OF PRAYERS SECTION 4: SUGGESTIONS OF RESOURCES 5 13 Appendix I: Pastoral Letter (for one of the Sundays during the NWLF) Appendix II : Reflections for Publication in Parish Bulletins Appendix III: Manitoba March for Life Poster INTRODUCTION What is the National Week for Life and the Family (NWLF)? The National Week for Life and the Family (NWLF) is an initiative of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, to proclaim the dignity of each person and the vital importance of the family. The NWLF will be celebrated for the second time this year, from May 11‐18. In Manitoba, a tri‐diocesan coordination committee has been formed and the theme chosen for 2014 is “Living Includes Dying”. When the value of life is compromised or diminished, all life is at risk. Life includes having at times to bear a cross. At the end of life, where there is suffering, are we, as persons and parishes, satisfied with our efforts to minister to the sick and dying? In a joint effort to make the week a success, the Archdiocese of Saint‐Boniface, the Archdiocese of Winnipeg and the Archeparchy of Winnipeg are inviting each of their Parishes to partake in this initiative by promoting the week and organizing activities. Parishes are encouraged to organize one activity throughout the week, as well as to address the theme on both Sundays of the NWLF (May 11 & May 18). How to use this Guide Each Parish is free to decide of the type of programming that they would like to undertake during the week and the ways in which they wish to celebrate. This Guide is simply a tool to help Parishes by providing suggestions of activities and resources. Each Parish won’t use all suggestions contained in the Guide, but may choose to use certain prayers, references or resources that are relevant to their community dynamics. Also, in the planning process, Parishes are encouraged to keep in mind that Catholics from outside their own congregation, as well as the general public, may wish to attend their activities if the Parish chooses to make them accessible to everyone. Communicating with the Coordination Committee: ¾ The tri‐diocesan coordinating committee for NWLF in Manitoba requests that each Parish submit the programming of the activities planned in your Parish for NWLF as soon as you can. You may do so by email at NWLF.SNVF.Manitoba@gmail.com. A calendar of all activities organized throughout the province will be drawn up. NB: Please remember to indicate whether your programming is open to the public or solely to your parishioners. ¾ The calendar of activities for NWLF will be posted on the websites of each diocese at the beginning of the month of May. The calendar will include events organized by Parishes and pro‐life and pro‐
family organizations throughout the province. ¾ For questions regarding the NWLF, or this Activity and Resources Guide, please contact: Archdiocese of Saint Boniface: Sophie Freynet‐Agossa: sfreynetagossa@archsaintboniface.ca; 204‐514‐9942 Archdiocese of Winnipeg: Patti Fitzmaurice: Catholic Centre for Social Justice sjustice@mymts.net; 204‐589‐5393 or James Buchok, Director of Communications jbuchok@archwinnipeg.ca; 204‐452‐2227 ext. 248 Archeparchy of Winnipeg: Marilyn Krochak marimike@mts.net; 204‐222‐5189 1 SECTION 1: SUGGESTIONS OF ACTIVITIES Preparatory activities Parish activities Community‐building activities Prayer‐related activities Other Activities Preparatory activities •
(During the month of April) Organize the programming in your Parish: Choose at least one activity during the week, and decide how your Parish will be celebrating on both Sundays of the NWLF, on May 11 and May 18. Choose to open your doors ‐or not‐ to people from outside your congregation. Make the details of your programming known to your parishioners, as well as to the coordination committee of the NWLF in Manitoba. •
(At the beginning of the month of May) Promote activities organized throughout the province: Promote activities happening in your parish, as well as other activities organized by other parishes or organizations. Refer to the Calendar of activities posted on the available websites. •
(Prior to May 10) Encourage participation at the March for Life: The annual walk is happening this year on Saturday, May 10, 2014. The March for Life celebrates Life from conception to natural death. A great prelude to the NWLF! Please announce the March in your parishes. Please see the attached poster in Appendix I. •
(2 weeks prior the NWLF) Publish reflections for parish bulletins: Reflections pertaining to the Week have been prepared and are to be published in the parish bulletins of the 2 Sundays preceding the NWLF: April 27 and May 4, 2014 •
(1 week prior to the NWLF) Publish the pastoral letter on the NWLF: Co‐written by all three bishops, Archbishop Albert LeGatt (Archdiocese of Saint Boniface), Archbishop Richard Gagnon (Archdiocese of Winnipeg) and Archbishop Lawrence Huculak (Archeparchy of Winnipeg), this letter can be used on the Sunday of your choice during the NWLF: May 11 or May 18. It can be read in part or in its entirety during the Mass and/or it can be made available to parishioners in paper format. Please see the attached letter in Appendix II. 2 Parish activities •
Community Gathering: Host an event allowing families to gather together around a meal o Examples of events: picnic, potluck, BBQ, pancake breakfast •
Game Night: Host an intergenerational word game night, using words that relate to respect for life and family values, those living with disabilities, the sick and the dying o Examples of games: charades, bingo, bananagrams •
Movie Night: host a family movie night on topics relating to those with disabilities (L’Arche, the elderly) then encourage a group discussion to remind children and adults of the dignity and joy that can be found in every human life. Examples of Movies: A Life Like Yours, Maddie's story •
Family Photo/Video Sharing Event: Host an evening where parishioners can look at each other’s old family photos/videos related to significant faith‐based events/activities in their families. Consider mounting a display and offering prizes. o Examples of faith‐based events/activities: celebration of sacraments (baptisms, first Holy Communions, Confirmations, weddings); families around the Christmas crèche, on a pilgrimage, etc. Community‐building activities •
Help for sick and dying: Have volunteers sign up to the afflicted in the community (offer to cook meals, help with chores, respite time for a spouse, etc.) Have children write letters, create cards for special occasions to send to the sick and shut‐ins. Youth can help with small errands such as snow clearing, spring clean‐up. •
Pastoral Care committee: made up of the Parish Priest and the laity could be formed to ensure that the spiritual needs of the members of the parish are being met on a regular basis. •
Family visits: Encourage parishioners to visit sick, elderly or housebound members of their extended families, friends or neighbours. Visit L’Arche Homes, St. Amant, personal care homes. •
Grief/Loss group: This could be a group of people in the parish who are care‐givers or who are suffering through an end of life issue. Prayer‐related activities •
Evening of Praise and Worship: Invite a music group to lead an evening of Praise and Worship, as well as time of adoration: prayers and songs could relate to life issues •
Memorial Mass: honouring the deceased member or members of the family. •
Living Rosary: Organize a living rosary in the parish ; invite people of all age‐groups to participate. •
Vigil for Pentecost: The last Sunday of the National Week for Life and Family this year is the Solemnity of Pentecost. Organize a solemn Vigil of Pentecost. 3 Other Activities •
Public Testimony: Ask a family to speak during a Sunday Mass, on the importance of faith in their life as a family, or have someone speak of a personal experience with someone going through end of life issues (how faith sustains them in the midst of challenges). •
Set up displays: Set up a table at the entrance of the church, with brochures and information on life issues as well as on the Church’s view on Euthanasia and assisted suicide, and end of life care. •
Host a speaker: Choose a topic that is relevant to families in your parish and ask a speaker to make a presentation on the issue or have a workshop o Examples of topics: taking care of aging parents/spouses, coping with transitions 4 SECTION 2: SUGGESTIONS OF PRAYERS Prayer for the National Week for Life and the Family Prayers of the Faithful Prayer for the National Week for Life and the Family O God, source of all life and hope, Grant us the grace to see you in others, Especially in the poor and vulnerable, the frail and old. Look kindly on your sons and daughters who have grown weak through illness and age: Fill them with the strength of your Holy Spirit. Keep them firm in faith and serene in hope, That they might give us all an example of patience and a joyful witness to the power of your love. Help us to recognize that to die with dignity is to die in your loving embrace, trusting in your compassionate care for us, and allowing your will to be done in us. Mary, Mother of God, pray for us and help us grow in faith and trust, So that your words might become ours: “Let it be done to me according to God’s will.” Through Christ our Lord. Amen Adapted from a prayer by Rev. Jonathan M. Gaspar, Archdiocese of Boston. 5 Prayers of the Faithful The following are suggestions for your use if you would like to include one or more each month. •
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For the ability to acknowledge our helplessness and ignorance in the face of the mystery of suffering and death, let us pray to the Lord. R For a new sense of commitment among all whose lives are dedicated to healing those afflicted in body, mind and spirit, let us pray to the Lord. R For those who are sick and suffering, that God may inspire in us a commitment to serve the needs of others, especially those with terminal illnesses; let us pray to the Lord. R For all who have lost faith in the Gospel of life, and especially for those whose old age or infirmity temps them to despair; that our love for them might lead them to the courage of children of God, let us pray to the Lord. R For those who live in daily physical pain, that they may find comfort and support in their need, let us pray to the Lord. R. For doctors and health care workers, that they may ease the pain of the terminally ill and enable them to live out the gift of life in comfort and with meaning, let us pray to the Lord. R. 6 SECTION 3: SUGGESTIONS OF REFERENCES GENERAL REFERENCES References from the Catechism of the Catholic Church Scriptural Passages Quotes REFERENCES SPECIFIC TO THE UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH References from the Catechism of the Ukrainian Catholic Church Statements GENERAL REFERENCES References from the Catechism of the Catholic Church ¾ Respect for Human Life Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible. An act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his creator. Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate; it is the refusal of “over‐zealous” treatment. Here one does not will to cause death; one’s inability to impede it is merely accepted. Even if death is thought imminent, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately interrupted. The use of painkillers to alleviate sufferings of the dying, even at the risk of shortening their days, can be morally in conformity with human dignity if death is not willed as either an end or a means, but only foreseen and tolerated as inevitable. Palliative care is a special form of disinterested charity. As such it should be encouraged. Everyone is responsible for his life before God who has given it to him. It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it for his honour and the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of. Suicide contradicts the natural inclinations of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbour because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God. (CCC 2276‐2281) 7 MATERIALS FROM UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC RESOURCES FOR
NWLF 2014
(footnotes have been removed for simplicity. However, you will notice that some of
the quotes are from Pope John Paul and the Congregation for the faith)
References from “Christ our Passover”, the Catechism of the Ukrainian Catholic
Church
Care for Parents and Relatives
In Sacred Scripture we read, “With all your heart honour your father, and do
not forget the birth pangs of your mother. Remember that through your parents you
were born; and what can you give back to them that equals their gift to you?” (Sirach,
7:27-28) To honour your parents means to regard them with love, especially then
when they are weak and in need of care, for example – in old age.
Metropolitan Andrew in his teaching about the family, spoke about the duty of
children toward their parents, “good Christians know how to keep the Fourth
Commandment of God – ‘Honour your Father and Mother’. Even when parents aren’t
good and, God forbid, are not deserving of respect, children nonetheless must
honour them for such is the law of God. Christians know the unfortunate fate of those
who do not honour their parents”. Metropolitan Andrew further counseled children by
stating, “God, do not allow that among us any impious children would ever disrespect
their parents, or worse, raise a hand against them. Do not allow it that any parents
would ever have reason to decry their children!”
Children should care for their parents in times of illness, attend to their
material needs and provide moral support in their old age. “O son, help your father in
his old age, and do not give him grief as long as he lives; even if he is lacking in
understanding, show forbearance; in all your strength do not despise him. […]
Whoever forsakes his father is like a blasphemer, and whoever angers his mother is
cursed by the Lord.” (Syr. 3:12‐13, 16) Children should remember that respect and
love for their parents obliges them to care for them throughout their life. From this
obligation, no one can ever be exempted. If parents have already passed from this
life, then the obligation becomes Christian burial, fulfilling their last will, praying for
them, tending their graves, and remembering the anniversary of their death. (COP
898-900)
Christian Understanding of Death
A Christian, by reason of Baptism enjoys divine life and already now on earth
lives life eternal. For a believer, death is the consequence of the sin of our first
parents, but for once and forever it is conquered by the death and resurrection of
Jesus Christ, who, “gives life to those in the grave”. Death for a Christian is not a final
end, a passage into nothingness or when a human person ceases to exist. Death,
like life, has meaning, which is revealed in the light of Christ’s Passover. Death – is a
passage to new life; from earth to the heavens.
Death can be neither an escape from life nor its negation. Thus, suicide – the
conscious, un-impelled, ending of one’s own life – is a grave offence which the
Church condemns. Various social, psychological and other factors can lead to
suicide, however, the principal reason is lack of faith, a loss of the sense of life,
rejection of God’s mercy and despair. “A person does not have the right to dispose of
8 his/her own life. A soldier does not have the right to abandon the post to which he
was appointed and if he should do so on his own volition, he is regarded as a
deserter. In the same way a person is a deserter who abandons the responsibilities
and situation in which he/she was placed by Divine Providence”. (COP 901-902)
Euthanasia
Euthanasia (from the Greek well (or good) + death) – “in the strict sense is
understood to be an action or omission which of itself and by intention causes death,
with e purpose of eliminating all suffering”. Euthanasia is applied not only to gravely ill
persons, but also to newborn children with developmental birth defects. Aside from
euthanasia “by individual request”, there also exists “social euthanasia”, when the
decision concerning the death of a person is decided upon not by the individual, but
by society when guided by considerations such as continued medical treatment being
deemed futile or the excessiveness of the expense by which many more people
could be medically treated.
The Church teaches that, “nothing and no one can in any way permit the killing
of an innocent human being, whether a fetus or an embryo, an infant or an adult, an
old person, or one suffering from an incurable disease, or a person who is dying.
Furthermore, no one is permitted to ask for this act of killing, either for himself or
herself or for another person entrusted to his or her care, nor can he or she consent
to it, either explicitly or implicitly, nor can any authority legitimately recommend or
permit such an action. For it is a question of the violation of the divine law, an offense
against the dignity of the human person, a crime against life, and an attack on
humanity”.
Occasionally, because of prolonged and agonizing pain, individuals may
request death for themselves or for others. However, such solicitations for death are
not always per se the manifestation of an authentic desire for euthanasia. In reality,
the gravely ill person is in need of love, attention, prayer and pastoral care and to be
surrounded by those close to him/her – i.e. parents, children, relatives, friends, as
well as doctors, nurses, clergy and other members of the church community. (COP
908-910)
Prayers for the Dying and Deceased
Prayer for the Dying (Tenth Century)
Accept, Lord, the soul of Your servant, who is returning to you at this time. Re-clothe
him/her, O our Lord, in a new garment and wash him/her in the springs of eternal life
that he/she may rejoice in heaven with those who rejoice, and fill him/her with that
same gladness of all the elect. May he/she receive his/her crown among the Martyrs,
may he/she enter into the reward of the Patriarchs and Prophets, may he/she be
illuminated with the radiance of the Angels and Archangels. We ask this through
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Прийми, Господи, душу слуги Твого, який у цю хвилину до Тебе
повертається. Переодягни її, о Господи наш, у вбрання нове і обмий її в
9 джерелах вічного життя, щоб раділа в небі з тими, хто радіє, наповнюй її тією
самою радістю, що і всіх вибраних. Нехай отримає свій вінець біля Мучеників,
нехай увійде до нагороди Патріархів і Пророків, нехай буде освітлена світлом
Ангелів і Архангелів. Просимо Тебе через Христа, Господа нашого. Амінь.
For the Deceased
God of spirits and of all flesh, You trampled death, You made the devil powerless,
and You gave life to Your world. Now, O Lord, to the soul of Your servant, (N.), who
has fallen asleep, grant rest in a place of light, a place of verdure, and a place of
tranquility, from which pain, sorrow and mourning have fled. As the good and loving
God, forgive every sin of thought, word or deed he/she may have committed. There is
no one who will live and will not sin, for You alone are sinless. Your justice is
everlasting justice and Your word is truth. For You, O Christ our God, are the
resurrection, the life and the repose of Your servant, (N.), who has fallen asleep; and
we give glory to You, together with Your eternal Father and Your most holy, good and
life-giving Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Боже духів і всякої плоти, Ти смерть подолав і диявола знищив, і життя світові
Твоєму дарував — сам, Господи, упокой душу усопшого раба Твого (усопшої
раби Твоєї) ім’я рек, на місці світлім, на місці квітучім, на місці спокійнім, звідки
втекла болізнь, печаль і зітхання; всяке прогрішення, вчинене ним (нею) словом,
або ділом, або помислом, як благий і чоловіколюбець Бог, прости, бо немає
чоловіка, що жив би, а не згрішив; Ти бо один без гріха, правда Твоя — правда
вовіки, і слово Твоє — істина. Бо Ти є воскресення, і життя, і упокій усопшого
раба Твого (усопшої раби Твоєї) ім’я рек, Христе Боже наш, і Тобі славу
возсилаємо, з безначальним Твоїм Отцем, і пресвятим і благим і животворящим
Твоїм Духом, нині і повсякчас, і на віки вічні. Амінь.
10 Scriptural Passages • My son, to my words be attentive, to my sayings incline your ear; Let them •
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not slip out of your sight, keep them within your heart; For they are life to those who find them, to man’s whole being they are health. Proverbs: 4:20‐
22 Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing songs of praise. Is anyone sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord and the prayer of the faith will save the sick person and the Lord will raise him with oil in the name of the Lord and the prayer of faith will save the sick person and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven. James 5:13‐15 We believe that Jesus died and rose again; and that it will be the same for all those who have died in Jesus. God will bring them with him. 1 Thess. 4:14 The Lord is my Shepherd. Psalm 23 Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14:8 The Parable of the Good Samaritan. Luke 10:25 The Rich Man and Lazarus Luke 16:19 You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fatlings; but you do not feed the sheep. You have not strengthened the weak, you have not healed the sick, you have not bound up the injured, you have not brought back the strayed, you have not sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled them. Ezekiel 34:3‐4 Then they also will answer, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?” Matthew 25: 44 Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31 Quotes • All of us must care for life, cherish life, with tenderness, warmth …. to care •
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for life is to give oneself in tenderness and warmth for others , to have concern in my heart for others. Caring for life from the beginning to the end. What a simple thing, what a beautiful thing. So go forth, and don’t be discouraged. Care for life, it’s worth it. Cardinal Bergoglio (now Pope Francis) in a homily in 2005 The victims of this throwaway culture are precisely the weakest and most fragile human beings – the unborn, the poorest, the sick and elderly, the handicapped, etc. – who are in danger of being “thrown away”, expelled from a system that must be efficient at all costs. Pope Francis in a speech to a delegation from Dignitatis We are called to reach out to those who find themselves in the existential peripheries of our societies and to show particular solidarity with the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters: the poor, the disabled, the 11 unborn and the sick, migrants and refugees, the elderly and the young who lack employment. Pope Francis in a message to the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches • Man’s resistance to death becomes evident, somewhere people have constantly thought there must be some cure for death. Sooner or later it should be possible to find the remedy not only for this or that illness, but for our ultimate destiny‐ for death itself. Surely the medicine of immortality must exist. Indeed the cure for death does exist. Christ is the tree of life, once more within our reach. Pope Benedict XVI • We must remember that all incapacity and distress is sent to us by God. Life and death, health and sickness, are all ordered by him and in whatever form they come, it is always to help us and for our own good. St. Vincent de Paul •
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It is in loving the cross that one finds one’s heart, for Divine Love cannot live without suffering. St. Bernadette Life is only a dream: soon, we shall awaken and what joy! The greater our sufferings, the more limitless our glory. Oh! Do not let us waste the trial Jesus sends us. St. Theresa of Lisieux 12 SECTION 4: SUGGESTIONS OF RESOURCES Resource Centres Websites Films/Videos Books Resource Centres •
Archdiocese of Saint Boniface: Resource Library 622 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg; 204‐594‐0271; secretariat@archsaintboniface.ca (Resources are available in English and French) •
Archeparchy of Winnipeg: Ukrainian Catholic Religious Education Centre 233 Scotia Street, Winnipeg; 204‐338‐7801; religioused@archeparchy.ca (Resources are available in English) Websites Death and Dying: Respecting End of Life Care •
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How to minister to the sick/dying in our own Catholic Church – www.cccb/ca/sitecontent/view/2337/1226/lang.eng/ When a loved one is terminally ill: www.helpguide.org/harvard/dealing_serious_illness.htn. Palliative care: www.scu.edo/ethics/practicing/focusareas/medical /palliative.html www.wrha.mb.ca/prog/palliative/ Euthanasia – A Catholic View‐ Priests for Life: www.priestsforlife.org/euthanasia/euthrefl.html Resources on end of life issues: Catholic Health Alliance of Canada: http:www.chac.ca/resources/otherresources_e.php Films/Videos ¾ Films A Life Like Yours Maddie’s Story 13 ¾ Film Recommendations/Reviews: •
Catholic Link – Recommended Movies: www.en.catholic‐link.com •
Catholic News Service ‐ Movie Reviews: www.catholicnews.com/movies.htm •
Examiner.com ‐ 95 Best Catholic Movies to Rent Online for Your Family: www.examiner.com ¾ Videos Available on the Internet Death with Dignity: www.catholictv.com/catholic‐faith.aspx The Catholic Way of Dying: fisheaters.com/dying.htm Helping the Sick and Dying: www.cccb.ca/site/content?view/2337/1226/lang.eng. Books Health Ethics Guide: Catholic Health Alliance of Canada (third edition) Pastoral Care of the Sick, Catholic Publishing Co. Final Journeys: A Practical Guide for bring Care and Comfort at the End of Life: Maggie Callanan Children: Bereavement: Are you sad, Little Bear? Rachel Rivett Lifetimes: The beautiful way to explain death to children – Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpan Healing a Child’s Grieving Heart: 100 practice ides for families, friends and caregivers: Wolfert, Alan. 14 APPENDICES Appendix I: Pastoral Letter (for one of the Sundays during the NWLF) Appendix II : Reflections for Publication in Parish Bulletins Appendix III: Manitoba March for Life Poster 15 FOR PUBLICATION IN PARISH BULLETINS
SUGGESTED DATES: APRIL 27, MAY 4
Reflections leading up to the 2014 National Week for Life and the Family
The National Week for Life and the Family – May 11-18, 2014
The National Week for Life and the Family is a national initiative of the Canadian Conference of Catholic
Bishops to proclaim the fundamental and unconditional dignity in all human life and the value and
importance of family life in Canada. With the ever present attempt to legalize euthanasia in our
country, we are reminded, during this National Week, of Pope Francis’ call to reach out to those who are
most vulnerable amongst us and to show solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are at the end of
their lives. These men and women are in fact, the living in our midst who need, more than ever, an
assurance of love and support. In Matthew 25:44, Jesus reminds us in story: “Lord, when was it that we
saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of you?” Are
we, as persons, and as parish communities, making this outreach to the vulnerable a priority? Will we
reflect on this important matter of the aged and the sick in our society during the National Week for Life
and the Family? Let us pray for the sick and the suffering that God may inspire in us a commitment to
pray for the vulnerable and to reach out to those at the end of their lives. Let us also remember to pray
that hearts will change in our country so that all life will be valued and honoured.
The National Week for Life and the Family – May 11-18, 2014
The National Week for Life and the Family, to be held in the month of May throughout Canada, is an
opportunity to speak about things that trouble the human heart, namely, the reality of death and
suffering. With the advocacy for euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada, we need to remember that
for thousands of years, the Hippocratic Oath marked an important watershed in medicine, to preserve
life and not to do harm. The new voices today, pose a test for our civilization and for modern medicine.
Saint John Paul II spoke often of a “civilization of love”, the essence of which, is the inviolable dignity of
human life in all of its stages. Euthanasia and assisted suicide pose a test for our Canadian culture and
civilization in that these ideas are framed as an argument for human progress and medical aid. This
gives the impression of concern for freedom and human dignity. However, in reality, this argument is
about human autonomy and control over suffering and death, two things that trouble us deeply. The
National Week for Life and the Family, provides us with an opportunity to discuss and reflect on these
important matters. According to the renowned ethicist, Margaret Somerville, “…to help us talk about
death in order to be comfortable about living in our ordinary lives.” Always before us, is the Biblical
understanding of life and death: “I alone am God, there is not god beside Me. It is I who bring both
death and life…” (Deuteronomy 32)
The National Week for Life and the Family – May 11-18, 2014
The National Week for Life and the Family to be observed in all of our dioceses and parishes across
Canada this May, has its theme: Living includes Dying. This reminds us of a fundamental fact of human
life, that living includes the reality of dying – that those who are dying, are in fact the living, whose
human dignity remains intact as a person created in God’s image. In our technological age, there is
always the temptation with that which they cannot
1 control. The patient can be looked at as a sort of
riddle or problem to be solved. Faced with disease and death, which is beyond our control, recourse
then to such avenues as euthanasia or assisted suicide seems to be an efficient means of solving the
problem. The fact remains, however, that the prohibition of the international killing of another human
death in order to be comfortable about living in our ordinary lives.” Always before us, is the Biblical
understanding of life and death: “I alone am God, there is not god beside Me. It is I who bring both
death and life…” (Deuteronomy 32)
The National Week for Life and the Family – May 11-18, 2014
The National Week for Life and the Family to be observed in all of our dioceses and parishes across
Canada this May, has its theme: Living includes Dying. This reminds us of a fundamental fact of human
life, that living includes the reality of dying – that those who are dying, are in fact the living, whose
human dignity remains intact as a person created in God’s image. In our technological age, there is
always the temptation with that which they cannot control. The patient can be looked at as a sort of
riddle or problem to be solved. Faced with disease and death, which is beyond our control, recourse
then to such avenues as euthanasia or assisted suicide seems to be an efficient means of solving the
problem. The fact remains, however, that the prohibition of the international killing of another human
being is not the exclusive preserve of any one religious tradition, it is shared by others. Furthermore, it
has a philosophical basis as well as it expresses a fundamental dictate of the human heart and this is
what led to the creation of the Hippocratic Oath of ancient Greece – to preserve life and not do harm.
Living does include dying and this includes dying well, something of utmost importance to human
beings. It is vital that our culture once again understands that it is a human duty to assist families at the cri�cal �me of a dying loved one. To make the vulnerable feel that they are of value and worth and that they will
not be abandoned when they think that they are a burden. The sick and the dying can be assured and encouraged and li�ed up spiritually through a ministry of presence and through prayer. How different this is from an
efficient ‘ending’ of a problem. Rather, like birth, death itself is a mystery to be honoured. Pope Francis gives
us these words of encouragement: “All of us must care for life, cherish life, with tenderness and warmth…to
care for life is to give oneself in tenderness and warmth for others, to have concern in my heart for others.
Caring for life from the beginning to the end. What a simple thing, what a beau�ful thing. So go forth, and
don’t be discouraged. Care for life, it’s worth it.”
2
March for Life
Design & bring your own signs!
Saturday, May 10, 2014
9:30 am
Gathering for the March - Legislative Building steps
9:45 am
Opening prayer and remarks by Archbishop Richard Gagnon
10:00 am
March proceeds down Memorial to Portage to Kennedy and back to the Legislative steps
Followed by Speakers at the Legislative steps
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Silent No More Awareness testimonies
Winnipeg Against Abortion
U of M Students for a Culture of Life
Manitoba Youth for Life
Brandon University Students for Life
Guest Speaker - Shawn Carney - Pro Life Speaker, author, and co-founder of 40 Days for Life
Closing remarks and prayer by Archbishop Albert LeGatt
5:30 pm
Evening Banquet at Canad Inns Polo Park. Please support this banquet.
Tickets $50 Students $35 Call 204-452-2459
God Bless you for partaking in this March
A-388 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0C8
204-233-8047 E-mail: lifesvision@shaw.ca
Web Site: Lifesvision.ca
Sponsored by:
Knights of Columbus, Catholic Women’s League, Ukrainian
Catholic Women’s League & Campaign Life Coalition