Catholics should not delay in making end-of-life decisions

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Faithful should ask what the Church teaches and how one can have wishes carried out

For many Catholics, the idea of making end-of-life decisions well in advance can be a daunting experience.

What is a power of attorney? Should I keep my loved ones on life support when they’re gravely ill?

Catholics should approach the issue with two questions in mind: “What should I do in light of what the Church teaches about the value of human life?” and “How do I get others to carry out my wishes?”

For many years, Father Edward Richard, MS, a moral theologian, dean of students and vice-rector Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, has educated Catholics about how to approach the questions related to making end-of-life decisions. In addition to teaching the subject at the seminary, he often gives presentations to Catholic parishes and other groups.

As Catholics, “we have a duty to conserve our life, but we don’t have a duty to conserve it under every circumstance,” said the priest. But that doesn’t mean that the pain and suffering that may come with an illness or injury, for example, can alone be a reason to end one’s life.