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.
Prayer & Worship Opportunities
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Start or join a parish prayer group. Pastoral care leaders will periodically email or text updates and prayer requests to parish prayer group leader(s). These communications can then be sent to a parish email/text list or shared at regularly-scheduled parish prayer group meetings
Leadership & Volunteer Opportunities
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Create or join a Life and Justice Committee in your parish or local faith organization
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Research current and upcoming local, state, and national legislation for end-of-life issues and communicate with interested members of our diocese.
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Assist with planning and organizing local activities to support the ComPassio program
Pastoral Care Opportunities
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Facilitate parish, school and group presentations on one or more end-of-life topics
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Assist with development of additional presentations on end-of-life topics
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Serve as diocesan resource for questions from groups on the Church's teaching on end-of-life issues
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Assist with distribution of DPOA-HC documents and other program materials to parishes and to individuals as needed
Fundraising & Promotion
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Assist parishes with creating flyers for scheduled parish presentations
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Assist the Office of Life & Justice with development of promotional materials (e.g. brochures, flyers, posters, etc.) for the ComPassio program
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To learn more about these opportunities, or to sign-up today, please contact the Office of Life & Justice.
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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
Office of Life & Justice
20 West Ninth Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
Please note “ComPassio” on the memo line of your check. Thank you!
Upcoming Calendar Items
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Check back soon!
Program Materials
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ComPassio End of Life General Session (60 minute presentation)
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The Meaning and Significance of Suffering and Death (60 minute presentation)
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Moral Medical Decision-Making (60 minute presentation)
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Euthanasia and Organ Donation (60 minute presentation)
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Material and Spiritual Preparation for Death (60 minute presentation)
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Schedule all 5 for your parish or schedule the General Session and then garner interest on which of the other presentations your parish would like to have
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