The Diocese of Knoxville, along with Tennessee Right to Life, invite you to join us on Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Diocese of Knoxville Chancery for a two-part, 90-minute presentation by Paul Simoneau on the “Mystery of Human Suffering” and “Care for the Seriously Ill and End of Life Decisions.” Mr. Simoneau is vice chancellor for the Diocese of Knoxville who has a master’s degree in theology and a certification in Catholic bioethics through the National Catholic Bioethics Center.
The presentation will include Jet’s Pizza and sodas. Participants will receive a packet of very informative materials, including a Catholic-approved “Living Will” (Advance Care Plan), “Assignment of a Health Care Agent,” and a “General Power of Attorney” (these documents only need the signature of 2 witnesses to be a legal document and accepted at all hospitals). Also included are a Catholic Guide to End of Life Decisions, Palliative Care, and a guide to understanding a Physician’s Order for Life Sustaining Treatment.
The Chancery is located on the south side of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus at 805 S. Northshore Drive. There is no charge for this evening of information, but reservations are required. Please reserve your space by e-mailing trlknox@prolifeknox.com.
Part 1: Mystery of Human Suffering and Its Salvific Meaning. The Second Vatican Council beautifully stated, “Through Christ and in Christ, the riddles of sorrow and death grow meaningful—apart from His Gospel, they overwhelm us.” Suffering in life is inescapable. But Christ alone provides the only answer that truly satisfies the “why” of our sufferings—His own sufferings! He is God’s answer to the mystery of suffering, and as members of His Mystical Body, our own sufferings have salvific meaning and purpose (cf. Colossians 1:24). During this presentation, we’ll explore what the Church teaches about “salvific suffering” as a beautiful part of our baptismal life in Christ. As St. John Paul II stated, “For our redemption is in an amazing way rooted in suffering, and this suffering in turn finds in the mystery of redemption its supreme and surest point of reference.”
Part 2: Principles for Care of the Seriously Ill and End of Life Decisions. This presentation examines the Church’s teachings regarding the care for the seriously ill, and end of life decisions. Important distinctions will be made between what the Church considers ordinary care (e.g., nutrition, hydration, basic care and comfort) from that which constitutes medical treatment, and the principles that help us to discern between what is obligatory treatment and optional based upon the expected benefits and burdens of treatments. The Church’s acclaimed “Ethical Religious Directives” will be examined, which provide the principles to help guide our medical decisions and palliative care (treating pain).
