Last winter, given the legalization of Medical Assistance in Dying, the Office of Faith Development began offering a series of initiatives inviting us as Roman Catholic Christians to give serious consideration to what we believe about death and dying.  The Church holds the underlying principle of Choose Life among all others; we recognize the question of medically assisted suicide is a multifaceted one with no easy answers. 

These initiatives began with a book discussion of Sr. Nuala Kenny’s book, Rediscovering the Art of Dying, facilitated by retired nurses Claudia McCloskey and Maurise Levesque; and continued with a session exploring the sacred and secular approach to death and dying, facilitated by Dr. Andrew Wilson. 

On October 11th, Archbishop Valéry Vienneau will present a session delving into the response of the Atlantic Episcopal Assembly, the bishops of Atlantic Canada to this question: A Pastoral Reflection on Medically Assistance in Dying. Bishop Vienneau will also look at other responses by other Canadian episcopal assemblies.  This session will take place at Holy Family Parish Hall beginning at 6:30 p.m. Should you plan to attend, we ask that you please register with Ellen prior to October 11th.