CARE OF THE ELDERLY AND DISABLED, AND NATURAL DEATH

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states "Those who are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible"  (2276).

As children of God we are responsible for the care of the elderly and disabled.  They merit being treated with respect and  dignity.  It is sinful to abuse or neglect the elderly and disabled.

The Holy Father states, "In a society, in which all too often it seems that only good health and profitability matter, it is necessary to see weak persons or those at the end of life with other eyes; in particular, by applying and developing palliative care for all patients whose situation calls for it".
 

We are truly blessed as members of St. Theresa's.  Our parish's Caring Ministries program provides a broad range of services, including health education and counseling; visitation; transportation; home management; short term meals; food pantry; and prayer support.  Please call them at 774-1029 if you are in need of assistance.   Information is also available on our Parish's web site.

An informational web site that provides advice for care givers is Care Ministry.

Sins against natural death include euthanasia and suicide.  Some compelling information about euthanasia and assisted suicide can be found on the internet at Life Issues; Prolife Information; and International Task Force.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says:  "Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick or dying persons.  It is morally unacceptable.  Thus 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, the Creator.  The error of judgment into which one can fall in good faith does not change the nature of this murderous act, which must always be forbidden and excluded" (2277).

The Catechism goes on to say: "Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate; it is "over-zealous" treatment.  Here one does not will to cause death; one's inability to impede is merely accepted.  The decisions should be made by the patient if he is competent and able or, if not, by those legally entitled to act for the patient, whose reasonable will and legitimate interest must always be respected" (2278).

Regarding suicide, The Catechism states:

"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 honor and the salvation of souls.  We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us.  It is not ours to dispose of" (2280).

"We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives.  By ways know to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance.  The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives" (2283).