The Catholic Weekly 23 May 2021

catholicweekly.com.au 2 NEWS 23, May, 2021 Call 02 9649 6423 or visit www.catholiccemeteries.com.au Consecrated lawns and chapels Sydney’s only Catholic crematorium Monthly mass for the Repose of Souls Funeral directors available for a Catholic service Bereavement pastoral care Serving the Catholic community for over 150 years FROM PAGE 1 During the first week of the series at St. Felix De Valois organised by the parish youth team, Fr Ronnie Maree spoke on the theological perspective of the euthanasia debate with a talk titled “What is Eutha- nasia? Suffering and Dignity, Living Well and Dying Well.” “You could tell by the num- ber of questions we received, and because we simply didn’t have the time for everyone’s questions each week that there is real thirst to learn more about this subject,” said Fr. Ronnie. “The three weeks gave us an opportunity to look at every aspect of the topic. “It’s a topic that you just can’t convey properly in one article or a five minute hom- ily, but people really enjoyed the depth in which we were able to explore it. Father Ronnie also com- mented on the powerful messages the medical panel was able to deliver on current Palliative Care specialists warn of urgent need treatments and alternatives to euthanasia, noting how com- mon misunderstandings were answered during their talks. “It was remarkable how little the panel of medical ex- perts that spoke in week two, talked about euthanasia itself, speaking instead of the power and importance of their own work in palliative care. “They were able to address and answer the misconcep- tions and fears that lead to eu- thanasia being considered by patients.” The final week of the series, a talk given by Monica Dou- mit, addressed the topic from Left to Right: Fr Ronnie Maree, Sr. Cecilia MacKay, Dr Lynn Lim, Michael McHugh and Dr. Charbel Beijani. PHOTO:ABBEL GASPI a political and legal perspec- tive, looking at some of the of- ten overlooked consequences of euthanasia legalisation. Ms Doumit said she was encouraged by the turnout to hear the talks and the level of engagement from audi- ence members, particularly the next generation of young Catholics. “It was so edifying to be part of this wonderful initia- tive from Father Ronnie and the St Felix Youth team,” said Ms. Doumit. “The high lev- els of engagement of those who attended was clearly evident from the number of thoughtful questions that were asked, and the discus- sion that went on at the end of each evening.” “It was especially pleasing to see somany of the staff and seminarians from the Sem- inary of the Good Shepherd come along; their attendance was a powerful witness to the importance of this issue, and the care and concern of the Church’s pastors and future pastors for the care of our most vulnerable.” Euthanasia has now been legalised in Victoria, WA, Tasmania and New Zealand, with South Australia expect- ed to vote soon on similar legislation and the Queens- land Government announc- ing legislation last week. Any legislation introduced to the NSWparliament would place pressure on the Bere- jiklian government to uphold their promise that there will be no more conscience votes during this term of govern- ment. I n this edition Our story begins in 1839 with the Australasian Chronicle, continuing with the Freeman’s Journal in 1850. Level 13, Polding Centre, 133 Liverpool Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. Phone (02) 9390 5400 | Vol 73, No 5185. The Catholic Weekly is published by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney ABN 60 471 267 587 and is printed by ACM Australian Community Media, 159 Bells Line of Road, North Richmond NSW, 2754. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael Kenny (02) 9390 5348 EDITOR Peter Rosengren (02) 9390 5400 REPORTERS Marilyn Rodrigues (02) 9390 5410 Debbie Cramsie (02) 9390 5396 SUBSCRIPTIONS Rita Ng (02) 9390 5411 ADVERTISING AND MARKETING Steve Richards (02) 9390 5404 Katie Clarke (02) 9390 5402 DESIGNERS Renate Cassis Mathew De Sousa Faith in the trajectory of life catch it now at: thiscatholiclife.com.au News Movies, books Archbishop’s homily Editorial & Letters 1-7, 10-13 8-9 18 24-25 LEAVE A GIFT Archdiocese of Sydney Catholic CHARITIES Order your FREE Wills and Bequests Guide today 1800 753 959 or [email protected] myWill SUPPORTINGTHE MINISTRIES OF THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY Leaving a gift in a It was remarkable how little the panel of medical experts that spoke in week two, talked about euthanasia itself, speaking instead of the power and importance of their own work in palliative care” Father Ronnie Maree