ComPassio

ComPassio is the diocesan program for end-of-life issues. Taken from the Latin "com" (with) + "passio" (suffer), the theme of the program is to "suffer with", whether that represents the loving compassion of family and friends during the suffering of a dying loved one or the voluntary sharing in the love, passion and death of our Lord through our suffering at the natural end of our own life .
The program consists of a series of presentations on the topics of the meaning of suffering, moral medical decision-making, euthanasia and organ donation, and material and spiritual preparation for death.
Also part of the program are a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare document approved by the bishop and the Missouri Catholic Conference, along with instruction and guidance available at no cost.
Logo: The image in purple, a color of redemption and hope, of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament surrounded by the mantle of St. Teresa of Kolkata, a witness to Christ's love for the sick and dying. A path to Christ that shines through His bride, the Church, represented by the pastoral collar.
The program consists of a series of presentations on the topics of the meaning of suffering, moral medical decision-making, euthanasia and organ donation, and material and spiritual preparation for death.
Also part of the program are a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare document approved by the bishop and the Missouri Catholic Conference, along with instruction and guidance available at no cost.
Logo: The image in purple, a color of redemption and hope, of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament surrounded by the mantle of St. Teresa of Kolkata, a witness to Christ's love for the sick and dying. A path to Christ that shines through His bride, the Church, represented by the pastoral collar.
Program Materials
1. Presentations on End of Life Issues
ComPassio End of Life General Session -- (60 minutes)
· Overview of all four topics -- the meaning of suffering and death, moral medical decision-making, euthanasia and organ donation, and material and spiritual preparation for death
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2. Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (DPOA-H): A Catholic Guide to End-of-Life Decisions for Individuals and Families
10 Facts About the Durable Power of Attorney — Health Care
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Leadership & Volunteer Opportunities
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Leadership & Planning
- Create or join a Respect Life Committee in your parish or local faith organization
- Research current and upcoming local, state, and national legislation for end-of-life issues and communicate with interested members of our diocese.
- Assist with planning and organizing local activities to support the Compassio program
Pastoral Care
- Facilitate parish, school and group presentations on one or more end-of-life topics
- Assist with development of additional presentations on end-of-life topics
- Serve as diocesan resource for questions from groups on the Church's teaching on end-of-life issues
- Assist with distribution of DPOA-HC documents and other program materials to parishes and to individuals as needed
Fundraising & Promotion
- Assist parishes with creating flyers for scheduled parish presentations
- Assist the Respect Life Office with development of promotional materials (e.g. brochures, flyers, posters, etc.) for the Compassio program
Prayer & Worship
- Start or join a parish prayer group. Pastoral care leaders will periodically email or text updates and requests for prayers to parish prayer group leader(s). These communications can then be sent to individual parish email/text list or shared at regularly-scheduled parish prayer group meetings.
For information on hospice care or to download a copy of the Respect Life Office-approved Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (DPOA-HC) document, please visit the Resources page.
Please prayerfully consider making a donation to the Compassio ministry. This will be used for items such as books and resources, prayer cards, rosaries and crucifixes, as well as training and travel for team members. You may donate online or by sending a check made payable to:
Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph
Respect Life Office
20 West Ninth Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
Please note “Compassio” on the memo line of your check. Thank you!
Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph
Respect Life Office
20 West Ninth Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
Please note “Compassio” on the memo line of your check. Thank you!