By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
A Clergy Study Day was held March 21, 2019 in Saskatoon to address pastoral challenges related to medically-assisted suicide and euthanasia.
“The day was held to assist the clergy who are on the front lines of providing pastoral care at critical moments in people’s lives, and to assist them in making some difficult decisions,” said Bishop Mark Hagemoen. “It was also to assist us in being aware of the priority of pastoral accompaniment in all situations.”
Jackie Saretsky, diocesan coordinator of Hospital Chaplaincy, described some of the challenges of providing spiritual care.
The call to pastoral accompaniment is a theme that Pope Francis has taken up in writing and directing bishops and clergy, Bishop Hagemoen noted. “In a range of different situations, our call is to journey with those who are suffering and to try to support them.”
The Clergy Study Day included an overview of Catholic hospital ministry presented by Jackie Saretsky, diocesan coordinator of Hospital Chaplaincy, as well as a summary by Emmanuel Health representatives Francis Maza and ethicist Dr. Mary (Deutscher) Heilman. (Emmanuel Health oversees 12 Catholic health care facilities in the province.)
Theological and pastoral reflections on the issue were presented by Fr. Stefano Penna, pastor of St. Paul’s Co-Cathedral, and Fr. Joseph Salihu, pastor of St. Augustine Parish, Humboldt.
“Participants were also given various case studies to explore, reflecting our local reality. It was an important opportunity to discuss situations that we might have to face as pastors, and to discern appropriate pastoral responses,” said the bishop.
Francis Maza of Emmanuel Health was one of the speakers.
Fr. Stefano Penna provided a theological reflection during the Clergy Study Day. Fr. Joseph Salihu also presented a reflection later in the day. (Photos by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)