LAST WORDS

In his final paragraphs of his spiritual testament, John Paul wrote these words:

"As the end of my earthly life approaches, I return to the memory of the beginning, to my parents, my brother and sister (whom I did not know because she died before my birth), the parish of

Wadowice, where I was baptized, that beloved city of mine, my peers, friends from elementary school, high school, university, up until the time of the occupation when I was a worker, and then the parish of Niegowie, and that of St. Florian in Krakow, the pastoral ministry of academics, the milieu... all milieux... Krakow and Rome ... the people who in a special way have been entrusted to me by the Lord.

"To all I want to say one thing: ‘May God reward you.‘ "

John Paul was a person of gratitude and these last words certainly express that attitude. What stands out is that for all his accomplishments and for all the people that he encountered, he never forgot his roots, his family and childhood friends and most poignantly his home parish.


TWO LUNGS

One of Pope John Paul‘s greatest desires was to reconcile the Roman Catholic Church with the Orthodox churches of the East. The great split between the eastern and western branches of Christianity took place 1000 years ago. Sadly the divisions remain and this must be seen as some of the unfinished business awaiting the church and the next pope. John Paul used the lovely expression that east and west must unite so that the church would again breathe with two lungs.

During the pope‘s funeral liturgy one thing that struck me was the total absence of women "on the stage," especially with the cardinals. It is such a contrast to the rest of our lives. Here we are also breathing with just one lung.

One non doctrinal change that could be implemented by the next pope would be to have women selected as cardinals and so have immediate access to guiding our church. Cardinals do not have to be ordained. Although we have not had lay cardinals in recent years, as recently as in the 1800s there were lay men appointed as cardinals.

We need such balance especially in our sexual teachings. I am also sure that women would have had a much earlier response to the sexual abuse cases. This is one of my hopes for the future direction of the church (but don‘t hold your breath!)

Fr Mike

MINNESOTA HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES

Last week I had an article on end of life issues and I mentioned that in Minnesota the only legal document that is officially recognized for giving your wishes for medical treatment is known as a Health Care Directive. You can download a copy off the internet from the Minnesota Board on Aging website: http://www.mnaging.org/ or
call them at 651-296-2770.


PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR POPE JOHN PAUL II 
(from Capuchin Communications)

God of Good Friday and Easter Sunday, we mourn the death of Pope John Paul II and we celebrate his life and light.

God of mercy, we thank you for John Paul II‘s focus on the human dignity and the human rights of every individual around the globe.

God of compassion, we thank you for John Paul II‘s deep concern for those in poverty and his challenges to unjust social structures and systems that affect the poor.

God of courage, we thank you for John Paul II‘s call for an authentic global solidarity and his rejection of violence and war in the global community.

God of grace, we thank you for John Paul II‘s vision of the common good, where people are more important than profits and where all can participate in building the city of God.

In the days, weeks, and months ahead, God of new beginnings, help us to reflect deeply on John Paul II‘s calls to justice and peace in the 21st century and help us to truly honor him by responding to his call to "love each neighbor in the global community."

Amen.

REFUSING AND STOPPING MEDICAL CARE

The tragic case of Terri Schiavo perhaps will bring about much good if it causes people to talk about these important end of life issues with family and friends. Here are some traditional Catholic teachings that have unfortunately been forgotten:

1. Morally, a person can refuse life-sustaining treatment when it is determined that the procedure would impose strain or suffering or financial cost out of proportion with the benefits to be gained from the treatment. This is primarily a medical decision.

2. Even when life-sustaining treatment has been undertaken, this treatment may be stopped when the burdens outweigh the benefits. A competent person receiving care makes this decision. When such a decision is being made for a non-competent person, his or her known needs, values and wishes are to be followed. This later situation is the basis for Judge Greer‘s decision in the Terri Schiavo case. (By the way, Judge Greer is an evangelical Christian and conservative Republican.)

3. A decision to forgo useless or burdensome treatment must not mean abandonment of the patient. In all cases, the dignity of the person is to be respected. The person‘s comfort, as well as social, emotional and spiritual support, must be maintained. Hospice programs put this at the center of their mission.

4. Artificially provided nutrition (feeding tube) and hydration (intravenous line) raises special issues related to such fundamental human realities as faithfulness to those who are vulnerable and dependent. But it must be remembered that feeding tubes and IV‘s are medicine. Persons like Terri Schiavo used to die simply and quietly, because medicine could do little to save them. These recent medical interventions no longer allow "natural" death as an option. Death involves decisions.

The moral value of these procedures also depends on the burdens and benefits to the patient. The criteria on which to base any decision to withhold or discontinue artificial nutrition or hydration are to follow the needs, values and wishes of the patient. In ending treatment, the primary intent is not to bring about death. The traditional Catholic moral principle of double effect is at work here. The unintended or secondary effect of stopping this treatment results in death, but the primary intent is to stop a treatment that is overly burdensome or of little benefit to the patient.

5. As I said, the tragic Schiavo case should give us all reason to talk to family and friends about our wishes. This is true even for young people as Terri was only in her 20‘s when she was stricken. In 99% of the cases of ending treatment that I have been involved with, the family and medical care givers were able to come to a suitable decision without controversy. Such times are often highly spiritual experiences.

But for legal protection of your wishes, it is essential to set up in advance your health care wishes. The Minnesota Senior Federation (651-645-0261) has very helpful information on their website (www.mnsenior.org). In Minnesota, one document, "The Health Care Directive" takes the place of a living will or power of attorney for health care. In a health care directive you may do one or both of the following: name a person or persons to make decisions for you, and/or state your wishes and preferences about the kind of care you want. If you reside for some of the year in another state contact that state attorney general‘s office for their legal requirements.

Another good website is www.agingwithdignity.org at which for $5 you can order their "5 Wishes" booklet. This booklet offers a wonderful way to think about possible options and then this can be shared with family and friends. This document does not take the place of "The Health Care Directive."

6. For many of us, prayer has to be a part of these deliberations. During this Easter time we remember the Risen Lord telling Mary Magdalene, "Do not cling to me." And the words that Jesus spoke to the friends of Lazarus, "Let him go free," certainly are appropriate for all those so affected by Terri Schiavo‘s prolonged dying process.

Fr. Mike

With the rest of the staff, I hope that this Easter will be an occasion of great joy and happiness for all the members of our parish community and those who join us this weekend. We pray that the tremendous meaning of the Easter celebration will give new meaning and purpose to our lives.

We extend a very special welcome to those who have been baptized, confirmed and welcomed to the Lord’s table this Easter!

Having celebrated Lent and Holy week as well, a special word of thanks must go out to all who have made this a special time. This includes all who generously give their time and talent to make our liturgies especially graceful and grace-filled. Many help to prepare the church and assist in ministry. Thanks to those who help with environments, our worship committee, the choir and other musicians, ushers, greeters, lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and RCIA team. And thanks to the maintenance staff who keep the church looking good.

This weekend, we gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We sing wonderful music that speaks of our praise, adoration and joy! But in reality, every Sunday in the Christian Church is an Easter Sunday, because we remember Christ’s resurrection each week. I thank you for your generous stewardship. You make it possible to share the Easter message every day. Thank you for all the outreach through Families Moving Forward (FMF), VEAP, Bridging, Sister Parishes, etc. These are also signs of life.

Fr. Mike

ONE HOLY WEEK

As we gather this weekend for Palm Sunday services, we begin the special time known as Holy Week. There has been much preparation that goes into the Holy Week celebrations, so much to do for our liturgical ministers and musicians. Please take advantage of this special time of prayer and join us
for as many of the services as you can during the Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter.

And let me give you a special heads up. On Easter Sunday, the 9:30 and 11am Masses tend to be crowded. If you plan to attend these services please come early to get a seat. You might also want to consider the less crowded 8:00am Easter Sunday Mass or even the special Easter Vigil Service starting at 8:00pm on Saturday night.

WHERE IS BLACKDUCK?

Parishioner Kevin Kent, an eighth-grader at Nativity School, recently qualified for the 2005 Minnesota State Geographic Bee to be held April 1st. Kevin in in the top 100 of the thousands who competed. Congratulations Kevin and best of luck at the state competition.