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Our Lady of Sorrows Church December 6, 2015 From the Pastor’s Desk
My Dear People: I estimate that one out of four families will face the decision of when to let the natural death process take place instead of postposing it to no avail. After all, we who are pro-life say we must protect human life from conception to natural death.
Someone sent me an article from the America magazine dated this past October. The following is my attempt to summarize seven pages and personally add to the enormously great message given by a noted Catholic theologian.
On November 24, 1957, Pope Pius XII made a statement that we are obliged to use the ordinary means to preserve human life. He added that we are not obligated to use extraordinary means.
How often one is so sick or depressed and wants to die, but that is not, in itself, a justification to not use the ordinary means to save one’s life. This leaves us with sin not to use the ordinary means. Respect for human life means that we use the ordinary means to preserve it even when one thinks it is o.k. to let the natural death process take place. It is even more wrong to directly (doctor assisted) act to destroy human life, because one does not see the Christian value to human suffering to be effective with a willingness to let God decide “when”.
Pius XII did state that it was not an obligation to use an extraordinary means to stop the natural death process. Extraordinary means not only refers to technology, but if the treatment is too costly or too painful or if the procedure did not offer a reasonable expectation of benefit to the patient in the long view of things. The last thought has pushed theologians into using the terms “proportionate and disproportionate” burden
to the patient. There is merit in “letting go” when a patient is tethered to a ventilator, with tubes coming from every orifice, and one is reduced to little more than a cog in a machine.
The patient has the first right to determine the use of extraordinary means. After the patient, it is the one who has the power of attorney. Complicating the issue in today’s world of modern medicine is the determination of what is extraordinary means. Great pain and extreme financial cost qualify as extraordinary means.
The Jesuit approach to the issue is “back to basics”! The Baltimore catechism answers the question, “Why did God make me?”: “To know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this life and be happy with Him for all eternity.”
The purpose and goal of life is not the unnecessary prolongation of biological existence. It is the attainment of everlasting life with God in heaven.
We recognize the value of offering one’s suffering to God; but most often, when sedation is given, one is not conscious enough to pray.
Father McCormick, S.J., sees the value to love God and neighbor is severely truncated if all one’s energy is expended on clinging to life in an intensive care unit. The use of the I.C.U. makes sense if it serves to restore the patient to a cognitive functioning and integrated existence. It makes no human or Christian sense when it functions as a high tech hospice.
The Jesuit approach to biomedical ethics uses the age old principle of THE TWO FOLD EFFECT, which states that it is permitted to perform an act which is good or indifferent in itself from which two effects flow, one good and one evil, provided the good effect is the one which is intended. For example, it is good or indifferent in itself to make bathtubs, from which two effects flow: one good,
people get clean, and one evil, people slip and fall and hurt themselves. The act is good or indifferent in itself and the good effect is the one intended, even though another effect might take place.
The use of sedation to relieve pain has two effects: 1) making one comfortable and; 2) the possibility of hastening the death process. The relief of pain is the intention, and if the unintended effect takes place, the Church, with the principal of the two fold effect, permits the administration of sedation.
Summary: What exempts an individual from the obligation to undergo a medical technique? The response is that one would be exempt if the treatment were too costly, too burdensome, or too painful, or if the procedure did not offer a reasonable expectation of benefit to the patient.
The ventilator, tube feeding, and hydration, as well as dialysis, may or may not be obligatory depending (and the patient is the first one to decide) on the burden versus the benefit and, again, with the first determinate being the patient.
Prudently, and rightfully, many families and physicians wait for the priest to administer the Last Rites before removing life support when it is deemed that the artificial life support is no benefit to the patient. One’s relationship with God is the ultimate value. It is also to be noted that removing life support and letting the natural death process take place in specific cases is morally permissible when it is determined that there is no overall benefit to the patient. It is simply letting the natural death process take place.
May the above considerations be of benefit to oneself and to one’s dying relatives when facing one of life’s difficult decisions. With prayers and blessings, Father Muller
The Mass Schedule for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is: Monday, Dec. 7 Vigil at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 a.m. 12 noon 5:00 p.m. Please note the time change for the evening Mass on Dec. 8. It has been changed from the usual time at 6 p.m. because the Homewood Christmas parade will begin at 6:30 p.m.
CHAPEL OF OUR SAVIOR The Chapel needs permanent Committed Adorers for: Sunday at 5:00 AM Sunday at 8:00 AM Monday at 4:00 PM (With Partner) Wednesday at 8:00 AM (With Partner) Thursday at 1:00 PM (With Partner) Our goal is to have at least 2 people on each hour. These are the hours needed, but do select an hour that best fits your schedule. Please call Mary Claire Brouillette at 871-2909 or Trudy Carpri at 945-0742. “Let us be generous with our time in going to meet Jesus and ready to make reparation for the great evils of the world. Let your Adoration never cease.” Pope St. John Paul II, Dominicai Cenae
The Baptism Class has been moved from December 15, to December 29. Please call the Church Office to register.
The Advent Mission begins Monday, December 14, with Fr. Ron Hoye, and will conclude on Wednesday, December 16. The Penance Service is scheduled for Tuesday, December 15, at 6:30 p.m. We will have eight priests hearing confessions.
Monday, Dec. 7 Leanora Maenza Margaret Liello Patricia Skellie Tuesday, Dec. 8 Charles Woods Delmar Colvin Sp. Int. Nap Barranco Wednesday, Dec. 9 Special Intention Mary & Jim Meehan Vincent & Virginia Zicarelli Thursday, Dec. 10 Special Intention Joe Donahue Janice Boackle Stewart Friday, Dec. 11 Angelo & Lee Bruno Billie Colvin Lena Carruba Saturday, Dec. 12 Donors to OLS School Foundation Tom Madden Joseph J. Gagliano Sunday, Dec. 13 Josephine Sicola/People of the Parish Cecelia Stephens Anthony Smeraglia
David Johnstone, Anthony Ross, Mildred Stephens, Molly Rossell, Dan Rice, Rose Butera, Kenneth Huie, Mary Ann Huie, Melanie Gilchrist
The Advent Trees are in the vestibule. This year we are raising money For the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed
Trinity (Trinitarian Sisters), of which our own Sister Pat is a member. Please take an envelope and return your donation to the Church Office by December 13. Thank you for your generosity.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word will be presenting the Birth of Jesus Nativity play at the Birthday Party for Jesus on Dec. 13, and all children of the parish are invited to take part! We will practice on Sunday, Dec. 6,
from 11 a.m. til 12 noon (after PSR) in the Parish Hall. Please contact Greg Harber for further details at 251-2133 or [email protected].
Everyone is welcome to attend ‘Adult Education: Mercy Bound’ on Sunday, December 13. Our speaker will be Joy Pinto, Executive Director of Her Choice Birmingham Women’s Clinic. The gathering begins in the Parish Hall at 9:45 a.m. with fellowship and light refreshments and the class begins at 10 a.m.
Children’s Eucharistic Adoration
Please join us for Children’s Eucharistic Adoration on Wednesday, December 9, from 10 – 10:30 a.m. in the church. Children of all ages are welcome, including newborns and infants. This time is a wonderful opportunity to encourage your child’s faith and prayer life while fulfilling Christ’s command to “. . . Let the little children come to me . . .” (Mark 10:14). For more information, please call Kim Stephens at 823-8886.
Madonna & Child is having a guest speaker on Friday, December 11. Life coach and Catholic mom, Sarah Flaherty, will join us for an inspirational talk in the Sodality Room. The Rosary will begin at 9 a.m., with our speaker to follow. Please make your nursery reservation by Wednesday, December 9, by emailing Becky Placzek at [email protected].
Our Lady of Peace Guild will meet in the Sodality Room on Monday, December 7, for our annual Christmas Party. Refreshments will be served at 11:30 a.m. and will be followed by a catered lunch.
What’s Goin on In High School Youth Group?
Sunday, Dec. 6: Faith Formation at 10 a.m.: How Can I Utilize the Saints? Youth Group & dinner at 7 p.m.: LifeNight: “The Ultimate Victory!” The ‘Keep Watch’ Advent Tour is coming to OLS! All ages are invited to join us Thursday, Dec. 10, in the Assembly Hall for an incredible night starting at 7 p.m. This FREE event is meant to inspire, encourage, and ignite your hearts this Advent season. We will start with an inspiring talk from Life Teen speaker Dom Quaglia, hear beautiful worship led by the Sarah Kroger band, and end the night with Adoration of our Lord. Want to learn more? [email protected]
What’s Going on in MID Youth Group?
Sunday, Dec. 6: We will be having an Edge Night talk called “The Light of the World” on the season of Christmas. Fr. Wilfred will be our guest speaker. Join us at 7 p.m. in the Assembly Hall to grow in a deep understanding of the season of Christmas and how to say “yes” to Jesus. Want to know more? Email [email protected]
The OLS Music Ministry invites everyone to their first ever Advent Music Service on Sunday, December 12, at 2 p.m. in the Church. The Children’s Choir, Folk Choir, Adult Choir, and several talented instrumentalists in our parish will be performing pieces that reflect the Advent season. Please come and support this ministry. This is a great opportunity to prepare your hearts and minds for the coming of Our Savior and reflect on all the blessings we have received through Him.
Stop Hunger Now: Join the movement to end hunger in our lifetime! Help us to reach our goal to package 60,000 + meals on December 12. This is open to all members of the church. It is a great Advent Service for all. There are different shift times to work with all our busy schedules: 9:30-11:30 a.m. & 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. To register, go to our website http://www.ourladyofsorrows.com or call Suzanne Corso or Marcy Fleming at 871-1431 or Angie Dunston at 871-3253.
Many thanks for all the prayers, cards and well wishes during my hospital stay and beyond. I couldn’t have done it without the thoughtful and generous people of OLS. God bless you all. Mary Thornton
The Padre Pio Prayer Group will meet on Saturday, December 19, at 10 a.m. in the Church. Please come and join us for Adoration, the Rosary, Benediction and Mass. What a wonderful opportunity for prayer during this Holy Advent Season. For more information call Angela Kolar at 991-9554. Padre Pio…Pray for us!
The OLS Knights of Columbus will team up with the Birmingham St. Paul Evangelization Team to offer hot chocolate and FREE rosaries, Miraculous Medals, and Catholic literature outside of OLS during the Homewood Christmas Parade. Stop by and bring your friends! Rain cancels.
Breakfast with Santa will be held on Saturday, December 12, in the OLS School Cafeteria. Seatings are at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Bring your own camera for pictures with Santa! Reserve your spot now by emailing [email protected]. The cost is a toy donation for the Catholic Center of Concern. Sponsored by the OLS Cub Scout Pack 237.
My sincere and heartfelt thanks to the wonderful and devoted women of the Altar Sodality! Our Fall luncheon, “You Take the Cake”, was full of fun and fellowship – making it a very special day for all
of us. God bless each of you, Fran Ross Robertson The following premier chefs, bakeries, and caterers were so generous and their desserts were beautiful and delicious! Ashley Mac’s – Ashley McMakin Bake My Day – Christina Zaden Duval Café Iz – Kay Reed Contri Brothers Bottega & Chez FonFon – Pardis & Frank Stitt
Dream Cakes – Jan Jacks Potter Edgar’s Bakery – Dottie Smith Emily’s Heirloom Cakes – April McClung Fanoula’s Baklava & More – Fanoula Gulas 5-Star Catering Fresh Market Hot & Hot Fish Club – Idie & Chris Hastings Imperial Catering – Sela Bischoff Magic City Macaroons – Nancy McColl Magic Muffins – Glenn Weaver Noto Promotions – Louis Noto O’Carr’s – June & Cameron Carr Olexa’s – Diane Olexa Pastry Art – Dennis Gregg Phyllis Tinsley Publix Vestavia - Joe Blaszczak & Lorelie Reynolds
Rita Wood Savage’s – Van Scott Schmalen Design – Amy & Andy Schmalen Sweet Magnolia – Julie Hendrick Western-Vestavia – Steve Shelton Whole Foods – Tammy Bernard Zoe’s – Homewood
Chrismons
Ancient Symbols of Our Faith
From today’s Old Testament reading in Baruch 5:1-2 “Jerusalem, take off your dress of sorrow and distress, put on the beauty of God's glory for evermore, wrap the cloak of God's saving justice around you, put the diadem of the Eternal One's glory on your head…” The Chrismon Tree is dressed in God’s Glory using the liturgical colors white, gold and red. The color white proclaims purity of soul, innocence and triumph. The priest celebrates the innocence of Christ’s birth and the triumph of his resurrection wearing white vestments on Christmas and Easter. Gold speaks of joy as it embellishes vestments and altars. Red is used sparingly on the Chrismon ornaments, but loudly declares fire, blood, martyrdom and most importantly God’s love. In reverence of martyrs, Christ’s Passion, and Pentecost the priest wears red. The Chrismon Tree is crowned in the beauty of God’s glory displaying colors symbolizing the purity of Christ’s birth, the passion of his death, the joy of his resurrection, the fire of the Holy Spirit and the Eternal One’s Glory.
