Dying With Dignity – Hear Our Voices

October 10, 2016August 21, 2026

Catholics who choose assisted death struggling with compassion vs. doctrine

Scholars say church laws do allow for some flexibility on final sacraments for assisted death

By Geordon Omand

A proper funeral is far more than an end-of-life celebration for practising Catholics, who believe last rites cleanse the soul of sin

October 10, 2016August 21, 2026

Struggle of compassion versus doctrine for Catholics who choose assisted death

by Geordon Omand

Cardinal Thomas Collins, the Archbishop of Toronto, delivers a statement on physician-assisted death while presiding over mass at St. Paul's Basilica in Toronto in a March 6, 2016, file photo. For the faithful questioning whether the final sacrament of a funeral is available to a loved one who has chosen a medically assisted death, the answer may depend on whom in the church they ask.

VANCOUVER – A proper funeral is far more than an end-of-life celebration for practising Catholics, who believe last rites cleanse the soul of sin in preparation for eternal life in heaven.

But for the faithful questioning