How are Catholic Cemeteries to respond to individuals and families that request services for themselves or family members who have died – or will die – by euthanasia or assisted suicide?
Relevant Principles
The Relevant Principles for the Celebration of Funeral Rites set out for clergy also apply to Catholic cemeteries, funeral celebrants and advisors. In general, Catholic cemeteries can provide burial services to people who have died by euthanasia or assisted suicide. The Church does not judge the reason a person has made that choice.
Situations for Discernment
Catholic cemeteries staff members are likely to encounter situations in which they are caught between the faith of the Church and the secular beliefs of individuals and families who approach them for services. For example:
- A family asks to pre-plan a burial service for a member who will die by euthanasia or assisted suicide on a specified date.
- A family specifically tells the family advisor that the person died by euthanasia and asks for the advisor’s opinion.
- A family intends to celebrate the death by euthanasia during the burial service.
A Pastoral Response
Edmonton Catholic Cemeteries has developed a procedure for its staff (family advisors) that provides guidelines for responding to individuals and families that are considering, have requested or have died by Euthanasia or Assisted Suicide (Medical Assistance in Dying).
This procedure was developed in consultation with the Vicar for Clergy and Judicial Vicar/Chancellor for the Archdiocese of Edmonton. It is grounded in the Guidelines for Clergy for the Celebration of the Sacraments [link: English/French], yet, at the same time, recognizes the unique position of Catholic cemeteries in navigating the issues presented by euthanasia and assisted suicide.
Edmonton Catholic Cemeteries has shared its policy with the Hope & Dignity initiative. However, as these are guidelines only, Catholic cemeteries in other dioceses are encouraged to consult with their own bishop and/or senior clergy.