PROVIDENCE – Death.
It’s the door to eternity, though most people prefer not to think about their own mortality and inevitable passage to the unknown.
Nonetheless, there are dimensions that ought to be faced because one’s last days, weeks, or even months could depend on choices and medical directives made while a person is healthy – or not made, leaving one’s fate in the hands of strangers.
The Diocese of Providence has published a pamphlet that deals openly and directly with “End of Life Decisions.”
Under what circumstances should you have a feeding tube?
Can you be given pain-relieving drugs that will shorten your life?
Do you want a “do not resuscitate” order?
‘End of Life Decisions – A Catholic Perspective’ was produced to help Catholics remain true to their faith up to and including the time of their passing. The new booklet was published given an increased interest among the faithful to properly prepare for end of life decisions.
The booklet and its contents were updated to replace a 1992 document published by the Diocese, given the increased complexities in health care and questions about what the church advises in the difficult area of making end of life decisions. The information is not intended exclusively, or even primarily, for someone facing imminent death, but rather for those in good health who are able to make rational decisions about their medical care.
Most people believe that having a Living Will resolves these issues. In fact, Father Christopher?Mahar, associate pastor of St. Mary’s parish, Cranston, told a group of business people last week when the pamphlet was officially unveiled, such a document can complicate matters. “A Living Will is mostly limited to what you don’t want,” he explained, “and it is all hypothetical. ...A Living Will is interpreted by doctors, the medical staff, even the law. And it can be misinterpreted by someone. A Living Will can’t speak for itself.”
What the Diocese is strongly recommending – and making it easy to do – is to appoint an agent: someone you trust, and with whom you discuss in detail what measures are and are not acceptable. That person, in turn, will be your advocate to the medical community, communicating your wishes if you are not able to do so.
Obviously, Father Mahar pointed out, those decisions must conform to the teachings of the Catholic Church. “The issue is not what I feel I want and don’t want,” he said. “It is: ‘What is God asking me to do?’ Suffering has redemptive value, and God is with me in all circumstances.
“But,” he added, “We don’t embrace pain for its own sake. That’s why it’s permissible to take pain medication even if it shortens one’s life. The purpose can’t be to die sooner, but to alleviate pain.”
There are ordinary and extraordinary means of attempting to preserve life, and the Church allows the terminally-ill to decline what is extraordinary.
“Ordinary means are obligatory,” said Father Mahar. “But whether a patient should remain with a feeding tube or on a respirator is defined by circumstances, day by day. Normally, the presumption is in favor of nutrition and hydration.”
Euthanasia is of course never acceptable, he emphasized.
And amidst the suffering, as death approaches, the Christian has “the hope of resurrection, going through the doorway to eternal life.”
In his introduction to “End of Life Decisions,” Bishop Thomas J. Tobin writes, “As Catholics we know that death does not have the final word. Christ has won for us victory over death. As you proceed in preparing for entrance into your eternal home, may Christ remain with you, everywhere and always.”
The pamphlet defines the “advance directive” as combining the elements of a Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. It is written in conformity with Rhode Island law, and no attorney need be present when the directive is signed and witnessed. It spells out clearly the spiritual rubric to be followed: Ordinary and Extraordinary Means, A Presumption for Life, Pain Control, Organ Donation and Spiritual Preparation.
Instructions for completing “A Catholic Healthcare Directive for Rhode Island are concise and clear; the forms and a wallet ID card are provided.
“You should prayerfully choose your agent,” Father Mahar advised. “This is a spiritual decision. And it presumes there will be an ongoing conversation, not a one-time discussion.”
The booklet also includes a double-sided document entitled ‘A Catholic Healthcare Directive for Rhode Island’. This directive was created based upon Rhode Island durable power of attorney for healthcare, the multi-state Protective Medical Decisions Document from the International Task Force on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide and a healthcare directive created by the North Dakota Catholic Conference.
Each parish in the Diocese of Providence will receive 125 copies. Booklets will also be sent to Catholic residential and medical facilities throughout the state.
“I would encourage Catholics to prayerfully consider their wishes in light of Catholic teaching, consulting family members and even those in the diocese and local clergy who may be of assistance when considering end of life care,” said Father Mahar. “Planning ahead using this booklet ensures peace of mind and would be of great assistance in the time of difficulty when these issues can sometimes catch us by surprise.”
To obtain a copy of the booklet, please call (401) 421-7833 ext 119 or click here to download the booklet.
