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BEGINNING AND END OF LIFE ISSUES

Ethical and Religious Directives: A document to provide guidance in beginning and end of life issues
The purpose of the ERD is to reaffirm the ethical standards of behavior in health care that flow from the Church's teaching about the dignity of the human person, and to provide authoritative guidance on certain moral issues that face Catholic health care today. These "moral teachings that we profess flow principally from the natural law, understood in the light of the revelation Christ has entrusted to his Church. From this source the Church has derived its understanding of the nature of the human person, of human acts, and of the goals that shape human activity." These Directives are a "witness to the sanctity of life 'from the moment of conception until death.'"
There are two sections of the ERD that are most pertinent to beginning and end of life issues
PART FOUR
Issues in Care for the Beginning of Life
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Part four is grounded in the "Church's commitment to . . . the dignity of marriage and of the marriage act by which human life is transmitted." It covers many related topics including: contraception, infertility, and reproductive technologies.
PART FIVE
Issues in Care for the Seriously Ill and Dying
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Part five is rooted in "Christ's redemption and saving grace embrac[ing] the whole person, especially in his or her illness, suffering, and death." It covers topics such as pain management, suicide and euthanasia, the use of life-sustaining technology, medically assisted nutrition and hydration, organ donation, and those being in a "persistent vegetative state" (PVS).

RESOURCES

In addition to the Ethical and Religious Directives PDF published by the USCCB (linked below), the Diocese of Dallas has an End of Life Issues page on their website which has additional information including Advance Directives and Medical Power of Attorney, as well as a pointer to A Catholic Guide to End-of-Life Decisions by The National Catholic Bioethics Center.
Ethical and Religious Directives pdf
Diocese of dallas advice page
Diocese of Dallas Catholic Pro-Life Community has information on the Death Penalty; Stem Cell Research; Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide; Life-Sustaining Treatments and Vegetative States; Advanced Directives & "Living Wills"; Natural Family Planning; Contraception; In Vitro Fertilization; and Miscarriage (Also see the St. Catherine's Heart miscarriage, infant loss, and infertility support ministry here).

FUTHER HELP

Should you have further questions or require additional guidance in these areas, please contact the parish Pastoral Associate, Deacon Tony Silvestro at tsilvestro@stfoafrisco.org or (972) 712-2645 x251.
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Copyright © 2015-19 St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church • 8000 Eldorado Parkway • Frisco, TX 75033 • (972) 712-2645
  • Home
  • OUR PARISH
    • Stewardship Weekend
    • OUR STORY
    • Clergy & Staff
    • Become a Parishioner / Update Registration
    • Newsletter Sign UP
    • Safe Environment
    • RESOURCES >
      • Interactive Display
      • Parish Registration
      • Bulletin
      • Formed
      • Ministry Request Forms
      • Annual Room Request
      • Childcare
      • Ministry Leader Reference Guide
      • Food Certification
      • Shopping Rewards Programs
      • Links
      • Office Hours
    • Virtual Church Tour
    • FAQ's
  • WORSHIP
    • Mass & Confession Times
    • SACRAMENTS >
      • Reconciliation
      • Baptism
      • Eucharist
      • RCIA >
        • RCIA Adapted For Children
        • RCIA Sponsors
      • RICA (Spanish)
      • Adult Confirmation
      • Youth Confirmation
      • Matrimony
      • Holy Orders
      • Anointing of the Sick
    • SACREMENTOS - FORMACION DE FE
  • Faith Formation
    • Formación de Fe (Español y bilingüe)
    • 9-12: High School Youth Ministry >
      • Rise Music Team
    • 6-8: MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY
    • K-5: Children's Ministry
    • Preschool Ministry
    • Caring Little Friends of St. Francis Preschool
    • VBS (English & Spanish) >
      • Vacation Bible School
      • Campamento de Verano
  • HELP & HEALING
    • Hospital, Home & Nursing Home Visits
    • Anointing of the Sick
    • Financial Assistance
    • Grief Ministry
    • Stephen Ministry
    • Miscarriage, Infant Loss & Infertility Ministry
    • Divorce Ministry
    • Addiction Ministry >
      • Pornography Support
    • Beginning and End of Life Issues
    • Local Caregiver Support Resources
    • Government Resources for Aging & Disability
    • Small Acts of Kindness
    • Hearing Loss Ministry
  • Get Involved
    • Fall Festival
    • Councils & Committees
    • Liturgy & Worship Ministries
    • Outreach Ministries
    • Faith Formation Ministries
    • Adult & Family Life Ministries >
      • Divine Mercy Sunday
      • Holy Spirit
      • INSPIRE Events
      • Young Adult Ministry
    • Community Life Ministries
    • Stewardship Ministries
    • Ministerio Hispano
    • ACTS
  • Donate
    • Joyfully
  • Español