Bishop/Diocesan Statements and Information
12/7
A Statement From Teresa Dominguez, Chancellor/Director of Communications
A Statement From Teresa Dominguez, Chancellor/Director of Communications
Diocese of Fresno Serveys Impact of Current Abuse Scandal
Assesses need for future actions to ensure transparency and accountability
Assesses need for future actions to ensure transparency and accountability
In a pastoral message from The Most Rev. Armando X. Ochoa, released on August 16, 2018 the Bishop stated:
“I stand firm in my conviction that all clergy must live out their lives as ordained ministers with integrity. As bishop, I have fully accepted my responsibility to address any serious matter that knowingly puts at risk any of the souls entrusted to my pastoral care and will continue to do so.
One of my greatest concerns is the culture of secrecy that exists in many dioceses among the clergy and even among some of the laity who feel that they need to protect the Church at all costs. This must be addressed more effectively. To remain silent and abandon victims when they need their faith community the most is indefensible.”
Continue reading below...
“I stand firm in my conviction that all clergy must live out their lives as ordained ministers with integrity. As bishop, I have fully accepted my responsibility to address any serious matter that knowingly puts at risk any of the souls entrusted to my pastoral care and will continue to do so.
One of my greatest concerns is the culture of secrecy that exists in many dioceses among the clergy and even among some of the laity who feel that they need to protect the Church at all costs. This must be addressed more effectively. To remain silent and abandon victims when they need their faith community the most is indefensible.”
Continue reading below...
| public_update_of_response_to_sexual_abuse_scandal_120718__english___spanish_.pdf |
11/27
A Statement From Our Bishop Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, D.D.
A Statement From Our Bishop Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, D.D.
Most Reverend Daniel E. Garcia, The Fifth Bishop of Monterey
November 27, 2018
Statement of Bishop Armando X. Ochoa, Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno on the appointment of the most Reverend Daniel E Garcia as the Fifth Bishop of Monterey.
The Diocese of Fresno shares in the joy of our sister Diocese of Monterey on the news that they have received a new Bishop to shepherd the People of God in that portion of the Lord’s vineyard. It was announced on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 that our Holy Father Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Daniel E. Garcia, until now Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Austin, Texas as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Monterey. The Monterey diocese had been vacant upon the sudden death of Bishop Richard J. Garcia last July.
We wish Bishop Daniel Garcia a warm welcome to Central California and to the Province of Los Angeles and hope his ministry will be filled with many blessings in the years ahead.
November 27, 2018
Statement of Bishop Armando X. Ochoa, Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno on the appointment of the most Reverend Daniel E Garcia as the Fifth Bishop of Monterey.
The Diocese of Fresno shares in the joy of our sister Diocese of Monterey on the news that they have received a new Bishop to shepherd the People of God in that portion of the Lord’s vineyard. It was announced on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 that our Holy Father Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Daniel E. Garcia, until now Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Austin, Texas as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Monterey. The Monterey diocese had been vacant upon the sudden death of Bishop Richard J. Garcia last July.
We wish Bishop Daniel Garcia a warm welcome to Central California and to the Province of Los Angeles and hope his ministry will be filled with many blessings in the years ahead.
10/24
A Publication Sent From Our Bishop Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, D.D.
Below is a letter stating the results of a recently performed on-site audit of the Diocese of Fresno, regarding the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
A Publication Sent From Our Bishop Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, D.D.
Below is a letter stating the results of a recently performed on-site audit of the Diocese of Fresno, regarding the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
8/16
A Statement From Our Bishop Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, D.D.
The breaking news of the scandal created by Cardinal McCarrick; the incomprehensible findings of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury involving six dioceses; and the exposed intolerable systemic immorality that sustained the abuse of countless children demands a response. I agree that it is the episcopate that must answer this call to action in a practical way that is rooted in the tenets of our faith as Catholic Christians. I look forward to the opportunity to address this grievous and detrimental reality that is overshadowing us, along with my brother bishops.
I stand firm in my conviction that all clergy must live out their lives as ordained ministers with integrity. As bishop, I have fully accepted my responsibility to address any serious matter that knowingly puts at risk any of the souls entrusted to my pastoral care and will continue to do so.
One of my greatest concerns is the culture of secrecy that exists in many dioceses among the clergy and even among some of the laity who feel that they need to protect the Church at all costs. This must be addressed more effectively. To remain silent and abandon victims when they need their faith community the most is indefensible.
I know that this massive wave of scandal is hurting many people. I encourage you to see this as a sign that God is purifying the Church. I will do all that I can to cooperate with this healing process and to work towards restoring trust. I encourage you to continue your good works and not be distracted away from the needs of the poor, weak and vulnerable in our midst. We must work through this together, while taking care of the day to day needs of the people we serve.
During the first week of September our Diocese will be undergoing our annual Safe Environment audit. I look forward to sharing the results with you. In the meantime, I ask all clergy, religious and lay leaders in my Diocese to be sensitive to those who are experiencing a crisis of faith as a result of this monumental betrayal of trust. Together, we can heal and build a Church that faithfully lives out its call to be disciples of hope. May God bless you and give you peace.
The breaking news of the scandal created by Cardinal McCarrick; the incomprehensible findings of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury involving six dioceses; and the exposed intolerable systemic immorality that sustained the abuse of countless children demands a response. I agree that it is the episcopate that must answer this call to action in a practical way that is rooted in the tenets of our faith as Catholic Christians. I look forward to the opportunity to address this grievous and detrimental reality that is overshadowing us, along with my brother bishops.
I stand firm in my conviction that all clergy must live out their lives as ordained ministers with integrity. As bishop, I have fully accepted my responsibility to address any serious matter that knowingly puts at risk any of the souls entrusted to my pastoral care and will continue to do so.
One of my greatest concerns is the culture of secrecy that exists in many dioceses among the clergy and even among some of the laity who feel that they need to protect the Church at all costs. This must be addressed more effectively. To remain silent and abandon victims when they need their faith community the most is indefensible.
I know that this massive wave of scandal is hurting many people. I encourage you to see this as a sign that God is purifying the Church. I will do all that I can to cooperate with this healing process and to work towards restoring trust. I encourage you to continue your good works and not be distracted away from the needs of the poor, weak and vulnerable in our midst. We must work through this together, while taking care of the day to day needs of the people we serve.
During the first week of September our Diocese will be undergoing our annual Safe Environment audit. I look forward to sharing the results with you. In the meantime, I ask all clergy, religious and lay leaders in my Diocese to be sensitive to those who are experiencing a crisis of faith as a result of this monumental betrayal of trust. Together, we can heal and build a Church that faithfully lives out its call to be disciples of hope. May God bless you and give you peace.
| public_statement_-_pennsylvania_report081618.pdf |
6/20/18
A Statement From Our Bishop Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, D.D.
Detention of Minors and Separation of Children From Their Parents
"The Lord hears the cry of the poor" (Psalm 34)
Detention of Minors and Separation of Children From Their Parents
"The Lord hears the cry of the poor" (Psalm 34)
Please take a moment to read this statement
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A Statement From Our Bishop Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, D.D.
The Executive Order Regarding The Separation of Families in Immigration Detention
The Executive Order Regarding The Separation of Families in Immigration Detention
The Diocese of Fresno is encouraged by the Trump Administration's reversal of policy regarding the separation of families and unification of children with their parents while under federal immigration detention. We urge the Administration and Congress to work together toward immediate legislation that will usher in comprehensive and fair immigration reform that protects human rights, family unity, security, and lawful protection of the nation's borders.
1/30/2017
A Message From Our Bishop
Regarding the Prevention of Sickness From the Flu
Regarding the Prevention of Sickness From the Flu
Please take a moment to read this information.
| 2018_bulletin_insert_-_flu_season__engspn_.pdf |
9/2017
Diocesan Survey
As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Diocese of Fresno, we are looking to examine how we as People of God are living and sharing the Gospel today. Our diocese is asking you to share your dreams, challenges and lived realities through completing the SAPP survey (Siempre Adelante Pastoral Plan). This online survey is for everyone ages 13 and older.
Click the button below to take the survey.
Click the button below to take the survey.
9/20/17
A Letter From
Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, D.D.
Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, D.D.
My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Words cannot adequately express the sorrow and sadness I feel in response to the back-to-back tragedies that have struck Mexico, the Caribbean, Texas and Florida these last couple of weeks. The immense loss of human life and the destruction of whole cities and island counties are hard to imagine or emotionally comprehend. Yet a few words do come to mind:
*Please continue reading Bishop Ochoa's letter below.
(We will be taking up a special collection on the weekend of 9/30-10/1 2017.)
Words cannot adequately express the sorrow and sadness I feel in response to the back-to-back tragedies that have struck Mexico, the Caribbean, Texas and Florida these last couple of weeks. The immense loss of human life and the destruction of whole cities and island counties are hard to imagine or emotionally comprehend. Yet a few words do come to mind:
*Please continue reading Bishop Ochoa's letter below.
(We will be taking up a special collection on the weekend of 9/30-10/1 2017.)
| hurricane___earthquake_relief._letter_from_most_reverend_armando_x._ochoa_d.d..pdf |
9/29/17
Disaster Aid - Hurricane Harvey
From Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, D.D.
From Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, D.D.
In unity with my brother bishop throughout the country, I call the faithful to open their hearts to the multitude that have lost their homes, possessions and sense of security through the devastating impact of Hurricane Harvey. A growing number of families are also filled with fear out of concern for the fate of separated loved ones, while others grieve the loss of those who have died as a result of this catastrophic natural disaster.
Cardinal DiNardo creates a mental image that moves us to action, as he states: "The effects of this storm continue to put people in harm's way, with horrific scenes playing our all around, such as those of people trapped on their rooftops as water continues to rise around them." As people of faith, we are also people of action. The aftermath of this storm will continue to impact lives for weeks, months and even years to come. We must support the first responders and agents of aftercare with our God given gifts and resources.
As your Bishop, I am calling all parishes to action through a special collection to be taken up during the weekends of September 2-3 and 9-10, 2017. Checks should be made payable to the Diocese of Fresno. A special account is established to receive your collections. Funds will then be forwarded to Catholic Charities USA.
We join Archbishop Gomez in prayer for "the families that have lost loved ones and to all who have lost homes and businesses along with their sense of peace and normalcy."
The path to healing will be long: however, this crisis will also bring out the best portion of our humanity; as it already has through the countless volunteers that are reaching out to others, even as they personally stand in harm's way.
Thank you for your participation and prompt response to the call to be a sign of Christ in our midst for the sake of the weak and vulnerable striving to survive in the path of destruction.
Cardinal DiNardo creates a mental image that moves us to action, as he states: "The effects of this storm continue to put people in harm's way, with horrific scenes playing our all around, such as those of people trapped on their rooftops as water continues to rise around them." As people of faith, we are also people of action. The aftermath of this storm will continue to impact lives for weeks, months and even years to come. We must support the first responders and agents of aftercare with our God given gifts and resources.
As your Bishop, I am calling all parishes to action through a special collection to be taken up during the weekends of September 2-3 and 9-10, 2017. Checks should be made payable to the Diocese of Fresno. A special account is established to receive your collections. Funds will then be forwarded to Catholic Charities USA.
We join Archbishop Gomez in prayer for "the families that have lost loved ones and to all who have lost homes and businesses along with their sense of peace and normalcy."
The path to healing will be long: however, this crisis will also bring out the best portion of our humanity; as it already has through the countless volunteers that are reaching out to others, even as they personally stand in harm's way.
Thank you for your participation and prompt response to the call to be a sign of Christ in our midst for the sake of the weak and vulnerable striving to survive in the path of destruction.
| disaster_a_catholic_response_pamphlet.pdf |
6/7/2017
A Pastoral Message From The Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa
Bishop, Diocese of Fresno
Bishop, Diocese of Fresno
Earlier this year, after extensive consultation and prayer, I arrived at a decision that the Diocese of Fresno would seek the services of a brokerage firm to help us identify a potential buyer for our non-commercial broadcast license for our diocesan television station, KNXT. The decision was very difficult following the recent celebration of the station's 30th anniversary as the only full power 24/7 Catholic TV station in the nation. However, we knew the diocese could not continue to financially sustain the 1.2 million dollar budget when there are so many other areas of ministry that need to be supported, as well. **Read more below.
5/23/2017
Dear Parishioners,
The following message is from Most Rev. Armando X. Ochoa D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno.
The following message is from Most Rev. Armando X. Ochoa D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno.
Californians for Life Summit June 16th-17th in Bakersfield
I invite and encourage you to attend the Californians for Life Summit on June 16th-17th in Bakersfield. This is the 50th year of legalized abortion in our stare, where 1/5 of all US abortions occur. Come be a part of this historic gathering, strategically working together to end abortion in California. See Summit details at Californiansforlife.org
Friday, June 16th begins with a Sidewalk Counseling Workshop to learn how to effectively help women who are considering abortion so that they will choose life for their child. Friday evening June 16th is a dinner for pro-life advocates from throughout the state, with prayer led by Rev. Monsignor Perry Kavookjian. The evening keynote speaker is David Bereit, founder of the 40Days for Life. Saturday June 17th features Churches for Life, Latinos4Life.org, training, workshops and strategic planning.
Everyone is invited to attend the Summit. See Californiansforlife.org for details or call Wynette Sills at 1 916 955-1577
Friday, June 16th begins with a Sidewalk Counseling Workshop to learn how to effectively help women who are considering abortion so that they will choose life for their child. Friday evening June 16th is a dinner for pro-life advocates from throughout the state, with prayer led by Rev. Monsignor Perry Kavookjian. The evening keynote speaker is David Bereit, founder of the 40Days for Life. Saturday June 17th features Churches for Life, Latinos4Life.org, training, workshops and strategic planning.
Everyone is invited to attend the Summit. See Californiansforlife.org for details or call Wynette Sills at 1 916 955-1577
3/2/2017
Dear Parishioners,
The following message is from Msgr. Raymond Dreiling, Vicar General of the Diocese of Fresno.
The following message is from Msgr. Raymond Dreiling, Vicar General of the Diocese of Fresno.
Dispensation for abstaining from meat on Friday, March 17th, 2017, St. Patrick's Day.
St. Patrick's Day, March 17th is on the 2nd Friday of Lent this year and questions are arising on how one can celebrate the festivities of the day honoring this great Saint of the Church and keep the common Lenten Practice of abstaining from meat on the Friday's of Lent.
Sensitive to the needs of many within our Diocese whose tradition it is to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a meal of corned beef and cabbage, any and all things Irish, any things that are green or made to be green, like eggs or beer; Bishop Ochoa has issued a dispensation from abstaining from meat on St. Patrick's Day. Bishop Ochoa encourages the faithful to exercise moderation and temperance so that honoring this Saint and our Lenten observance is not lost or obscured in their celebrations or festivities.
Let us remember and be thankful for his tireless efforts of preaching the good news of salvation first to the Irish people and then with time as it spread to other countries and people throughout the next 1700 years.
St. Patrick, pray for us!
Sensitive to the needs of many within our Diocese whose tradition it is to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a meal of corned beef and cabbage, any and all things Irish, any things that are green or made to be green, like eggs or beer; Bishop Ochoa has issued a dispensation from abstaining from meat on St. Patrick's Day. Bishop Ochoa encourages the faithful to exercise moderation and temperance so that honoring this Saint and our Lenten observance is not lost or obscured in their celebrations or festivities.
Let us remember and be thankful for his tireless efforts of preaching the good news of salvation first to the Irish people and then with time as it spread to other countries and people throughout the next 1700 years.
St. Patrick, pray for us!
2/7/17
Dear Parishioners,
The following message is from Most Rev. Armando X. Ochoa D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno.
The following message is from Most Rev. Armando X. Ochoa D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno.
CONCERN FOR IMMIGRANTS & REFUGEES
"Welcome the stranger among you, for you were once strangers in a foreign land."
The defense of the most vulnerable and weak among us has been at the heart of the Catholic Church's witness and teaching to the world for more than two-thousand years. Rooted in the wisdom of the Prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures and in the consistent teachings of Jesus, our message of hope and care as believers is woven into a seamless garment which covers each one of us under the protective mantle of God's grace and love from the moment of conception to natural death. It is this message of hope that urges us to speak and to act when contrary messages appear on the horizon of our human discourse. And so, our faith impels us to speak out in defense of the vulnerable and rejected members of the human family and to do what we can to alleviate their sufferings and to provide safe haven to them no matter what their race, religion, or national origin. This is not simply a "nice" gesture of kindness. Rather, this is who we are! This is who we are called to be!
The care and protection of the human rights of immigrants and refugees is of paramount importance to us as people of faith. We cannot and must not remain silent when faced with assaults against the life and well-being of people, especially children and vulnerable families, who are unable to defend themselves or who find themselves caught between the dark forces of political maneuvering and the urgent needs to simply survive. I appeal to the Catholic Community in the Diocese of Fresno and to all people of good will to reflect most seriously on this grave responsibility that urgently faces us and to commit ourselves to defend those so in need of our voice. Currently, we are exploring appropriate ways to actively accompany them to recover their human dignity, to find a safe home and personal security, and to restore their life, liberty, and happiness. Enclosed with this statement are links where more information is available; help provided; and opportunities for your active involvement is welcomed.
"Welcome the stranger among you, for you were once strangers in a foreign land."
The defense of the most vulnerable and weak among us has been at the heart of the Catholic Church's witness and teaching to the world for more than two-thousand years. Rooted in the wisdom of the Prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures and in the consistent teachings of Jesus, our message of hope and care as believers is woven into a seamless garment which covers each one of us under the protective mantle of God's grace and love from the moment of conception to natural death. It is this message of hope that urges us to speak and to act when contrary messages appear on the horizon of our human discourse. And so, our faith impels us to speak out in defense of the vulnerable and rejected members of the human family and to do what we can to alleviate their sufferings and to provide safe haven to them no matter what their race, religion, or national origin. This is not simply a "nice" gesture of kindness. Rather, this is who we are! This is who we are called to be!
The care and protection of the human rights of immigrants and refugees is of paramount importance to us as people of faith. We cannot and must not remain silent when faced with assaults against the life and well-being of people, especially children and vulnerable families, who are unable to defend themselves or who find themselves caught between the dark forces of political maneuvering and the urgent needs to simply survive. I appeal to the Catholic Community in the Diocese of Fresno and to all people of good will to reflect most seriously on this grave responsibility that urgently faces us and to commit ourselves to defend those so in need of our voice. Currently, we are exploring appropriate ways to actively accompany them to recover their human dignity, to find a safe home and personal security, and to restore their life, liberty, and happiness. Enclosed with this statement are links where more information is available; help provided; and opportunities for your active involvement is welcomed.
Dear Parishioners,
The following message is from Most Rev. Armando X. Ochoa, Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
I wish to alert you about the presence in the diocese of some groups claiming to be Roman Catholic, but who have no connection with Our Holy Father, the Pope, and who are using the title "Catholic" in an apparent effort to confuse the faithful of our diocese. One such group has established a "chapel" in Fresno under the title: "Queen of All Saints" and are sponsoring events purporting to promote the "True Catholic Faith." They teach that there has been no legitimate pope since 1958 with the death of Blessed Pope Pius XII.
Please be aware that simply using the title "Catholic" by any organization or group does not automatically carry with it the approval of the Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno nor does it demonstrate the "Ecclesial Unity" we understand and proclaim as Roman Catholics.
While always praying for and working toward unity Our Lord desires (Jn. 17:21), it is nonetheless my pastoral responsibility to inform you of this important matter, especially in light of erroneous and conflicting claims and teachings.
May we always keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, our source of unity and peace.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, D.D.
Bishop, Diocese of Fresno
The following message is from Most Rev. Armando X. Ochoa, Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
I wish to alert you about the presence in the diocese of some groups claiming to be Roman Catholic, but who have no connection with Our Holy Father, the Pope, and who are using the title "Catholic" in an apparent effort to confuse the faithful of our diocese. One such group has established a "chapel" in Fresno under the title: "Queen of All Saints" and are sponsoring events purporting to promote the "True Catholic Faith." They teach that there has been no legitimate pope since 1958 with the death of Blessed Pope Pius XII.
Please be aware that simply using the title "Catholic" by any organization or group does not automatically carry with it the approval of the Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno nor does it demonstrate the "Ecclesial Unity" we understand and proclaim as Roman Catholics.
While always praying for and working toward unity Our Lord desires (Jn. 17:21), it is nonetheless my pastoral responsibility to inform you of this important matter, especially in light of erroneous and conflicting claims and teachings.
May we always keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, our source of unity and peace.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, D.D.
Bishop, Diocese of Fresno
11/2015
Dear Parishioners, The following message is from Most Rev. Armando X. Ochoa, Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno, in union with the California Catholic Conference of Bishops:
California will step over a moral and ethical precipice unless a new law (ABx2-15 - Physician Assisted Suicide) to legalize the practice of physicians actively bringing about the death of their patients is overturned. This “travesty of compassion” is such a danger to so many vulnerable people and so fundamentally undermines the physician-patient relationship that Californians deserve to have the final say on whether this new law is what they want. As Catholics our teachings on the end of life respond to both the needs of the dying and those accompanying them. We should all promote the prudent and responsible exercise of patient autonomy during a patient’s last days. Those who are dying should experience the embrace of family, quality palliative care and love. All of those grappling with the loss of a loved one should be offered spiritual solace and grace-filled consolation.
Our Catholic health care providers offer this effective and compassionate care throughout our state. Sadly, this new law creates a medical and social reality in civil society that expands a “throw-away culture” mentality to an unprecedented level placing in peril our most vulnerable sisters and brothers in California. California stands at a perilous juncture in our history and what we do here may also negatively influence others in our nation. Concerned citizens have filed a referendum to ask voters to overturn this dismal law. To succeed it must first receive enough signatures by January 4, 2016 to qualify for the ballot. Because this law presents an unprecedented moral threat to human dignity and the timing for qualifying a referendum is urgent, signature gathering will be allowed and encouraged in the Diocese of Fresno through December 15, 2015. Since the legislature passed the physician assisted suicide bill in a Special Session, it will not take effect until the session is adjourned – which has not yet been determined. Should the referendum receive enough signatures, the law will be prevented from going into effect until after the voters have had their say in November 2016. The effort to legalize a doctor writing prescriptions for a lethal dose of drugs highlights the “throw-away culture”
Pope Francis has warned us against. In speaking to Italian doctors last year, His Holiness spoke clearly of the dangers of such a policy:
“The dominant thinking sometimes suggests a "false compassion", that which believes that it is: helpful to women to promote abortion; an act of dignity to obtain euthanasia; a scientific breakthrough to "produce" a child and to consider it to be a right rather than a gift to welcome; or to use human lives as guinea pigs presumably to save others. Instead, the compassion of the Gospel is that which accompanies in times of need, that is, the compassion of the Good Samaritan, who "sees", "has compassion", approaches and provides concrete help (cf. Lk 10:33). Your mission as doctors puts you in daily contact with many forms of suffering. I encourage you to take them on as "Good Samaritans", caring in a special way for the elderly, the infirm and the disabled.”
By putting this referendum on the ballot we can educate our own Catholic community to understand the beauty of our Catholic teaching and the dire consequences that this sad practice will inflict on individuals and their families. We can keep it from becoming law and advocate better alternatives for end-of-life care. As we have seen in other health issues of moral concern, if this law is affirmed here and elsewhere, it will become ever more difficult to reverse the practice and to expand true compassionate care. We can keep health care in California from going down that path and work for a California that truly cares for its people. Thank you for your understanding and assistance.
California will step over a moral and ethical precipice unless a new law (ABx2-15 - Physician Assisted Suicide) to legalize the practice of physicians actively bringing about the death of their patients is overturned. This “travesty of compassion” is such a danger to so many vulnerable people and so fundamentally undermines the physician-patient relationship that Californians deserve to have the final say on whether this new law is what they want. As Catholics our teachings on the end of life respond to both the needs of the dying and those accompanying them. We should all promote the prudent and responsible exercise of patient autonomy during a patient’s last days. Those who are dying should experience the embrace of family, quality palliative care and love. All of those grappling with the loss of a loved one should be offered spiritual solace and grace-filled consolation.
Our Catholic health care providers offer this effective and compassionate care throughout our state. Sadly, this new law creates a medical and social reality in civil society that expands a “throw-away culture” mentality to an unprecedented level placing in peril our most vulnerable sisters and brothers in California. California stands at a perilous juncture in our history and what we do here may also negatively influence others in our nation. Concerned citizens have filed a referendum to ask voters to overturn this dismal law. To succeed it must first receive enough signatures by January 4, 2016 to qualify for the ballot. Because this law presents an unprecedented moral threat to human dignity and the timing for qualifying a referendum is urgent, signature gathering will be allowed and encouraged in the Diocese of Fresno through December 15, 2015. Since the legislature passed the physician assisted suicide bill in a Special Session, it will not take effect until the session is adjourned – which has not yet been determined. Should the referendum receive enough signatures, the law will be prevented from going into effect until after the voters have had their say in November 2016. The effort to legalize a doctor writing prescriptions for a lethal dose of drugs highlights the “throw-away culture”
Pope Francis has warned us against. In speaking to Italian doctors last year, His Holiness spoke clearly of the dangers of such a policy:
“The dominant thinking sometimes suggests a "false compassion", that which believes that it is: helpful to women to promote abortion; an act of dignity to obtain euthanasia; a scientific breakthrough to "produce" a child and to consider it to be a right rather than a gift to welcome; or to use human lives as guinea pigs presumably to save others. Instead, the compassion of the Gospel is that which accompanies in times of need, that is, the compassion of the Good Samaritan, who "sees", "has compassion", approaches and provides concrete help (cf. Lk 10:33). Your mission as doctors puts you in daily contact with many forms of suffering. I encourage you to take them on as "Good Samaritans", caring in a special way for the elderly, the infirm and the disabled.”
By putting this referendum on the ballot we can educate our own Catholic community to understand the beauty of our Catholic teaching and the dire consequences that this sad practice will inflict on individuals and their families. We can keep it from becoming law and advocate better alternatives for end-of-life care. As we have seen in other health issues of moral concern, if this law is affirmed here and elsewhere, it will become ever more difficult to reverse the practice and to expand true compassionate care. We can keep health care in California from going down that path and work for a California that truly cares for its people. Thank you for your understanding and assistance.
