Every day the media report on so many life-related issues! In order to help Canadians reflect on the most pressing ethical questions of our times, the Catholic Organization for Life and Family publishes pastoral and educational materials. Topics addressed by COLF include abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, living wills and organ donation, embryonic stem cell research, capital punishment, cloning and assisted procreation.
In 2005, COLF launched a new series of Life Matters publications. In clear and accessible words, these documents explain certain current medical and scientific practices, and discuss their ethical aspects.
Every other year, COLF also hosts a seminar on bioethics in Ottawa, where experts are invited to share information on some of the most challenging issues of the day.
High-tech Babies… Exploring New Challenges to Human Dignity
Who among us hasn’t heard of the term "stem cells”? Medical research using these infinitely small elements of the human body promises miracle cures for terrible illnesses. The media regularly report the remarks of researchers who are enthusiastic about the therapeutic potential of embryonic stem cells.
Yet other researchers raise ethical objections and propose that we focus our energies and funds on researching adult stem cells. What should we think of all this? The Catholic Organization for Life and Family created this brochure for those who wish to know more about this type of research and to better understand the moral dimension of the issue.
Presented in a question-answer format and a simple style accessible to all, this brightly colored document appeals to both youth and adults. It is a useful tool for families, parishes, schools, universities, etc. The reflection offered in this brochure is positive about the advances of science while being nuanced by Christian ethics.
Stem Cells: Astonishing promises...
but at what cost?
Who among us hasn’t heard of the term "stem cells”? Medical research using these infinitely small elements of the human body promises miracle cures for terrible illnesses. The media regularly report the remarks of researchers who are enthusiastic about the therapeutic potential of embryonic stem cells.
Yet other researchers raise ethical objections and propose that we focus our energies and funds on researching adult stem cells. What should we think of all this? The Catholic Organization for Life and Family created this brochure for those who wish to know more about this type of research and to better understand the moral dimension of the issue.
Presented in a question-answer format and a simple style accessible to all, this brightly colored document appeals to both youth and adults. It is a useful tool for families, parishes, schools, universities, etc. The reflection offered in this brochure is positive about the advances of science while being nuanced by Christian ethics.
Some voices today are using individual freedom to call for the “right to die” when illness seems to make life too heavy a burden. This brings up the question of the purpose of existence and the purpose of suffering. Christians find the answer to these questions in the Gospel. It is there that they understand they are not the masters, but the stewards of their lives.
This leaflet offers to people who are struggling with illness, as well as to all others, the opportunity to discover or deepen their understanding of the unexpected meaning that Christ gives to our lives and to our suffering. Many find in Him the source of their perseverance, of their hope, and even of their joy in adversity.
Written in a conversational and accessible style, this publication walks the reader through a powerful contemplation of one of life’s greatest mysteries: pain and suffering. It reveals their profound Christian meaning and instills a renewed sense of hope, courage and peace.
This reflection can be continued in families, between friends or among colleagues, in parishes, schools and universities, in hospitals or in nursing homes and palliative care centres – wherever men and women, young and aging, wonder about life and the enigma of pain and death.
Questions of life and death always provoke impassioned debates. Recently Canada again considered the possibility of legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide. Shouldn't we allow these practices in order to respect the freedom and dignity of patients? Don’t we have a right to die at the time and in the circumstances of our choosing? Doesn’t compassion require us to agree to the request of a sick person who wants to die?
It is impossible to remain indifferent to the danger posed to the most vulnerable among us by attempts to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide. Being well informed is essential in order to participate effectively in the public debate and to propose truly human and Christian solutions.
In this brochure, written in a clear and accessible style, the COLF answers 14 questions related to euthanasia and assisted suicide. Love, compassion, dignity…discover here the true meaning of these words.
October 2007 LIFE IN THE BALANCE: Workshop on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
We know that the right to life underpins all our other rights. We also know that respect for life and for the inherent and inalienable dignity and worth of each human person, from conception to natural death, is a fundamental element of our Christian faith. This respect is essential for living in society. An important challenge now awaits each of us: to propose our Gospel vision of things to our fellow citizens – in our families, among friends, at work, and in political life.
This guide will be useful in organizing workshops in various environments, including parishes, schools, universities, hospitals, faith-sharing groups, retreats, youth groups, lecture and study groups, local lay organizations, ministry formation programs, the conferences of national associations, or even within families and among friends. The workshop is formulated for those who are at least 15 years old. Download PDF Version
Many
of our publications are ideal for distribution to parishes, schools,
universities, hospitals, faith-sharing groups, retreats, youth groups, lecture and
study groups, local lay organizations, families, ministry formation
programs, and the conferences of national associations. They also make
excellent gifts to mark Christmas, Easter, Mothers’ and Fathers’
Days and special international days or weeks. Copies of COLF
publications may be ordered by contacting us at:
Promoting Life 
