Bishops' Schedules: Bishop Robert C. Morlino Saturday, October 29, 2005 7:30 p.m. -- Preside at the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Patrick Church, Hollandale Sunday, October 30, 2005 11:00 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at the Celebration of Eucharist, Bishop's Stational Mass, St. Patrick Church, Madison 7:00 p.m. -- Parish Talk: "Living a moral life in our confusing secular world," Christ the King Parish, McFarland Tuesday, November 1, 2005 4:45 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Pontifical Mass to confer Ministry of Reader on Seminarians, Blessed John XXIII National Seminary, Weston, Mass. Bishop William H. Bullock Sunday, October 30, 2005 9:15 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Patrick Church (includes St. Boniface, Lime Ridge, and Holy Family, La Valle), Loreto Wednesday, November 2, 2005 10:00 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at the Sacrament of Eucharist, Commemoration of All Souls, Resurrection Cemetery, Madison Bishop George O. Wirz Saturday, October 29, 2005 2:30 p.m. -- Communal Rite of Sacrament of Reconciliation, Blessed Sacrament Parish Confirmation Retreat, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Sunday, October 30, 2005 10:30 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at the Sacrament of Confirmation, Sacred Heart Parish, Reedsburg

Under the Gospel Book + Bishop Robert C. Morlino There is no column by Bishop Robert C. Morlino this week.

Respect Life Letter
from Bishop Morlino

Editor's note: This is the fifth in a series of weekly letters written by Bishop Robert C. Morlino during October, which is observed as Respect Life Month.

Dear Sisters and Brothers, All in the Lord,

In this final week of Respect Life month, let us look at the final phase of life and how our respect for life flourishes. In just a few days we will celebrate the feasts of All Saints and All Souls, reminding us of the end stages of physical life and the glory of our life with Jesus.

Most of us fear death, to some extent. Sometimes people have an unreasoning fear of the last stages of life. They fear pain, loss of independence, and being a "burden." Some believe that euthanasia or assisted suicide is a merciful act. Both euthanasia and assisted suicide are contrary to Church teaching. Both deny the Culture of Life.

It is our calling to comfort and console those facing the end of life. We can help by being well informed about the major advances in pain control. Almost all pain can now be controlled with proper medication. Understanding that and working with physicians to achieve pain control eliminates one of the main arguments for euthanasia.

Some fear loss of independence, being a burden, or loneliness. It is our calling to recognize these social and spiritual needs. Some parishioners visit those who are homebound, in hospitals, assisted living, and nursing homes. These visits show love and respect, and re-affirm the dignity of all stages of life, including the final stages. Those who visit often say they receive more than they give.

There are other fine parish groups who train to provide respite to caretakers. By providing the practical assistance of giving caretakers much-needed rest or relaxation, these volunteers help provide loving care for families. More importantly, they make it possible for those caretakers to continue in their roles.

Other parishioners volunteer to bring the Eucharist to the sick, satisfying a spiritual longing of so many that are facing life's end.

In these, and many other ways, we actively show that we respect life at every stage.

Moral decision-making at the end of life demands careful thought and consultation with those who can fully explain the Church's teachings. The Gospel of Life, by Pope John Paul II, is a fairly brief book. Reading it will give you a deeper understanding of the sacredness of life.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops published a pamphlet, "Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics." Taking the time to read this will enrich your understanding of life issues. It states this basic principle: "We must begin with a commitment never to intentionally kill, or collude in the killing, of any innocent human life, no matter how broken, unformed, disabled, or desperate that life may seem."

I thank you for celebrating Respect Life month with me through these letters. Together, let us continue to learn, continue to pray, and continue to become a people who are unconditionally, irrevocably, and resolutely pro-life.

Praised be Jesus Christ!

Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino
Bishop of Madison